Difficulty:Medium | Serves:4
Inspired by ancient forest cooking and traditional Indigenous spice blends, these Juniper & Hazelnut Crusted Venison Medallions bring together the deep, earthy flavors of crushed juniper berries and roasted hazelnuts. The tender venison is coated in a rich, fragrant crust, seared to perfection, and finished with a hint of wild berry compote. This dish beautifully honors the wilderness with its bold yet balanced flavors. 🍂🔥
Ingredients For Juniper & Hazelnut Crusted Venison Medallions
🔥 For the Venison:
☑ 4 venison medallions 🦌
☑ ½ cup roasted hazelnuts, finely ground 🌰
☑ 1 tablespoon🥄 crushed juniper berries 🌿
☑ ½ teaspoon🥄 sea salt 🧂
☑ ½ teaspoon🥄 black pepper ✨
☑ ¼ teaspoon🥄 smoked paprika 🌶
☑ 1 egg, beaten 🥚
☑ 2 tablespoons🥄 ghee or butter 🧈
🔥 For Serving:
☑ Wild berry compote 🍓
☑ Fresh thyme or rosemary 🌿
☑ Toasted seeds or nuts 🌰
👨🍳 Cooking Steps For Juniper & Hazelnut Crusted Venison Medallions
🔥 Step 1: Prepare the Crust
1️⃣ In a bowl, combine the ground hazelnuts, crushed juniper berries, sea salt, black pepper, and smoked paprika.
2️⃣ Beat the egg in a separate bowl.
🔥 Step 2: Coat the Venison
1️⃣ Dip each venison medallion into the beaten egg, then press into the hazelnut-juniper mixture, ensuring an even coating.
🔥 Step 3: Sear to Perfection
1️⃣ Heat ghee or butter in a skillet over medium-high heat.
2️⃣ Place the crusted venison medallions in the skillet and sear for 2-3 minutes per side for medium-rare or until desired doneness.
3️⃣ Remove from heat and let rest for 5 minutes before serving.
🔥 Step 4: Serve & Enjoy
1️⃣ Plate the venison and garnish with wild berry compote, fresh thyme, and toasted seeds.
2️⃣ Drizzle with extra melted ghee for a luxurious, nutty finish.
Tender, aromatic, and infused with the wild essence of juniper and hazelnuts, this dish is a tribute to ancestral flavors and time-honored foraging traditions. Whether enjoyed by a crackling fire or in a cozy kitchen, it’s a taste of nature at its finest.
🌍 Craving More Extreme Culinary Adventures? If you’re fascinated by rare and ancient food traditions, explore our guide to Nopales con Escamoles You Need to Try! with Indigenous Roots for the Adventurous Food Lover.
Discover rare culinary experiences at Good Food and More—where every recipe is a journey through heritage, craftsmanship, and unforgettable flavors.
