High-protein saddle of venison with Brussels sprouts and chestnuts

High-protein saddle of venison with Brussels sprouts and chestnuts: a hearty oven dish with tender game, nutty chestnuts, rosemary and roasted winter veg.

At a glance

• Serves 2
• Prep time: 20 min
• Cooking time: 25 min
• Total time: 45 min
• Calories: 410 kcal per serving
• Protein: 38 g
• Fat: 14 g
• Carbs: 28 g

Ingredients

• 300g saddle of venison
• 400g Brussels sprouts
• 100g chestnuts
• 1 onion
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 1 sprig of rosemary
• 1 pinch of salt
• 1 pinch of pepper

Method

You’ll need: oven · frying pan · baking tray · chopping board · knife

1. Preheat the oven to 200 °C (180 °C fan). Trim and halve the Brussels sprouts and cut the chestnuts into pieces too.
2. Cut the onion into rough wedges and toss with the Brussels sprouts and chestnuts in olive oil. Season everything lightly with salt and spread the veg on a baking tray.
3. Roast the veg in the oven at 200 °C for 15 min, until the sprouts are browned and the chestnuts are hot and fragrant.
4. Season the venison with salt and pepper. Brown it well all over in olive oil in an ovenproof frying pan and add the rosemary.
5. Put the pan in the oven next to the veg and finish cooking the venison at 200 °C for 8–10 min. Then let the meat rest briefly so it stays juicy when you carve it.
6. Slice the venison and serve with the roasted Brussels sprouts, chestnuts and onions.

Good to know

A dish like this feels like winter cooking without the heaviness. Hearty, fresh-tasting and pleasantly uncomplicated. Just right when you want something a bit special.

Swaps

Saddle of venison → saddle of red deer (similar protein content and also lean). Brussels sprouts → broccoli (also provides fibre and vitamin C). Chestnuts → Hokkaido squash (brings beta-carotene and fibre). Olive oil → ghee (heat-stable and aromatic).

Allergens

The recipe contains none of the most common allergens, but chestnuts can disagree with some sensitive people. For children, the dish works when mildly seasoned; during pregnancy, only with fully cooked meat.

Dairy-free recipes