With the arrival of autumn, one of the most valuable gastronomic jewels of our province enters our kitchens: bushmeat.
To it are added, at this time, products that, either temporarily or by pure chance, appear as its main allies, earthy flavors that perfectly accompany our meats; This is the case, for example, of chestnuts, mushrooms, scented herbs and even red fruits.
This type of meat, due to its peculiarity, requires a different treatment from that which we can give to any other product, since both its texture and its flavor are special and require a different way of cooking, with which to bring out all its nuances.
The animals, raised in full freedom, have obtained from nature the necessary food to survive and have exercised their muscles to spare, this fact gives their meat a hardness, an aroma and an intense flavor that we do not find in meat from animals bred in captivity.
When cooking this meat we find ourselves at a crossroads, how to treat it?
The recommended technique is always to chop it up, according to the preparation that we are going to prepare, and freeze it. This first step will cause the meat fibers to begin to break and it will acquire a much softer texture.
The bush meat requires slow cooking, seasoned with seasonings that enhance its flavor and in the marinade we find our main ally: garlic, thyme, cinnamon, cloves, carrots, chives, brandy, red wine… are some of the products that will be made during this process that the meat acquires and, in turn, shows us all the potential that it possesses.
After twenty-four hours it is time to cook, and here any possibility is open. In stews and roasts we will obtain purer flavors but always keeping in mind that, even if the meat has softened, it will continue to require time on the fire.
As a garnish, if we decide to prepare the meat in the oven, we recommend you opt for a delicious cream of roasted and spiced chestnuts, an absolutely delicious bite!
However, as we mentioned at the beginning of this article, there are many seasonal products that also combine perfectly with our bushmeat; Why don’t we prepare some pickled mushrooms as a garnish? Or some candied raspberries to accompany the sauce? Let’s play with the flavors and make our food a party.
After all, there is nothing more exciting than enjoying cooking.
