Dish Name: "Whispers of the Forest: A Symphony of Truffle, Venison, and Black Garlic"
Conceptual Narrative:
This dish is a celebration of the forest's bounty, combining the earthy richness of truffles, the gamey elegance of venison, and the sweet, umami depth of black garlic. It's a journey through the woods, evoking the crisp autumn air, the crunch of leaves underfoot, and the hidden treasures that lie beneath. The dish is a testament to the harmony of nature and the artistry of culinary craftsmanship.
Components:
- Venison Tenderloin with Truffle Crust
- Black Garlic and Chestnut Purée
- Truffle and Porcini Mushroom Consommé
- Celeriac and Apple Slaw
- Crispy Kale and Hazelnut Crumble
- Truffle and Black Garlic Jus
- Microgreens and Edible Flowers Garnish
Sourcing Notes:
- Truffles: Source fresh black truffles from a reputable supplier. If unavailable, high-quality frozen truffles can be used.
- Venison: Ensure the venison is from a sustainable and ethical source.
- Black Garlic: This can be made in-house by fermenting garlic at a low temperature for several weeks, or sourced from specialty food suppliers.
Recipe:
Venison Tenderloin with Truffle Crust
- 500g venison tenderloin
- 50g fresh black truffle, finely grated
- 50g panko breadcrumbs
- 50g parmesan cheese, finely grated
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Preheat the oven to 200°C (180°C fan).
- Season the venison with salt and pepper.
- In a bowl, mix the truffle, breadcrumbs, and parmesan. Press this mixture onto the venison to form a crust.
- Heat the olive oil in an oven-safe pan over medium-high heat. Sear the venison on all sides until golden brown.
- Transfer the pan to the oven and cook for 10-12 minutes, or until the venison reaches an internal temperature of 55°C for medium-rare.
- Remove from the oven and let it rest for 10 minutes before slicing.
Black Garlic and Chestnut Purée
- 200g chestnuts, roasted and peeled
- 100g black garlic cloves
- 100ml heavy cream
- 50g unsalted butter
- Salt to taste
- In a food processor, blend the chestnuts and black garlic until smooth.
- Transfer the mixture to a saucepan, add the cream, and bring to a simmer.
- Cook for 5 minutes, then blend in the butter until smooth.
- Season with salt and keep warm.
Truffle and Porcini Mushroom Consommé
- 1L beef or veal stock
- 50g dried porcini mushrooms
- 10g fresh black truffle, finely grated
- 1 shallot, finely chopped
- 1 clove garlic, finely chopped
- 1 sprig thyme
- 1 bay leaf
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Rehydrate the porcini mushrooms in hot water for 20 minutes. Strain and reserve the liquid.
- In a saucepan, sweat the shallot and garlic in a little oil until soft.
- Add the stock, porcini mushrooms, truffle, thyme, and bay leaf. Bring to a simmer and cook for 30 minutes.
- Strain the consommé through a fine sieve and season with salt and pepper.
Celeriac and Apple Slaw
- 1 small celeriac, peeled and julienned
- 1 green apple, julienned
- 1 tbsp Dijon mustard
- 1 tbsp honey
- 2 tbsp apple cider vinegar
- 4 tbsp olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
- In a bowl, whisk together the mustard, honey, vinegar, and olive oil.
- Add the celeriac and apple, toss to coat.
- Season with salt and pepper.
Crispy Kale and Hazelnut Crumble
- 100g kale, washed and dried
- 50g hazelnuts, toasted and chopped
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- Salt to taste
- Toss the kale in the olive oil and salt.
- Spread the kale on a baking sheet and bake at 180°C (160°C fan) for 10-12 minutes, or until crispy.
- Mix the crispy kale with the chopped hazelnuts.
Truffle and Black Garlic Jus
- 200ml red wine
- 100ml beef or veal stock
- 10g fresh black truffle, finely grated
- 2 black garlic cloves, finely chopped
- 1 tbsp unsalted butter
- Salt and pepper to taste
- In a saucepan, reduce the red wine by half.
- Add the stock, truffle, and black garlic. Simmer for 10 minutes.
- Strain the jus through a fine sieve and whisk in the butter.
- Season with salt and pepper.
Plating:
- Spread a generous spoonful of the black garlic and chestnut purée on the plate.
- Place slices of the venison tenderloin on top of the purée.
- Pour the truffle and porcini mushroom consommé around the venison.
- Place a small mound of the celeriac and apple slaw next to the venison.
- Sprinkle the crispy kale and hazelnut crumble over the venison and slaw.
- Drizzle the truffle and black garlic jus over the venison.
- Garnish with microgreens and edible flowers.
Advanced Culinary Techniques:
- Sous Vide: The venison can be cooked sous vide at 55°C for 2 hours before searing and crusting for a more even cook.
- Spherification: The consommé can be turned into spheres using sodium alginate and calcium chloride for a unique presentation.
- Dehydration: The kale can be dehydrated instead of baked for a different texture.
This dish is a symphony of flavors, textures, and aromas, showcasing the best of the forest's offerings in a sophisticated and innovative way. It's a dish that tells a story, evokes emotions, and leaves a lasting impression, worthy of a Michelin 3-star restaurant.