Herb-Crusted Rack of Moose

Ingredients

• Salt (to taste)
• Black pepper (to taste)
• Fresh thyme (2 tablespoons, minced)
• Fresh rosemary (2 tablespoons, minced)
• Garlic (4 cloves, minced)
• Olive oil (2 tablespoons)
• Rack of moose (1 (about 2 lbs))
• Red wine (optional) (1 cup for deglazing)
• Butter (2 tablespoons for finishing)

Instructions

1. Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. Season the rack of moose generously with salt and black pepper on all sides.
3. In an oven-safe skillet, heat the olive oil over high heat until shimmering.
4. Sear the rack of moose on all sides until nicely browned, about 2-3 minutes per side. This helps lock in the juices.
5. Remove the skillet from heat and add the minced garlic, rosemary, and thyme. Stir to combine and coat the meat with the herbs.
6. If using, pour in the red wine to deglaze the skillet, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom. This will enhance the flavor of the dish.
7. Transfer the skillet to the preheated oven and roast for 30-40 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 130°F (54°C) for medium-rare.
8. Once cooked, remove the rack of moose from the skillet and let it rest for 10 minutes to allow the juices to redistribute.
9. Slice the rack into individual chops and serve drizzled with any pan juices. For an extra touch, finish with a pat of butter on each chop for richness.