Scandi Spiced Rubbed Venison Haunch Recipe

Ingredients

1.5kg venison haunch
2 sprigs rosemary, leaves only plus extra to garnish
2 tsp juniper berries
2 tsp caraway seeds
2tbsp olive oil
Sea salt
Freshly ground black pepper
1 orange
250ml red wine or 125ml sloe gin and 125ml water
2 bay leaves
Squeeze of honey
1 pomegranate

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Method

1. Heat your oven to 180°C/Fan 170°C/Gas 4.

2. Unwrap the venison haunch from its packaging. Cut away the net and discard. Set the venison haunch in a roasting dish and leave to come to room temperature.

3. Finely chop the rosemary leaves. Tip the juniper berries, caraway seeds and chopped rosemary into a mortar. Add the olive oil and plenty of seasoning. Crush everything together with the pestle.

4. Rub the fragrant mix all over the venison haunch. Slide into the oven to roast for 50 mins. This will give you a medium rare haunch. Cook for an extra 10-15 mins for a well more done haunch.

5. Remove from the oven and place the haunch on a board. Cover with foil and leave to rest for at least 30 mins.

6. Place the roasting dish with the venison juices on the hob. Squeeze in the juice from the orange. Pour in the wine or sloe gin and water. Drop in the bay leaves. Bring to a bubble and simmer for 10 mins. Add a little honey and seasoning to taste.

7. Carve the venison into thin slices. Serve scattered with pomegranate seeds, rosemary sprigs and the orangey gravy.