Potted squirrel with sourdough
by
- Starter
- Medium
- 4
- 1 hour 30 minutes
PT1H30M
Try to put any anthropomorphised and Disney-esque images of squirrels gaily collecting nuts or tending to their houses to the back your mind before attempting this recipe.
Ingredients
- 2 grey squirrels, jointed into 6 pieces
- 150g of smoked streaky bacon , cut into lardons
- 1 banana shallot , sliced
- 1 celery stick , sliced
- 2 garlic cloves , finely chopped
- 1 bay leaf
- 2 sprigs of thyme
- 6 juniper berries
- 500ml of dry cider
- salt
- black pepper
- sourdough bread
- watercress
- olive oil
Method
1
I use a crock-pot for the first stage of braising the meat but you could also use a casserole and your oven on a very low setting, approximately 120°C. Start by layering the bacon down first, add the jointed squirrel and then scatter over the remaining vegetables, spices and herbs
2
Season generously and pour over the cider. Set the crock-pot to low, cover and then leave for 6-8 hours. The principle point here is to melt the bacon into submission and cook the squirrel meat until very, very tender
3
Leave to cool then pour the stock through a sieve, reserving the liquid. Add the squirrel and as much of the bacon as possible to a bowl. Using your hands, pick the squirrel meat - this is a little bit fiddly and time consuming but you want to make sure that no tiny bones remain. Pick the meat over a metal bowl and listen out for any pings
4
When you have removed all the meat, combine with the bacon and mash together with a fork. Transfer to a food processor if you want a smoother pâté but I prefer it rough (no giggling at the back). If the mixture is a little bit dry, add a spoonful of leftover liquor but not too much
5
Spoon the mix into ramekins and put to one side. Take your block of unsalted butter and clarify by heating and melting in a saucepan on the hob, skimming any scum that rises to the top, whilst the chalky deposits fall to the bottom. The golden stuff in-between is what you are after
6
Carefully pour the clarified butter over the top of the squirrel, leaving just a thin layer, and place in the fridge to chill for an hour. Before serving, take the ramekins out of the fridge and bring to room temperature
7
When ready to serve, toast your sourdough and dress the watercress lightly in olive oil. Arrange on a plate with the potted squirrel and a scattering of pickles
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Potted squirrel with sourdough
