Saddle of Venison with Cranberry Compote, Mushroom Dumplings and Squash
Saddle of venison with cranberry compote, mushroom dumplings and squash is an elegant game main course for the Thermomix TM7. The TM7 grinds juniper, allspice and star anise for a fragrant spice mix, steams the kuri squash to tender perfection and prepares a glossy cranberry compote with jam sugar. A refined centrepiece for festive autumn and winter tables.
About this recipe
Saddle of venison with cranberry compote, mushroom dumplings and squash is a showpiece recipe for the Thermomix TM7 that brings fine-dining game cookery into your own kitchen. If you have been searching for venison recipes for an all-in-one kitchen machine, this festive main course delivers everything on one plate: rosé-cooked saddle of venison, a glossy cranberry compote infused with star anise and juniper, pillowy mushroom dumplings and tender kuri squash. The TM7 proves its worth in every component. Whole allspice berries, cloves and juniper are ground in seconds for a fresher spice mix than anything pre-bought, while the Varoma steams the squash and dumplings gently so nothing dries out. The compote simmers with jam sugar under precise temperature control, reaching the ideal setting point without scorching. Perfect for Christmas dinner, a New Year's feast or an autumn dinner party, this elegant plate turns a weekend cooking project into a relaxed, guided experience.
Preparation tips
- Remove the saddle of venison from the fridge well in advance so the meat comes to room temperature; this helps it cook evenly and stay beautifully rosé when seared alongside the juniper spice mix.
- Taste the cranberry compote after simmering and adjust the balance: a splash of red wine or a pinch of extra star anise deepens the flavour, and it can be made days ahead and stored in a sterilised jar.
- For plating, slice the squash and arrange the mushroom dumplings around the carved venison, then spoon the warm compote over at the last moment so the glossy texture and vibrant colour are preserved.
- If kuri squash is unavailable, butternut squash works beautifully, and the mushroom dumplings can be kept warm in the Varoma while you rest and carve the venison.
Recipe variations
- Alcohol-free variation: replace any wine in the compote and dumpling dough with unsweetened apple juice or game stock; the cranberry, star anise and juniper aromatics remain fully present and the result is family-friendly.
- Seasonal festive variation: swap the cranberries for redcurrants or a mix of cranberry and blood orange in winter, and serve the venison with chestnut dumplings instead of mushroom for a Christmas dinner twist.
Thermomix TM7 Benefits
- Grinding the juniper berries, allspice and cloves in the Thermomix releases far more aroma than pre-ground spices for a deeper game seasoning. [Multi-Function]
- Steaming the kuri squash and mushroom dumplings in the Varoma keeps them tender and moist while the venison rests. [Multi-Function]
- Precise heating lets the cranberry compote with jam sugar simmer to a glossy set without catching on the base. [Precision Control]
- The built-in scale weighs the dumpling ingredients directly into the mixing bowl for consistent results every time. [Time Savings]
- Mixing the mushroom dumpling dough in the Thermomix yields an even, silky texture in seconds compared to stirring by hand. [Multi-Function]
Ingredients
- jam sugar
- star anise
- whole allspice berries
- juniper berries
- clove
- fine sea salt
- ground black pepper
- water
- cranberries
- saddle of venison