- 150g/5½oz venison fillet
- dash olive oil
- salt and freshly ground black pepper
- 25g/1oz butter
- 2 garlic cloves, peeled and crushed
- 4 sprigs fresh thyme, leaves only
- 55g/2oz fresh breadcrumbs
- small handful fresh parsley, chopped
- salt, to taste
- 1 tsp black peppercorns, crushed
- 2 tsp red wine vinegar
- 150g/5½oz fresh cherry tomatoes, quartered
- 1 tsp caster sugar
- 2 tsp tomato purée
- salt and freshly ground black pepper
- 25g/1oz butter
- large handful fresh kale, chopped
- salt and freshly ground black pepper
- splash hot water
- Preheat the oven to 200C/400F/Gas 6.
- For the venison, tie the venison up with kitchen string – this will help it to retain its shape. Rub with olive oil and season with salt and freshly ground black pepper.
- Heat a frying pan and sear the venison until browned on all sides. Add a knob of the butter, reserving the rest for the crust, and brush the meat with the melted butter. Turn down the heat and add the garlic and half of the thyme. Fry gently for about ten minutes. Remove from the pan and leave to rest for five minutes, then remove the string and cut in half.
- Place the breadcrumbs, parsley, salt, crushed peppercorns and the remaining thyme and butter into a mini blender and process until combined.
- Spread the crust mixture on top of the venison fillet halves and place onto a baking sheet. Place into the oven and bake for 2-3 minutes, or until golden-brown on top.
- For the homemade tomato chutney, place all the ingredients into a small non-reactive pan and simmer for five minutes, or until the tomatoes have softened. Beat with a wooden spoon until smooth and well combined.
- For the buttered kale, heat the butter in a large saucepan and add the kale, salt and freshly ground black pepper and a splash of boiling water. Stir over a low heat until wilted.
- To serve, place the tomato chutney onto a serving plate. Place the venison on top and serve with the buttered kale.