How to cook a Reindeer Roast

Rustic Reindeer Roast with Root Vegetables

Embrace the flavors of European game cuisine with this exquisite reindeer roast. Prepared with a blend of aromatic spices and accompanied by hearty root vegetables, this dish captures the essence of wilderness dining. Perfect for a cozy family dinner or a festive occasion, the reindeer roast promises a tender and flavorful experience.

Ingredients

🦌 1-1.5 kg Reindeer Roast, Kezie Brand
🌿 1 teaspoon juniper berries
🌿 1 teaspoon coriander seeds
🌿 1 teaspoon cumin seeds
🌿 2-3 cloves
🧂 Generous sprinkle of sea salt
🌶️ Generous sprinkle of black pepper
🫒 1-2 tablespoons all-purpose oil
💧 150ml water
🥕 1-2 medium carrots, roughly chopped
🥕 1-2 medium parsnips, roughly chopped
🥬 1 stalk of leek, roughly chopped

Instructions

1- Defrost the Reindeer Roast:

Defrost the reindeer roast in the fridge overnight for about 12 hours

2- Prepare Spice Mix:

In a mortar and pestle, lightly crush the juniper berries, coriander seeds, cumin seeds, and cloves to create a fragrant seasoning mix

3- Sear the Roast:

Heat a frying pan to high and add a splash of all-purpose oil
Wait until it's almost smoking

4- Sear for Crust:

Sear the reindeer joint in the hot pan for about 10 seconds per side
Turn constantly for a light brown crust
Avoid seasoning at this stage

5- Prepare Vegetables:

Roughly chop the carrots, parsnip, and leek
Place them in a roasting tray to form a bed for the roast

6- Transfer and Add Moisture:

Transfer the seared reindeer roast onto the vegetables in the roasting tray
Pour approximately 150ml of water into the tray for moisture during roasting

7- Season the Roast:

Rub the spice mix onto the roast followed by generous sprinkles of black pepper and sea salt

8- Roast in the Oven:

Place the tray in a preheated oven at 180°C

9- Cook to Desired Doneness:

For medium doneness, roast for 45-55 minutes (internal temperature around 64°C)
For well done, roast for over an hour (internal temperature around 70-75°C)

10- Rest the Roast:
- Once cooked, remove the tray from the oven
- Cover the roast loosely with aluminum foil and let it rest for 10-15 minutes before carving

Prep Time: Approximately 15 minutes
Cook Time: 45-75 minutes
Total Time: 1-1.5 hours
Servings: Approximately 6 people
Equipment: