A culinary journey through time and space, this dish marries the rustic charm of venison sausage with the elegance of Italian risotto and the earthy richness of wild mushrooms.
Ingredients:
For the Venison Sausage:
Image Source: adashofginger.co.uk
1 pound ground venison
For the Saffron-Infused Risotto:
1 cup Arborio rice
For the Wild Mushroom Ragout:
1 pound mixed wild mushrooms, cleaned and sliced
Preparation Process:
Total Time: 1 hour 30 minutes
For the Venison Sausage:
1. In a large bowl, combine the ground venison, ground pork, sage, thyme, black pepper, nutmeg, cayenne pepper, egg, breadcrumbs, and milk. Mix well until thoroughly combined.
2. Divide the mixture into four equal portions and shape each portion into a sausage.
3. Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the sausages and cook for 8-10 minutes per side, or until browned and cooked through.
For the Saffron-Infused Risotto:
1. Heat the olive oil and butter in a large saucepan over medium heat. Add the onion and garlic and cook until softened, about 5 minutes.
2. Stir in the Arborio rice and cook for 2 minutes, stirring constantly.
3. Add the white wine and cook until it has been absorbed.
4. Gradually add the hot vegetable broth, one ladleful at a time, stirring constantly until each ladleful is absorbed before adding the next.
5. Once all the broth has been absorbed, stir in the saffron threads, Parmesan cheese, salt, and pepper.
6. Remove the risotto from the heat and let it rest for a few minutes before serving.
For the Wild Mushroom Ragout:
1. Melt the butter in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the mushrooms and cook until they are browned and tender.
2. Stir in the garlic and cook for 30 seconds more.
3. Add the heavy cream, parsley, salt, and pepper. Bring to a simmer and cook for 2 minutes, or until thickened.
Serving Ideas:
Serve the venison sausage over the saffron-infused risotto, topped with the wild mushroom ragout.
This dish is a testament to the power of culinary fusion. It blends the hearty flavors of traditional European cuisine with the exotic spices of the East. The venison sausage, a staple of many cultures, is elevated by the delicate saffron-infused risotto and the earthy wild mushroom ragout. Each bite is a journey through time and space, a celebration of the diversity and richness of human culinary traditions.
