Bison Tenderloin with Cherry-Onion Chutney

Prep time: 45 min
Cook time: 70 min
Servings: 12
Yield: 12 servings

Description

A roasted bison tenderloin is served topped with a fruity cherry and onion chutney with the tang of balsamic vinegar in this elegant main dish.

Ingredients

1 tablespoon olive oil
1 (3 pound) bison tenderloin roast
1 teaspoon kosher salt
1 teaspoon dried thyme
1/2 teaspoon coarsely ground black pepper
1 tablespoon olive oil
1 1/2 cups chopped onion
3/4 cup packed brown sugar
1/4 cup balsamic vinegar
1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1/8 teaspoon ground cloves
Dash cayenne pepper
3 cups frozen tart red pitted cherries
1 medium pear, cored and chopped
Salt and black pepper

Directions

1 Preheat oven to 425 degrees F. Brush the 1 tablespoon oil over bison tenderloin roast. For rub, stir together salt, thyme, and coarsely ground black pepper in a small bowl. Sprinkle mixture evenly over bison tenderloin; rub in with your fingers.
2 Place bison tenderloin on a rack set in a shallow roasting pan. Insert an oven-going meat thermometer into center of the bison tenderloin. Roast, uncovered, for 1 hour 10 minutes or until meat thermometer registers 135 degrees F for medium rare. (For medium, roast for 45 to 50 minutes or until meat thermometer registers 150 degrees F.)
3 Transfer bison tenderloin to a cutting board. Cover bison tenderloin with foil; let stand for 15 minutes. Temperature of the bison tenderloin after standing should be 145 degrees F to 160 degrees F.
4 Slice bison tenderloin across the grain and arrange on a serving platter. Serve with Cherry-Onion Chutney.
5 Cherry-Onion Chutney: Heat the 1 tablespoon oil over medium-high heat in a large skillet. Cook onions in hot oil for 8 to 10 minutes or until golden brown. Remove onions from skillet; set aside. Add brown sugar, vinegar, cinnamon, cloves and cayenne pepper to skillet. Bring to boiling; reduce heat. Add cherries. Simmer, uncovered, for 15 minutes. Add pears and cook for 5 more minutes or until pears are softened. Stir in cooked onion. Season to taste with salt and black pepper.