Ingredients

  • 3 pound Denver roast of venison, cut into 6- by 3-inch pieces
  • 2 heads garlic, cloves separated and smashed
  • 1/2 cup savory or thyme leaves, lightly crushed
  • 1/2 cup dry red wine
  • 1/4 teaspoon ground allspice
  • 1/2 teaspoon black peppercorns, slightly cracked
  • 1/4 cup plus 1 1/2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil, divided
  • 1 tablespoon kosher salt

Method

  • Toss venison with garlic, savory, wine, allspice, peppercorns, and 1/4 cup oil in a sealable bag. Marinate, chilled, turning bag occasionally, at least 8 hours.
  • Bring venison to room temperature, about 1 hour.
  • Preheat oven to 450°F with rack in middle.
  • Discard marinade and pat meat dry. Sprinkle on all sides with 1 tablespoon kosher salt, then 1/2 teaspoon ground pepper. Heat remaining 1 1/2 tablespoons oil in a 12-inch heavy skillet over medium-high heat until it shimmers, then brown meat on all sides in 2 or 3 batches, 3 to 4 minutes per batch. Transfer to a shallow baking pan.
  • Roast until venison registers 125°F on an instant-read thermometer (inserted 2 inches horizontally into meat) for rare, 5 to 8 minutes (depending on thickness of meat). Let stand on a cutting board 10 minutes before slicing across the grain.