Slow-cooked venison flank stuffed with poblano peppers, onions, lime zest, and herbs, seared then braised until tender. Finished with a fresh tomato-based chirmol sauce.
chicken or venison stock(enough to cover the meat halfway)
butchers twine
For the Chirmol Sauce
2tablespoonsolive oil
3/4cupred onion,small dice
4garlic cloves,minced
6Roma tomatoes,chopped fine (you can also use 1.5 cups of crushed pureed tomatoes for a thinner sauce)
5scallions,white and light green parts, sliced thinly
1tablespoonchile powder
2tablespoonsfresh cilantro,chopped
1tablespoonfresh mint,chopped
salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
Cook the Flank
Preheat your slow cooker on the low setting.
Lay the venison flank on a cutting board horizontally on a cutting board. Season with salt and pepper. Add the lime zest, poblano peppers, and onions. Roll the flank tightly and secure it with the butcher's twine at two-inch increments. Season the outside of the rolled flank with salt and pepper.
Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat and add 2 tablespoons of cooking oil. Once it begins to lightly smoke add the venison and cook on all sides until golden brown.
Remove the flank from the pan and place it in your crockpot. Add the capers, garlic, remaining onion, and poblano slices to the skillet and cook for 5 minutes while stirring often.
Add the wine, tomatoes and dried oregano to the crockpot. Pour in enough stock to cover the meat around halfway. Cover with a lid and cook on the low setting for 8 to 10 hours or until the meat is easily pierced with a fork.
Make the Sauce
Heat a heavy-bottomed pan over medium heat. Add the dried shrimp and toast for 3 to 4 minutes. Let the shrimp cool and place them in a food processor or blender. Pulse until the shrimp are finely ground and set aside.
Place a medium-sized pan over medium-high heat. Add the oil, onions, and garlic and cook for 5 minutes, stirring often. Add the tomatoes, chiles, and scallions and cook for another 5 minutes. Add the cilantro and mint. Stir to combine and season with salt and pepper to taste.
To Serve
When the venison flank is tender, remove it from the crockpot and let it rest for 5 minutes. Remove the butcher's twine and slice the meat against the grain into 1-inch pieces. Serve with a little of the warm cooking liquid and chirmol sauce.
NOTES
Slice flank against the grain after cooking for tenderness.
Store leftovers in cooking liquid; reheat in oven or slow cooker.
Chirmol sauce can be made up to 3 days ahead and served at room temperature.
Serve with rice, potatoes, or grits to soak up the sauce.