Ingredients

  • 2 tablespoons coriander seeds
  • 2 tablespoons mustard seeds
  • 2 tablespoons white peppercorns
  • 2 tablespoons allspice berries
  • 6 to 8 dried red chiles
  • 2 -inch piece dried gingerroot
  • 2 -inch piece cinnamon stick
  • 6 dried bay leaves
  • 4 tablespoons Kosher salt
  • 1 cup juniper berries
  • 4 tablespoons sugar
  • 1 (4-pound) venison loin, trimmed of excess fat and silver skin
  • 1/4 cup vegetable oil
  • Huckleberry ketchup, recipe follows
  • 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
  • 2 medium yellow onions, minced
  • 1 teaspoon minced garlic
  • 12 Roma plum tomatoes, seeded and quartered
  • 3 pounds huckleberries, or blueberries, strawberries, blackberries or any combination
  • 2 cups dry red wine
  • 1 cup red wine vinegar
  • 2 oranges, zested and juiced
  • 8 juniper berries
  • 3 sprigs fresh thyme
  • 1 teaspoon black peppercorns
  • 2 bay leaves
  • 1 cup brown sugar
  • 2 tablespoons tomato paste
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1/4 cup gin (optional)

Method

  • In a spice mill or with a mortar and pestle, grind the spices and sugar into a paste, working in batches as necessary.
  • Combine the ground spices in a small bowl.
  • On a sheet of plastic wrap place the venison loin and lightly dust on all sides with the pastrami spices, then wrap tightly.
  • Refrigerate the wrapped loin for at least 12 hours and up to 24 hours.
  • Preheat oven to 400 degrees F.
  • In a large saute or roasting pan heat the vegetable oil over high heat.
  • Add the venison to the pan and sear quickly on all sides, being careful not to burn the spices.
  • Place the seared venison in the preheated oven for about 45 minutes or until a thermometer inserted into its center reads 142 degrees F. Remove the loin from the oven, and let rest covered for 15 minutes before carving and serving with the Huckleberry Ketchup.
  • In a large saucepan heat the oil over medium high heat.
  • Add the onions and cook until they begin to caramelize, about 6 minutes.
  • Add the garlic and cook 2 minutes, then add the tomatoes and cook, stirring often, until they start to release some of their moisture, about 5 minutes.
  • Add the huckleberries to the pot, reduce the heat to medium low, and cook for 5 minutes.
  • Add the remaining ingredients, except the gin, and stew over medium heat until the mixture is thick and has reduced in volume by nearly 3/4, about 15 to 20 minutes.
  • Stir in the gin and cook an additional 3 minutes.
  • Strain the ketchup into a small bowl and allow to cool before serving.
  • Yield: about 1 1/2 cups