Venison with Asparagus and Sour Cherries

Combine the marinade ingredients and pour half into a shallow dish. Add the venison and coat well. Cover and refrigerate for up to 24 hours. If you don’t have sour cherry syrup, use pomegranate molasses and adjust the amount of red wine vinegar to taste.

Salad: Mix the semi dried sour cherries and the tomatoes with the remaining marinade. Set aside. Snap off and discard the asparagus ends. Toss the asparagus in a little olive oil, salt and pepper. Heat a ridged grill and cook the asparagus until just tender. Place on a serving platter.

Preheat the oven to 200°C.

Remove the meat from the marinade, pat dry and moisten with a little olive oil, salt and pepper. Heat an oven proof sauté pan over a high heat and brown the meat well on all sides. Transfer to the oven and roast for 9 minutes. Turn over and roast for a further 9 minutes for medium-rare meat. Rest the meat, lightly covered, for
at least 10 minutes.

To serve: Slice the venison thinly and place on top of the asparagus. Spoon the dressing over the meat and finish with a grind of black pepper. This dish is delicious served warm or at room temperature. Serves 6 or more when part of a buffet

Sour Cherry Syrup: A product of Iran, this syrup is both sweet and tart. Traditionally served with water and ice as a cool drink, it can also be used in sauces and dressings.