Print Options:

Roast Haunch of Venison Recipe with Rosemary and Root Vegetables

Haunch of Venison Recipe

Get ready for a fantastic meal with this Roast Haunch of Venison recipe paired with rosemary and root vegetables. This dish combines the rich taste of venison with the comforting flavours of roasted veggies, making it a perfect choice for special dinners or a hearty family meal.

History:

Venison, the meat from deer, has long been considered a delicacy, especially in medieval Europe. It was often reserved for the nobility and featured prominently at grand feasts and banquets. Known for its unique, gamey flavour, venison is also a healthy alternative to beef, rich in nutrients and lower in fat.

Serving Suggestions:

This roast venison goes wonderfully with a glass of red wine like Bordeaux or Shiraz. Serve it alongside a fresh green salad with a light vinaigrette to complement the rich flavours. Garnish the platter with fresh rosemary sprigs and lemon wedges for an elegant touch.

Storing Instructions:

Store leftover venison and vegetables in an airtight container in the refrigerator, where they will stay fresh for up to three days. For longer storage, freeze the venison in a freezer-safe container for up to three months. Ensure the meat is completely cool before freezing to preserve its quality.

Reheating Instructions:

To reheat the venison, preheat your oven to 180°C (350°F). Place the meat in an oven-safe dish, cover with foil, and heat for about 20 minutes or until warmed through. Reheat the vegetables in the oven alongside the venison for the same amount of time, uncovered, to keep them crispy.

Conclusion:

We hope you enjoy this Roast Haunch of Venison with Rosemary and Root Vegetables. It’s a dish with rich history and great taste, perfect for making any meal special. Share your thoughts in the comments below, and don’t forget to subscribe for more tasty recipes.

How to Make Haunch of Venison Recipe

Cooking Method
Cuisine
Courses
Difficulty Intermediate
Time
Prep Time: 30 mins Cook Time: 90 mins Rest Time: 15 mins Total Time: 2 hrs 15 mins
Cooking Temp 200  °C
Servings 6
Calories 550 kcal per serving
Best Season Autumn, Winter
Dietary Gluten-Free, high-protein, Low-Carb
Description

Discover the rich, hearty flavours of this traditional Roast Haunch of Venison with Rosemary and Root Vegetables. Perfect for special occasions or a comforting family meal, this dish combines the tender, gamey taste of venison with the earthy sweetness of roasted root vegetables, all brought together with fragrant rosemary and a savoury gravy. Simple to prepare yet impressive on the table, it’s a meal that celebrates timeless culinary traditions.

Ingredients
  • 1 kg haunch of venison (bone-in or boneless)
  • 3 tbsp olive oil
  • 1 Grated zest and juice of lemon
  • 2 tbsp fresh rosemary chopped
  • Salt and freshly ground black pepper
  • 6 cloves garlic peeled and sliced
  • 4 bay leaves
  • 1/2 cup red wine
  • 300 ml beef or game stock
  • 2 carrots peeled and cut into large dice
  • 2 parsnips peeled and cut into large dice
  • 2 potatoes peeled and cut into large dice
  • 2 large onions peeled and sliced
  • 2 tbsp olive oil
  • Salt and freshly ground black pepper
  • 4 sprigs fresh rosemary
Instructions
    Preparing the Venison:
  1. Marinate the Venison

    Place the venison in a non-metallic dish. Mix the olive oil, lemon zest, juice, chopped rosemary, salt, and pepper together and pour over the venison. Rub the marinade all over the haunch, cover, and leave in a cool place to marinate for several hours or overnight.

  2. Preheat the Oven

    Preheat your oven to 230°C (450°F).

  3. Prepare the Venison for Roasting

    Insert the garlic slices into small slits cut into the venison. Place bay leaves on top of the venison and secure with butcher's string if needed.

  4. Initial Roasting

    Place the venison in a roasting pan and roast for 15 minutes to seal and brown.

  5. Lower the Heat

    Reduce the oven temperature to 200°C (400°F). Add the red wine and stock to the roasting pan. Roast for an additional 15 minutes per 450g for medium-rare, basting frequently with the pan juices.

  6. Rest the Meat

    Once cooked, transfer the venison to a serving dish, cover loosely with foil, and allow to rest for 15 minutes.

  7. Preparing the Root Vegetables:
  8. Prepare the Vegetables

    While the venison is roasting, place the carrots, parsnips, potatoes, and onions in a large bowl. Toss with olive oil, salt, pepper, and rosemary.

  9. Roast the Vegetables

    Spread the vegetables in a single layer on a baking sheet. Roast in the oven at 200°C (400°F) for 30-40 minutes, or until tender and caramelized, turning halfway through.

  10. Making the Gravy:
  11. Prepare the Gravy

    Skim off any fat from the roasting pan juices. Place the pan over medium heat, add the remaining stock, and bring to a simmer. Stir in any remaining marinade and cook until the gravy thickens slightly.

  12. Strain

    Strain the gravy into a warm jug.

  13. Serving:
  14. Carve the Venison

    Slice the venison thinly and arrange on a serving platter.

  15. Serve with Vegetables

    Serve the roasted root vegetables alongside the venison.

  16. Add Gravy

    Pour the gravy over the venison slices or serve on the side.

Nutrition Facts

Amount Per Serving
Calories 550kcal
Calories from Fat 225kcal
% Daily Value *
Total Fat 25g39%
Saturated Fat 8g40%
Cholesterol 160mg54%
Sodium 720mg30%
Potassium 950mg28%
Total Carbohydrate 20g7%
Dietary Fiber 4g16%
Sugars 5g
Protein 55g111%

Vitamin A 7900 IU
Vitamin C 30 mg
Calcium 70 mg
Iron 8 mg
Vitamin E 1.5 IU
Vitamin K 15 mcg

* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily value may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.

Note
  • For best results, marinate the venison overnight to allow the flavours to fully penetrate the meat.
  • If you prefer your venison well done, increase the roasting time by 5-10 minutes per 450g.
  • To ensure even cooking, bring the venison to room temperature before roasting.
  • When slicing the venison, cut against the grain for the most tender results.
  • You can substitute other root vegetables such as turnips or sweet potatoes if desired.
  • Leftover venison can be used in sandwiches, salads, or as a filling for a hearty stew.
Keywords: Haunch of Venison Recipe, How to Make Haunch of Venison, Roast Venison, Venison with Rosemary, Venison and Root Vegetables, Game Meat Recipes, Traditional Venison Roast, Venison Dinner, Holiday Venison Recipe, Easy Venison Recipe, Venison Cooking Tips, Healthy Venison Meal, venison haunch recipe
Did you make this recipe?

Tag #GreatFoodIreland if you made this recipe. Follow @greatfoodireland on Instagram for more recipes.

Pin this recipe to share with your friends and followers.

Fiona O'Sullivan

Fiona O'Sullivan is the passionate editor of Great Food Ireland, a popular blog dedicated to celebrating traditional Irish cuisine and culinary heritage. With a rich background in food writing and a deep love for Ireland's gastronomic culture, Fiona brings a wealth of knowledge and enthusiasm to her role. She curates authentic recipes, shares culinary stories, and explores the vibrant food scene across Ireland. Fiona's dedication to promoting Irish food traditions has made Great Food Ireland a beloved resource for food enthusiasts around the world.