2/13/14

Venison steaks with stroganoff sauce & shoestring fries-Valentine's Day

 

Venison steaks with stroganoff sauce & shoestring fries

Ingredients

  • sunflower oil, for frying
  • 2 large potatoes, cut into skinny chips
  • 2 venison steaks (about 175g/6oz each)

For the sauce

  • 2 tbsp butter
  • 1 small onion, chopped
  • 1 garlic clove, chopped
  • 250g chestnut mushrooms, sliced
  • 1 tsp smoked paprika
  • 1 tsp tomato purée
  • 1 tsp plain flour
  • 2 tbsp brandy (optional)
  • 200ml beef stock
  • 4 tbsp soured cream
  • small handful parsley, chopped
  •   Prep: 25 mins Cook: 30 mins
    For the keen cook
    Serves 2 
     

    Method

    1. To make the sauce, heat 1 tbsp of the butter in a large frying pan, tip in the onion and cook over a low heat for about 10 mins until soft. Add the garlic and mushrooms, increase the heat and fry until all the liquid has evaporated.
    2. Meanwhile, heat enough oil to come 4-5in up the sides of a large saucepan. When hot, add the chips and cook, in batches, for 3-5 mins until golden. Remove and drain on kitchen paper, but keep the oil hot.
    3. Add the paprika, tomato purée and flour to the mushrooms, cook for 1 min then add the brandy, if using, and leave to bubble away for a further 1-2 mins. Be careful as the brandy may set alight. Pour in the beef stock and set over a high heat to reduce by half. Stir in the soured cream and parsley, then season. Keep the sauce warm while you cook the venison.
    4. Heat the remaining butter in a frying pan over a medium-high heat. Season the venison and cook for 3 mins on each side for medium-rare, depending on the thickness of the meat. Remove from the pan and leave to rest, loosely covered with foil.
    5. Tip the fries back into the hot oil and cook for a further 2-3 mins to crisp up. Drain and season with salt. Serve the steaks with the sauce poured over and a pile of fries on the side.