Serves: 6 Preparation: 1 hour Time to cook: 20 mins Cost per serve: $4.50
6 venison medallions
salt & black pepper
oil
1 bag Frisee lettuce or similar
100g crumbled blue cheese
1/2 cup toasted walnuts
walnut oil
1 cup pinot noir
1/2 cup brown sugar
6 whole cloves
2 whole star anise
1 bay leaf
6 large Portabella mushrooms, peeled
50g butter
2 bulbs smoked garlic
1/2 tbsp fresh thyme, very finely chopped
salt and fresh black pepper
Preheat the oven to 170 ̊C. Place the Portabella mushrooms skin side down in an oiled ovenproof dish. In another saucepan over low heat, melt the butter with the garlic and thyme.
With a pastry brush, liberally brush the underside of the mushrooms with the thyme & butter mix. Season with salt and pepper and place in the oven. Cook for 15 to 20 minutes, until the mushrooms are soft and cooked through. Remove, cool and refrigerate until required. This can be done 2 - 3 days ahead.
Preheat the oven to 180 ̊C. Place mushrooms in the oven to heat them through.
Bring the venison medallions up to room temperature, then season with salt and pepper. Take a skillet and place on medium to high heat. Add a little oil to the pan then add the medallions. Cook for approximately 2 minutes on each side until nicely browned. Remove and rest. The venison should be rare to medium rare.
To serve, place a warm mushroom in the centre of each plate & top with some slices of venison. Add some salad leaves, crumbled blue cheese, and walnuts. To finish, drizzle over the walnut oil, pinot noir syrup and add a grind of black pepper to each plate.