Michael Wignall's roe deer recipe is a stunning mix of earthy, sweet and smoky autumnal flavours, comprised of a heady mix of black pudding, beetroot, girolles and salsify.
First make the smoked beetroot. Place 2 handfuls of smoking chips in a deep metal tray and light with a blowtorch
wood chips
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Working quickly, place a piece of foil on top of the wood chips to extinguish the flames, place the beetroot on top and cover the tray with foil so that no smoke can escape
In a deep saucepan, fry the venison trimming until caramelised then add the vegetables and allow to colour. Add the bones and chicken stock and simmer gently for 1 hour. Meanwhile, place the gin into a small saucepan with the juniper berries and orange zest and reduce by half
Pass the sauce and gin through fine sieves and mix together in a clean saucepan. Reduce to sauce consistency and reserve
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Preheat a water bath to 92°C
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Peel and wash the salsify then cut into 4 batons, approximately 11.5cm in length. Place in a vacuum bag with the bay leaf, a pinch of salt and a dash of pomace oil
Cook in a water bath at for 25-30 minutes, then plunge into iced water and reserve. Reheat just before serving
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To make the black pudding purée, reduce the vinegar to a syrup and add the Madeira and port. Reduce by half and add the chicken stock and black pudding
Season the version loin and heat a frying pan over a high heat. Add the oil and sear on all sides until coloured. Transfer to the oven for 2 minutes, turn and cook for a further minute. Rest for 5 minutes
1 roe deer loin, weighing 600g, trimmed and cut into 4
To plate, drag swipes of black pudding purée across the plate and drizzle around the beetroot emulsion. Carve the venison and add to the plate with the girolles and scarlet kale. Finish with the venison sauce
Michael Wignall could have been a professional BMX biker. It was a fortunate day for foodies everywhere when he decided instead to work under legendary Northern chef Paul Heathcote.
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