Fillet in game sauce
Tenderloin in Hunter's Sauce: A Recipe Full of Flavor and History
If you're looking for a recipe that impresses both in taste and appearance, the tenderloin in hunter's sauce is exactly what you need. This recipe, with deep roots in culinary traditions, combines tender meat with rich flavors and varied textures, offering you an unforgettable culinary experience. Moreover, it is an excellent choice for both a special dinner and a family meal. In this recipe, we will explore each step of the preparation, useful tips, and variations that will allow you to personalize the dish to your taste.
Preparation time: 30 minutes
Baking time: 50 minutes
Total time: 1 hour and 20 minutes
Number of servings: 4
Ingredients:
- 1 piece of tenderloin (approximately 800g)
- 150g of pancetta (or bacon)
- 150g of green or black olives (pitted)
- 2 carrots
- 2 medium onions
- 1 head of garlic
- 3-4 bay leaves
- 4 tablespoons of tomato paste
- White pepper, to taste
- Black peppercorns, to taste
- Paprika or hot pepper powder, to preference
- 1 can of mushrooms (approximately 400g)
- 1 glass of red wine (approximately 150ml)
- 3-4 tablespoons of olive oil
- Water, enough to cover the bottom of the baking dish
Preparing the tenderloin:
1. Preparing the meat: Start by cutting the tenderloin in half, opening it like a book. This will create a thinner piece of meat that should not exceed the thickness of a finger. This step is essential for allowing the meat to marinate and cook evenly.
2. Creating holes: Using a knife, poke the meat in several places to create small holes. These will be filled with small cubes of pancetta, carrot, onion, and garlic, bringing intense flavors to every bite.
3. Filling the meat: Cut small cubes of pancetta, carrot, onion, and garlic, ensuring they are the same size as the holes made earlier. Alternately insert a cube of each ingredient and half an olive into the holes in the meat. This step will not only add flavor but also enhance the texture of the dish.
4. Placing in the baking dish: Place the stuffed tenderloin in a deep baking dish. Add a glass of water and 3-4 tablespoons of olive oil, which will help keep the meat moist during baking.
Preparing the sauce:
1. Tomato mixture: In a bowl, dilute the tomato paste with a little water, adding white pepper and paprika to taste. This will be the base of the hunter's sauce, full of flavor.
2. Adding the sauce: Pour half of the tomato mixture over the tenderloin, and the rest into the baking dish. This will contribute to forming a delicious sauce.
3. Adding vegetables and spices: In the dish with the tenderloin, add whole olives, the remaining garlic, sliced carrots, julienned onion, and some pieces of pancetta. Season with crushed bay leaves, whole peppercorns, and canned mushrooms.
Baking:
1. Preheating the oven: Preheat the oven to 200°C. This will ensure even cooking and beautiful caramelization.
2. Baking the tenderloin: Place the dish in the oven and let it bake for 40 minutes, turning the tenderloin occasionally to brown evenly. This process will allow the meat to absorb all the flavors from the vegetables and spices.
3. Finishing the dish: After you have turned the tenderloin for the last time, pour the glass of red wine over it and let it bake for another 10 minutes. The wine will add an extra complexity to the sauce and enrich the flavor of the meat.
Serving:
1. Transferring to a platter: Once the tenderloin is ready, remove it from the oven and transfer it to a platter. Make sure to let the sauce from the dish drain over the meat to avoid losing any flavor.
2. Garnishing: Decorate the dish with fresh salad leaves and radish slices, adding a touch of freshness.
3. Serving suggestions: The tenderloin in hunter's sauce pairs perfectly with creamy mashed potatoes or sautéed peas. It can also be enjoyed both warm and cold, making it ideal for family meals or picnics.
Useful tips:
- Choosing the meat: Choose a high-quality tenderloin for the best results. Leaner meat will be more tender and flavorful.
- Ingredient variations: You can experiment with different types of olives or mushrooms, or add other vegetables such as peppers or zucchini to bring color and variety.
- Frequently asked questions:
- Can I use pork or beef?: Yes, the recipe can also be adapted for other types of meat, but the cooking time may vary.
- How can I prepare this recipe in advance?: You can prepare the tenderloin and sauce a few hours ahead, letting it marinate in the refrigerator.
Nutritional benefits: Tenderloin is a good source of protein, and the addition of vegetables and olives provides essential fiber, vitamins, and minerals. Moderate consumption of red wine has been associated with health benefits, including improved cardiovascular health.
In conclusion, the tenderloin in hunter's sauce is not just a simple recipe, but also an opportunity to bring family and friends together. Whether you choose to prepare it for a special dinner or for an everyday meal, this dish will always bring a smile to the faces of your loved ones. Enjoy your meal!
Ingredients: a piece of beef, bacon, olives, 2 carrots, two medium onions, one head of garlic, bay leaves, 4 tablespoons of tomato paste, crushed white pepper, black peppercorns, paprika or hot pepper powder, a can of mushrooms, a glass of red wine, oil
