Warm Venison Heart Salad with Lecho

This warm venison heart salad is a unique and flavorful dish perfect for adventurous eaters. The heart is simmered gently to ensure tenderness and infused with aromatic spices, creating a rich and savory base. The addition of homemade vegetable lecho, a chunky sauce typically made from summer vegetables like zucchini, tomatoes, peppers, and carrots, adds a vibrant touch to the dish. A dash of "Rundāle" seven-herb sauce elevates the taste, while garlic adds a delicious pungency. The aromatic juniper berries enhance the venison's natural flavors, making this salad a standout. Served warm, this dish pairs excellently with rice or rustic bread. Ideal for a hearty lunch or dinner, it provides a novel way to savor venison. This recipe invites culinary experimentation and personalization, making it perfect for those who enjoy playing with flavors. With its rich variety of textures and tones, this salad is a true culinary adventure.

Ingredients

Main Ingredients

Venison Heart - 1 whole
Vegetable Lecho - 0.5 liters (homemade or store-bought)

Sauces

Rundāle Seven-Herb Sauce - 2 tablespoons

Spices

Juniper Berries - A handful
Garlic - 4 cloves, crushed
Salt - To taste
Black Pepper - To taste

Preparation Time

Total Time: Approximately 140 minutes (including preparation and cooking)

Step-by-Step Instruction

Prepare the Heart: Begin by rinsing the venison heart under cold water. Trim any excess fat or connective tissue.
Simmer the Heart: Place the heart in a cooking pot and fill with water to cover. Add a pinch of salt, pepper, and the juniper berries.
Cook Gently: Set the pot over a low flame and allow the heart to simmer gently for about 2 hours or until it becomes tender. Ensure not to let it boil vigorously as this can toughen the meat.
Check Tenderness: After 2 hours, check the heart with a fork to ensure it is tender. If not, allow it to simmer for a little longer.
Remove and Slice: Once cooked, remove the heart from the liquid and let it cool slightly. Then slice into thin strips.
Prepare the Pan: In a large skillet or frying pan, heat a small amount of oil over medium heat.
Sauté Veggies and Sauce: Add the sliced heart to the pan along with the homemade vegetable lecho. Sauté to combine.
Add the Garlic: Press the garlic cloves into the pan, ensuring it's evenly distributed through the mixture.
Incorporate the Sauce: Stir in the Rundāle seven-herb sauce, which will bring out an herby aromatic profile.
Adjust Seasoning: Taste the dish, and add additional salt and pepper as per your preference.
Simmer to Blend: Allow everything to simmer together for another 10 to 15 minutes to meld the flavors.
Serve Warm: Serve the venison heart salad warm, paired with rice or a slice of crusty bread.

Tips

Substitutions: If "Rundāle" sauce is unavailable, a mixture of fresh herbs like parsley, dill, and thyme can serve as a substitute.
Additional Veggies: Feel free to add additional vegetables like bell peppers or onions to the salad for extra volume and flavor.
Storage Tip: This dish can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to two days and reheated gently.

Variations

Keto-Friendly: Skip the bread and serve with a side of sautéed low-carb vegetables.
Spicy Version: Add a pinch of cayenne or chili flakes for a spicy touch.

Serving Suggestions

With Rice: Plain basmati or jasmine rice complements the savory flavors beautifully.
With Bread: A slice of sourdough or rye bread is excellent for soaking up the flavorful juices.

Best Places

Restaurant Noma - Famed for its creativity with Nordic ingredients. Location: Refshalevej 96, 1432 Copenhagen, Denmark.
Asador Etxebarri - Renowned for its focus on grilling. Location: Plaza de San Juan, 1, 48291 Atxondo, Bizkaia, Spain.
The Ledbury - Known for its exquisite British cuisine. Location: 127 Ledbury Rd, Notting Hill, London W11 2AQ, UK.
Le Bernardin - Specializes in French seafood. Location: 155 W 51st St, New York, NY 10019, USA.
Gaggan - Indian-inspired modern cuisine. Location: 68/1 Soi Langsuan, Ploenchit Road, Bangkok 10330, Thailand.
Osteria Francescana - Italian avant-garde cooking. Location: Via Stelle, 22, 41121 Modena MO, Italy.
Eleven Madison Park - Offers a unique New York dining experience. Location: 11 Madison Ave, New York, NY 10010, USA.
Geranium - Emphasizes seasonal Nordic cuisine. Location: Per Henrik Lings Allé 4, 8, 2100 Copenhagen, Denmark.
Faviken - Offers extraordinary Nordic cuisine experiences. Location: Jordhärsvägen 20, 830 05 Järpen, Sweden.
Mirazur - French Riviera dining with stunning views. Location: 30 Av. Aristide Briand, 06500 Menton, France.