Venison Loin with Cipollini Agrodolce
After a rugged weekend of deer hunting, this is the dish I celebrate with . . . okay, not really. I buy farmed venison, just as you will. The nice thing, other than not having to don your camo and risk getting ticks, is that farmed venison is less intense than wild deer meat, with a rich, sophisticated flavor that is perfectly accented with a simple agrodolce. Forget about beef tenderloin and serve this instead—I promise the luscious texture and wild essence will win you over. As with tenderloin, though, make sure you serve the venison rare.
Recipe information
Yield
serves 4
Ingredients
Preparation
Step 1
Peel the onions and trim the tops, keeping the root end intact. Combine the onions, wine, vinegar, and sugar in a medium saucepan over medium-high heat, bring to a boil and add a pinch of salt. Decrease the heat to maintain a brisk simmer and cook until the onions are tender and the liquid has reduced to a syrup, about 15 minutes. Remember that the agrodolce will continue to thicken as it cools.
Step 2
Heat the olive oil in 1 large or 2 medium sauté pans over high heat. Season the loin pieces with salt and pepper and sear, no more than 2 minutes per side. Transfer to a plate and let rest for 10 minutes or so.
Step 3
Cut each loin in half horizontally. Lean the halves against each other at opposing angles. Spoon the agrodolce next to the meats and drizzle some over the top. Serve immediately.
