Posts tagged 'bison'

The bison is a majestic animal belonging to the cattle family (Bovidae) and is found primarily in North America and Europe.

There are two main species:

American bison (Bison bison) 
European bison (Bison bonasus)

The American bison is one of the largest land mammals in North America and can weigh up to 1000 kg. It has a distinctive, massive shoulder, giving it a striking appearance. This species played a central role in the culture of the indigenous peoples of North America, both as a food source and in spiritual practices. In the 19th century, the population was severely decimated by overhunting and habitat changes, but through conservation measures and reintroduction programs, the bison population has recovered in recent decades.

Bison fillet in straw with black truffle and caramelized figs and grilled vegetables

Ingredients for 1 person
For the bison fillet:
1 bison fillet (approx. 200-250 g)
Straw (special food straw, untreated animal feed)
2-3 tablespoons olive oil
Salt and pepper to taste
2-3 sprigs of fresh thyme or rosemary
1 black truffle (freshly shaved)

For the caramelized figs:
2-3 fresh figs (quartered)
2 tablespoons butter
2 tablespoons honey or sugar
1-2 tablespoons balsamic vinegar
A pinch of salt and pepper
A few walnuts for garnish

Preparation:

Preparing the straw:
Soak the straw in a bowl of red wine so that it doesn't burn during cooking. It should be soaked for at least 30 minutes.

Preparing the bison fillet:
Take the bison fillet out of the fridge about 30 minutes before frying so that it reaches room temperature.
Rub with olive oil and season with salt and pepper.

Frying the fillet:
Heat a pan over high heat and add a tablespoon of butter. When the butter foams, fry the fillet for about 2-3 minutes per side to get a nice crust.
Place the fillet on a plate and let it rest for a short while.

Straw garnish:
Drain the soaked straw and place it evenly in a heat-resistant dish or on a baking tray.
Place the fillet on the straw, add the fresh herbs and spread the truffle slices on top.

Cooking in the oven:
Preheat the oven to 180 °C (top/bottom heat).
Place the dish with the bison fillet in the oven for about 5-7 minutes to mix the flavors and finish cooking the meat. Check the core temperature to ensure the meat stays medium rare (approx. 55-57 °C).

Prepare caramelized figs:
In a separate pan, heat the additional butter and then add the quartered figs.
Add the honey or sugar and caramelize the figs for about 2-3 minutes until they are soft and lightly golden brown. Add the balsamic vinegar and bring to a boil briefly so that the sauce thickens slightly. Season to taste with a pinch of salt and pepper.

Serve:
Remove the fillet from the oven and carefully remove the straw. Arrange on preheated plates with fresh straw.
Place the caramelized figs on top and garnish with a few chopped walnuts if desired.
Drizzle with a little extra balsamic vinegar if desired.

Nice to know:
Bison meat cooks through more quickly than beef, so take it out much earlier and let it rest a little longer.