This dish takes about 14 hours to prepare – but it definitely is worth the effort!
Ingredients
A Springbok, Impala, or any venison leg
Marinade
- 5 ounces (150g.) cocoa powder
- 4 tablespoons salt
- 2 teaspoons dried red pepper flakes
- 1 teaspoon ground cloves
- 2 tablespoons brown sugar
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
Vegetables
- About 1.75 pounds (800g.) of a combination of fresh veggies: squash, zucchini, cantaloupe, green and red pepper, mushrooms and onions.
- Two cloves of garlic, skinned.
3. Chocolate sauce
- 7oz (200g.) water
- 4 tablespoons cocoa powder
- 6 tablespoons sugar
- 2oz (60g.) butter
- 8-10 Shepherd’s Tree leaves
Editor’s note: Shepherd’s Tree leaves are not available outside of Southern Africa, however, since it is a ‘citrusy’ spice, lemon peel zest or cilantro leaves are an acceptable substitute.
Method
Marinade
Combine all the ingredients for the marinade to create a thick paste.
Leg of Springbok
- Make 3″ to 4″ long cuts into the leg, about 1/2″ deep
Coat the leg generously with the marinade, cover and leave for 12 hours to marinade in a cool place - Preheat an oven to 450° F (230° C or gas mark 8)
Place the leg in a deep roasting dish in the oven and cook for 30 minutes - After 30 minutes, turn the heat down to 420° F (210° C or gas mark 7) and cook for a further 1 hour and 20 minutes
- Pierce meat with a skewer to test, if juices are pale pink, the meat is ready
- Remove from oven and let rest for 10 minutes
Chocolate sauce
- Add the Shepherd’s bush and water to a pan, bring to a boil, and simmer for 30 minutes
- Add cocoa powder and sugar and boil until thickened.
- Stir in the butter
Vegetables
- Combine and fry in a hot pan in butter for 3 minutes
Plate everything. Sprinkle some paprika and serve.
Enjoy!
