Cacciagione in Umido Sammarinese
A rich and hearty stew featuring slow-cooked game meat (such as rabbit or wild boar) with aromatic vegetables, herbs, and a touch of red wine, embodying the rustic flavors of San Marino's countryside.
🧂 Ingredients
- 1.5 kg Game meat (e.g., rabbit, wild boar, venison)(cut into stewing pieces)
- 150 g Pancetta(diced)
- 2 medium Onions(chopped)
- 2 medium Carrots(chopped)
- 2 stalks Celery stalks(chopped)
- 4 cloves Garlic cloves(minced)
- 2 tbsp Tomato paste
- 250 ml Dry red wine
- 500 ml Game or beef broth
- 2 sprigs Fresh rosemary
- 3 sprigs Fresh thyme
- 1 leaf Bay leaf
- 3 tbsp Olive oil
- to taste Salt
- to taste Black pepper(freshly ground)
👨🍳 Instructions
- 1
Pat the game meat dry and season generously with salt and pepper.
- 2
In a large, heavy-bottomed pot or Dutch oven, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat. Brown the game meat in batches until well-seared on all sides. Remove the meat and set aside.
- 3
Add the diced pancetta to the pot and cook until crispy. Remove the pancetta and set aside, leaving the rendered fat in the pot.
- 4
Add the chopped onions, carrots, and celery to the pot. Sauté until softened, about 8-10 minutes.
- 5
Stir in the minced garlic and tomato paste, cooking for another 2 minutes until fragrant.
- 6
Pour in the red wine and scrape the bottom of the pot to deglaze, loosening any browned bits. Let the wine simmer and reduce by half.
- 7
Return the browned game meat to the pot. Add the game or beef broth, rosemary sprigs, thyme sprigs, and bay leaf. The liquid should mostly cover the meat; add more broth or water if needed.
- 8
Bring the stew to a simmer, then reduce the heat to low, cover the pot, and cook for at least 2 to 2.5 hours, or until the meat is very tender. Stir occasionally.
- 9
Remove the herb sprigs and bay leaf. Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper. Stir in the reserved crispy pancetta just before serving.
💡 Pro Tips
- ✓For a deeper flavor, marinate the game meat in red wine with aromatics overnight before cooking.
- ✓If using wild boar, ensure it's well-cleaned to remove any gamey odor.
- ✓Serve with polenta, crusty bread, or mashed potatoes to soak up the delicious sauce.
🔄 Variations
- Add mushrooms (like porcini or cremini) during the last hour of cooking.
- Incorporate a few juniper berries for a more intense game flavor.
- A splash of balsamic vinegar towards the end can add a pleasant tang.