Recipe: Springbok Carpaccio with Sour Plum, Feta & Hazelnut

Recipe: Springbok Carpaccio with Sour Plum, Feta & Hazelnut

Sour - sweet - salty - lean - crunchy

Springbok is delicate, lean and slightly sweet — perfect with acid-driven fruit.

Base Components

  • Thinly sliced springbok loin (very cold, sliced paper-thin)
  • Good olive oil (light drizzle)
  • Flaky sea salt
  • Fresh cracked black pepper

Plum Elements (Choose One or Both)

  • Option A – Plum Halves

Dice plum halves from Magogo Plum & Star Anise Preserve finely into small jewel-like cubes.
Toss lightly with ½ tsp olive oil.

  • Option B – Plum Sorbet

Quenelle a small scoop of Plum & Star Anise Sorbet onto plate just before serving.
Keep portion modest — this is a contrast element.

Additional Components

To deepen complexity, add:

1. Micro Herbs

  • Micro coriander
  • Micro basil
  • Baby sorrel

These add freshness and lift.

2. A Touch of Heat

  • Very thin slices of fresh red chilli
    OR
  • White pepper dust

Just a whisper — not dominant

3. Citrus Zest

A light grating of lemon zest over the meat enhances brightness

4. Aged Balsamic Drops (Optional but Powerful)

A few drops only.
Adds sweetness and depth

5. Smoked Salt (Advanced Option)

Light dusting gives subtle braai reference

Plating Suggestion

  • Lay carpaccio in circular overlap.
  • Drizzle olive oil lightly.
  • Scatter plum halves/cubes, small feta cubes, toasted crushed hazelnuts or walnuts
  • Add micro herbs.
  • Optional: One small quenelle of plum sorbet at centre or side.
  • Finish with salt + zest

If You Want to Push It Further

For true fine-dining execution:

  • Add thin shaved fennel (anise echoes star anise beautifully)
  • Add a drizzle of hazelnut oil instead of olive oil
  • Replace feta with whipped goat’s cheese dots for elegance
  • Add sumac dust (echoing preserve acidity)
  • Add pickled red onion for colour and acid lift