LTWL Hunter Online April 2014 | Page 19

Porcini Dusted Venison Steak with Wilted Spinach by Tom Schassler INGREDIENTS: DIRECTIONS: 8 ounce venison loin 2 tablespoon olive oil kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper 2 cups dried porcini mushrooms 1 shallot, finely chopped 2 cup beef broth/consommé 1 ounce red wine 1 sprig fresh thyme 1 tablespoon butter 3 cups baby spinach 1/2 tablespoon chopped garlic Place porcini ½ of the mushrooms in spice grinder and grind until fine powder consistency. Place powder on plate. Rub steaks with oil season with salt and pepper and dredge in the powder mushroom mixture. Set aside In a small bowl soak remaining dried mushrooms with beef stock and set aside. Heat 1 tablespoon of oil in a large cast-iron skillet. When hot, pan sear steaks till dark golden brown. When done remove steaks from grill and keep warm. Add shallots to pan and sauté till translucent, deglaze with wine. Add mushrooms and remaining beef stock and reduce. Whisk whole butter into sauce prior to serving. Garnish with thyme sprig. For the spinach: In a hot sauté pan add 1/2 tablespoon garlic and oil and sauté spinach for no more than 10 seconds. Remove from pan, season with salt and pepper.