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Wild Boar Meatballs in Sauce Recipe

Wild boar meatballs in a rich sauce. A delicious, hearty recipe perfect for adventurous cooks. Try this unique twist on classic meatballs today!
Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 35 minutes
Total Time 55 minutes
Serving Size 40 meatballs

Ingredients

  • 2 tbs olive oil or grapeseed oil
  • 2 onions
  • 4 garlic cloves
  • 1200 g ground wild boar meat
  • 200 g breadcrumbs
  • 2 eggs
  • 100 ml milk
  • 1 tsp nutmeg
  • 1 tsp salt
  • fresh dill for serving
  • 50 g butter
  • 50 g flour
  • 200 ml white wine
  • 500 ml beef or chicken broth
  • 4 tbs cream
  • 2 tsp blueberry jam or other berry jam

Instructions

  • Preheat oven to 200C (400F)
  • Heat a medium skillet and add the olive oil. 
  • Fry the onions until translucent, add minced garlic and fry for another few minutes. Remove from heat. 
  • Grind your meat into a large bowl, or use pre-ground. Add all the meatball ingredients together with the onion and garlic into a large mixing bowl. 
  • Incorporate the meat mixture thoroughly with clean hands. Shape the wild boar mixture into balls. You should have around 40-50 meatballs.
  • Place on a parchment paper lined cookie sheet and bake until golden brown, about 15-20mins. 
  • Make Sauce: Melt butter in a large cast iron skillet. Add flour, and continue stirring, until the mixture has thickened and turned a sightly golden brown color. 
  • Add the white wine, while continuously stirring. Gradually pour in the broth and continue stirring until everything is well incorporated, without lumps. 
  • Lastly, add cream and jam, gently stir to combine and season to taste. 
  • Once the meatballs are done baking, remove from the oven and add to the case iron skillet. Simmer for a few minutes, just long enough for the flavors to combine. 
  • Serve with fresh dill, more jam and fresh bread. 

Notes

Tips

  • Shape Meatballs: Form the meat mixture into 2-inch balls, making sure they are uniform in size for even cooking.
  • Use Quality Ingredients: Choosing quality meats ensures the nutritional profile of wild boar is maintained. In the US, you can pick between southwestern wild boar and Eurasian boars, which are known for their unbeatable flavor and multitude of health benefits, including essential fatty acids.
  • Finish and Serve: Serve the wild boar meatballs over your favorite pasta. Garnish with fresh basil or dill and a sprinkle of additional parmesan cheese for an Italian grandmother’s kitchen touch.
  • Consider Sides and Presentation: A perfect example of a side would be a fresh green 
  • Enjoy the Health Benefits: Wild boar is a healthy meat, often lower in total fat compared to other red meats. It also provides a unique and delectable flavor profile, making it a favorite protein among chefs and home cooks alike.

Storage

Refrigeration

  • Cool Completely: Allow the cooked meatballs and sauce to cool to room temperature.
  • Airtight Containers: Transfer the meatballs and sauce into airtight containers. Ensure they are well-sealed to prevent air from entering.
  • Storage Time: Store in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.

Freezing

  • Cool Completely: Ensure the meatballs and sauce are fully cooled.
  • Flash Freeze: Place the meatballs on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Make sure they are not touching each other. Place the baking sheet in the freezer for 1-2 hours until the meatballs are firm.
  • Transfer to Freezer Bags/Containers: Once the meatballs are firm, transfer them into freezer-safe bags or containers. Pour the sauce into separate freezer-safe containers if you prefer to freeze it separately.
  • Label and Date: Label each bag or container with the date and contents.
  • Storage Time: Freeze for up to 3 months for optimal quality.

Thawing

  • Refrigerator Thawing: The safest method to thaw frozen meatballs is to transfer them from the freezer to the refrigerator. Allow them to thaw overnight or for at least 8 hours.
  • Quick Thawing: If you need to thaw them more quickly, place the sealed freezer bag of meatballs in a bowl of cold water. Change the water every 30 minutes until they are thawed. This usually takes 1-2 hours.
  • Microwave Thawing: For immediate use, you can use the defrost setting on your microwave. Place the meatballs in a microwave-safe container and defrost according to your microwave’s instructions. Be cautious with this method, as it can partially cook the meatballs if not monitored carefully.

Reheating

  • Stovetop: Reheat the meatballs and sauce in a saucepan over medium heat. Stir occasionally until heated through. This usually takes about 10-15 minutes.
  • Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Place the meatballs and sauce in an oven-safe dish, cover with foil, and bake for about 20-25 minutes or until heated through.
  • Microwave: For quick reheating, place the meatballs and sauce in a microwave-safe dish, cover, and heat on high for 2-3 minutes, stirring halfway through. Continue heating in 1-minute intervals until hot.