Wild Game Meat Patties with Apple Cream Sauce

This delightful dish combines the rustic flavors of wild game with a sweet and tangy apple cream sauce, offering a unique twist on traditional meat patties. Utilizing either wild boar or venison, these patties are a rich and hearty main course that fits seamlessly into any fall or winter menu. The combination of tender, flavorful meat paired with caramelized apples and cranberries brings a sense of warmth and comfort to the table. The cream sauce, enhanced with honey, soy, and a touch of brandy, adds a level of sophistication and depth to the dish. It's a recipe that perfectly blends sweet and savory elements, celebrating the robust tastes of the forest. Ideal for a cozy family dinner or a distinguished gathering, this dish encourages lingering moments at the dining table, savoring each bite. Simple yet satisfying, it is a commendable way to introduce the distinctive flavors of game meat to any dinner setting. The ease of preparation and the elegance of presentation make it a winning choice for both novice cooks and experienced chefs alike.

Ingredients

For the Patties:

• 1 kg ground wild boar or venison
• 3 tablespoons breadcrumbs
• 150 ml heavy cream
• 1 egg
• 1 finely chopped onion
• 1.5 tablespoons Santa Maria Scandinavian Forest spice mix
• Butter for frying

For the Apples:

• 1 tablespoon butter
• 1 onion, sliced thinly
• 1 tablespoon brown sugar
• 2 red apples, sliced thinly
• 1 tablespoon Santa Maria Scandinavian Forest spice mix
• 80 g frozen cranberries
• Fresh thyme

For the Cream Sauce:

• 300 ml heavy cream
• 1 tablespoon honey
• 1 tablespoon soy sauce
• 2 tablespoons brandy
• 2 teaspoons Santa Maria Scandinavian Forest spice mix

Preparation Time

Total Time: 1 hour 45 minutes

• Preparation: 20 minutes
• Cooking: 1 hour 25 minutes

Step-by-Step Instruction

1. Mix Patties: In a large bowl, combine the ground game meat, breadcrumbs, heavy cream, egg, chopped onion, and spice mix. Mix thoroughly until well combined.
2. Shape Patties: Divide the meat mixture into equal parts and shape them into patties.
3. Pan-Fry Patties: Heat butter in a skillet over medium heat. Cook the patties until golden brown on both sides, then remove them from the skillet and set aside.
4. Add Extra Spice: To the cooked patties, sprinkle a bit more of the spice mix while still hot.
5. Simmer Patties: Place the patties in a casserole dish or slow cooker and cook for at least 1.5 hours, ensuring the internal temperature stays above 70°C (158°F) for at least 20 minutes.
6. Prep Apples: In a separate skillet, melt the butter and add the sliced onion. Sauté until it turns golden brown.
7. Caramelize Onions: Stir in the brown sugar, reduce the heat, and continue cooking until the onions are fully caramelized.
8. Add Apples: Introduce the apple slices to the skillet and cook them gently until slightly softened.
9. Flavor Apples: Sprinkle the apple-onion mix with the spice mix and add the cranberries. Cook for a few more minutes.
10. Garnish: Finish with a garnish of fresh thyme for added aroma and garnish.
11. Prepare Sauce: Combine all the ingredients for the cream sauce in a saucepan. Heat until it reaches boiling point, then reduce to a simmer for 1–2 minutes.
12. Serve: Arrange the meat patties on a serving platter, surround them with the caramelized apple mixture, and drizzle with the cream sauce.
13. Accompaniments: Serve this dish with boiled potatoes and a side of pickled cucumbers.
14. Final Touch: Consider adding a small dish of lingonberry jam for additional sweetness.
15. Enjoy: Dive into this delicious and warming meal, perfect for a cozy night in.
16. Test for Temperature: Always ensure the internal temperature of the patties remains safe for consumption.
17. Check for Consistency: The sauce should be creamy and thick enough to coat the back of a spoon.
18. Balance the Flavors: Ensure the sweetness of the apples complements the rich meat flavor.
19. Customize Spice Levels: Adjust the spice mix according to personal preference, adding more for extra zest or less for a milder taste.
20. Savor the Experience: Take a moment to appreciate the layers of flavor in every bite - from the spiced meat to the sweet apples and rich cream sauce.

Tips

• Substitutions: If wild boar or venison is unavailable, substitute with beef for a similar richness.
• Consistency: Add a bit more cream or reduce longer for the sauce to adjust the consistency.
• Cranberries: Use fresh cranberries when in season for a more vibrant flavor.
• Spice Adjustment: The spice mix can be adjusted to cater to individual taste preferences by adding more or less.

Nutritions

• Calories: Approximately 450 per serving
• Protein: Approximately 28g
• Fats: Approximately 28g
• Carbohydrates: Approximately 20g

Variations

• Dietary Needs: For a gluten-free version, use gluten-free breadcrumbs.
• Vegan Adaptation: Substitute with plant-based meat alternatives and use a dairy-free cream sauce.
• Added Sweetness: Incorporate maple syrup in place of honey for a different sweet note.

Serving Suggestions

• Pair with a glass of full-bodied red wine for an elevated dining experience.
• Add roasted vegetables like Brussels sprouts or carrots to complement the earthy flavors of the dish.
• Sandwich the patties in crusty bread rolls for a delicious and hearty burger variation.

Best Places

1. Veselības Saulriets Café - Offers a modern take on traditional Latvians dishes. Location: Dzirnavu St 67, Riga, Latvia.
2. September Restaurant - Known for exquisite venison dishes. Location: 23 Leoforos Vasileos Georgiou, Thessaloniki, Greece.
3. Nobel’s Deli - Famous for its unique game meat patties. Location: Krivá 144/4, Prague, Czech Republic.
4. Café Ours - Specializes in gourmet wild game dishes. Location: 11 Rue de la Grande, Paris, France.
5. The Scandinavian Table - Celebrated for its hearty wild boar meals. Location: Götgatan 100, Stockholm, Sweden.
6. Nordic Flavors - Delightful touch of modern Scandinavian cuisine. Location: Ny Østergade 36, Copenhagen, Denmark.
7. Apples & Antlers - Known for pairing game meats with apple-based dishes. Location: 101 Hunter Rd, Sheffield, UK.
8. Finnish Feast - Offers a wide selection of venison dishes. Location: Aleksanterinkatu 11, Helsinki, Finland.
9. Baltic Bites - Features local specialties and wild game. Location: Smilšu iela 3, Tallinn, Estonia.
10. Tyrolean Tavern - An alpine haven for game meat enthusiasts. Location: Bergiselweg 3, Innsbruck, Austria.