Polenta and wild boar

Polenta and wild boar

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La polenta and wild boar It's one of the most iconic dishes of the gastronomic tradition of Italy's hilly and mountainous regions. Rich in character and deeply rooted in rural cuisine, this dish combines the soft texture of polenta with the robust intensity of game meat, creating a balance that evokes authentic flavors and ancient convivial customs.

The absolute protagonist of the recipe is the boar, a meat with a bold, aromatic flavor that requires meticulous preparation to fully express its qualities. The marinade plays a crucial role, as it softens the fibers and tones down the more intense notes typical of game. Red wine, along with vegetables and spices, helps create an aromatic base that profoundly enriches the meat's flavor profile.

During the long cooking process, the wild boar becomes progressively more tender and juicy. The fibers slowly relax, absorbing the flavors of the cooking juices and transforming into a soft and enveloping meat. This process allows for a game stew rich and tasty, characterised by an intense and well-concentrated sauce.

Le carrots, present both in the marinade and during cooking, provide a natural sweetness that balances the meat's bold character. During preparation, they partially flake, contributing to a fuller and more harmonious sauce. Their delicate flavor helps create the perfect balance between intensity and tenderness.

Lo shallot and celery They form the aromatic base of the dish. Finely chopped and sautéed along with the meat, they gradually release their aromas, creating a complex yet balanced flavor structure. These ingredients enrich the sauce without ever overpowering the wild boar's flavor.

Il Barbera red wine It represents one of the key elements of the preparation. Its fruity and slightly spicy notes accompany the meat during marinating and cooking, helping to develop deep aromas and particularly elegant nuances. Over time, the wine integrates perfectly into the base, creating a rich and velvety sauce.

To complete the dish we find the polenta, a symbol of Italian peasant tradition. Soft, creamy, and delicately rustic, it's the ideal accompaniment to wild boar sauce. Its enveloping texture contrasts pleasantly with the texture of the meat, creating a satisfying combination rich in personality.

One of the most fascinating aspects of this preparation is the contrast between the softness of the polenta and the aromatic depth of the wild boar ragù. long cooking, combined with the quality of the ingredients, allow you to obtain a dish that conquers with its intensity and harmony.

Served piping hot with plenty of sauce, polenta and wild boar is one of the most authentic expressions of traditional Italian cuisine, transforming simple ingredients into a dish rich in flavor, aroma, and history.

Pairing suggestions


🍷Wine:a Barbera d'Asti Superiore, structured and intense, perfect to accompany the aromatic richness of wild boar.

🍺 Beer:a full-bodied and malty Doppelbock, ideal for enhancing the long cooking and deep notes of game.

  • Portions:  4
  • difficulty:  Media
  • Preparation:  20 min
  • Cooking time:  150 min
  • Total:  170 min

Ingredients

  • 500 gr  wild boar meat (in bite-sized pieces)
  •  carrots (large)
  •  shallot
  •  stalks of celery
  •  cloves
  • 0,5 glass(es)  Red wine (Barbera)
  • l vegetable broth
  •  black pepper (grains)
  • spoon(s) extra virgin olive oil
  • qb salt
  • qb black pepper (freshly ground)

  • For polenta
  • 150 g polenta (Valsugana-type instant)
  • 750 g water

  • 1



Preparation

1

Preparing the marinade

Cut two carrots into coarse pieces and a shallot in half.

2

Marinating the meat

Place the wild boar in a bowl and add red wine, carrots, shallots, peppercorns and cloves.

3

Rest

Cover and leave to marinate in the refrigerator for about 12 hours.

4

Preparation of the aromas

Finely chop the remaining carrots, celery and shallot.

5

Browning the meat

Drain the wild boar, dry it thoroughly and brown it in a saucepan with extra virgin olive oil.

6

Adding vegetables

Add the chopped herbs and let it cook for a few minutes.

7

Shade

Pour in the red wine and let the alcohol evaporate completely.

8

Slow cooking

Add the hot broth, season with salt and pepper and cook over medium heat for about 2 hours.

9

Preparing the polenta

Bring the water and salt to the boil and gradually pour in the polenta, stirring constantly.

10

Plating

Divide the polenta between plates, top with the wild boar and plenty of cooking juices, then serve immediately.

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