
Deer Medallions
Medaglioni di Cervo
Browned venison medallions, served with pan sauce with brandy and butter, porcini mushrooms and pears in cranberry syrup.
Venison medallions are a meat preparation with a bold flavor, designed for lunch or dinner to showcase a lean, wild ingredient. The recipe requires quick and precise cooking: the surface should develop a deep golden brown, while the center should remain pink and juicy. lardo inserted into the pulp helps to maintain softness, while the brandy perfumes the pan juices and collects its aromas. Butter and stock cube complete a pan sauce bright and tasty, suitable to accompany meat without covering its character. The contrast with the porcini mushrooms and the candied pears stuffed with jam of cranberries introduces woodsy notes and a sweet-tart component, respectively. This preparation is typical of Trentino cuisine.
Instructions
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Cut and beat the meat
Cut the venison into medallions of approximately 2.12 oz (60 g) each. Lightly tap each piece to even out the thickness, which will help it cook more evenly. Work it without over-thinning it: the medallion should retain a meaty texture and remain pink inside after browning.
Lard and season
Lard the medallions with the appropriate needle, inserting the lardo in the pulp to keep the meat softer during cooking. Season with salt and pepper each side, then lightly flour it. Remove the excess flour: only a thin layer should remain, enough to help browning and contribute to the consistency of thepan sauce.
Heat the oil
Pour the extra virgin olive oil into a skillet Make sure the pan is large and heat it thoroughly. Wait until it's hot before adding the meat: the heat should be enough to make the medallions sizzle immediately, but not so much that the oil smokes. skillet very hot promotes uniform and rapid browning.
Brown the medallions
Place the medallions in the skillet Brown them on all sides, turning them carefully. Finish cooking when the surface is golden brown and the inside is still pink. Avoid overcooking. on the heat: venison, which is very lean, risks drying out if cooked beyond the indicated point.
Degreases and deglaze
Remove the medallions from the skillet and set them aside. Degrease the pan juices, then pour the brandy into the same skilletLet it heat until the liquid returns to a boil and the bottom melts, collecting the remaining juices. The result should be a fragrant bottom free of excess fat.
Complete thepan sauce
Join half bouillon cube at the bottom of the brandy and bring to the boil again. Add the knobs of butter and mix carefully until incorporated.pan sauce It is ready when it appears smooth, shiny and slightly thicker, with no separate traces of butter or liquid.
Plate and serve
Place the medallions on a previously preheated serving dish. Pour thepan sauce still hot, spreading it over the meat without completely covering the browning. Serve with porcini mushrooms and half pears in syrup stuffed with jam of cranberries, as an accompaniment indicated to complete the dish.
Chef's Tips
Brown the medallions quickly over high heat: they must be golden on the outside and still pink in the center, avoiding drying out the venison.
Ingredients
- Ingredients for 4 people
- (21.16 oz) 600 g well-aged venison nut lardo (cured pork fatback), Flour
- (4 tbsp) 4 tablespoons of extra virgin olive oil
- 1 small glass of brandy 2 knobs of butter
- bouillon cube
- salt and pepper
Can't find it in the US?
- lardo (cured pork fatback)Italian delis or online
The fattiest part of pancetta, finely chopped
Or: Salt pork, rinsed and finely chopped
Lardo is a cured meat, not lard (rendered fat). Salt pork is saltier: reduce the salt.
⚠️ Automatic ingredient-based detection. Always check product labels.









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