Alsatian Venison

This traditional recipe is from a Brasserie near Strasbourg, France. Red Currant Jelly is a staple in the Bar-le-Duc region of Lorraine. Many meat and fish dishes are served over egg noodles in both Alsace and Lorraine. Venison is the main game of Northern Alsace. Recipe time does not include 3 hour marinating time.

• Ready In: 55 mins
• Serves: 4

Ingredients

• 1 1⁄2 cups  pinot noir wine
• 2  tablespoons grainy mustard
• 1 1⁄2 lbs  venison loin
•  salt and pepper, to taste
• 1⁄2 lb  egg noodles
• 2  tablespoons butter
• 2  tablespoons walnut oil
• 1  tablespoon peppercorn
• 1  teaspoon fresh ginger, minced
• 1  shallot, finely minced
• 1  cup  chicken stock or 1  cup  veal stock
• 1⁄2 cup  cream
• 1  teaspoon cinnamon
• 1  teaspoon red currant jelly
• 1  tablespoon red wine vinegar

Directions

1. Add 1/2 cup of wine and mustard to a large dish and stir up. Salt and pepper the loin and place the loin in the wine and roll around. Marinate for 3 hours in the refrigerator. Season the venison with salt and pepper.
2. Bring water to a boil and add salt and noodles. Cook the egg noodles until al dente. Strain. Place back into the pot, add butter and stir around until distributed.
3. Remove loin from marinade and pat dry with a paper towel. Heat walnut oil in a sauté pan over medium-high heat. Sear the loin on all sides, about 5 minutes total. The cooking time will vary on the thickness of the loin; it should be pink in the center.
4. Remove from pan and wrap with tin foil and let rest ten minutes; it will continue to cook. Return the pan to the stove, add the rest of the wine, peppercorns, ginger, shallot and stock. Bring to a boil and reduce heat and add cream; let simmer until reduced by almost half. Strain. Add cinnamon, jelly, and vinegar. Re-warm slightly.
5. Slice the loin into thin slices. Place on top of noodles. Pour sauce over the top.