Wild Boar And Cheese: The Perfect Pairing

Wild boar is a versatile meat that can be used in a variety of dishes, from burgers to sausages and ragu. When it comes to cheese, several options pair well with wild boar, enhancing the flavour of the dish. A mild blue cheese or brie, for example, can add richness and depth of flavour to a wild boar burger. American cheese slices or cheddar are also popular choices for toppings. In addition, a paprika- and cayenne-laden Spanish-style chorizo pairs well with a round of perfectly ripened sheep's milk cheese, such as La Serena. For those who enjoy a more unusual combination, a wild boar dish can be complemented by cheeses with earthy notes, such as Landaff Creamery's cave-aged Landaff or Kirkham's Lancashire.

Wild boar and blue cheese burgers

Wild boar is a delicious and nutritious meat that can be used to make incredible burgers. It has a unique, juicy succulence and tastes like a cross between pork and beef. When making wild boar burgers, it is important to ask your butcher for a nice piece of wild boar shoulder or belly with good marbling. This will ensure that your burgers are flavoursome and juicy.

Ingredients:

• 500g minced wild boar shoulder or belly
• 1 tablespoon brown sauce
• Worcestershire sauce
• 1 tablespoon tomato sauce
• 2 Braeburn or Cox's apples
• 50g blue cheese, such as Colston Bassett Stilton
• 1 medium onion, diced
• 1 tsp Cajun seasoning
• 1 egg, lightly beaten
• 4 buns or French bread
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Oil for cooking

Optional Toppings:

• Barbecue sauce
• Bacon and cranberry chutney
• Lettuce
• Tomato
• Watercress

Instructions:

• In a large bowl, combine the minced wild boar with the diced onion, Cajun seasoning, and lightly beaten egg. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
• Divide the mixture into four equal portions and form them into patties that are about 1/3" thick and slightly larger than the buns.
• Place the patties in the refrigerator to chill for at least one hour.
• Preheat your oven to 120°C/250°F/gas ½.
• In a small bowl, mix together the brown sauce, Worcestershire sauce, and tomato sauce. Adjust the quantities to your preference.
• Peel and finely chop the shallots, then add them to the sauce and set aside.
• Halve the buns and place them on a baking tray. Warm them in the oven for 8 to 10 minutes.
• Heat a drizzle of oil in a large non-stick pan over medium-high heat.
• Fry the burgers for about 4-6 minutes on each side, or until cooked through.
• Towards the end of the cooking time, place a slice of blue cheese on each burger and allow it to melt.
• Assemble your burgers by spreading the shallot sauce on the bun bases. Add sliced apple, followed by the burger, and top with watercress.
• Serve immediately and enjoy!

Tips:

• Experiment with different types of cheese, such as mild blue cheese, brie, American slices, or cheddar.
• Fruit, especially apples, prunes, and berries, pair well with wild boar, as do herbs such as rosemary or thyme.
• Wild boar burgers go great with a glass of pinot noir or your favourite beer.

Wild boar and brie

Wild boar is a versatile meat that pairs well with a variety of cheeses. One such pairing is wild boar and brie.

Brie is a soft cow's milk cheese with a mild, buttery flavour and a hint of salt. It has a creamy, slightly gooey texture and is often served at room temperature to allow its full flavour to develop. The mild flavour and creamy texture of brie complement the savoury, slightly gamey taste of wild boar.

When pairing wild boar with brie, consider serving the meat in a way that showcases its unique flavour. Wild boar has a rich, slightly sweet taste with a hint of nuttiness. It is often slow-roasted or braised to bring out its tender texture and deep flavour. One option is to serve slices of wild boar with a melted brie sauce. The creaminess of the sauce will balance the leanness of the meat, while the mild flavour of the cheese will enhance the boar's savoury notes without overwhelming them.

Another option is to create a wild boar and brie sandwich or panini. Thin slices of wild boar are layered with brie and other complementary ingredients such as crisp apple slices, bitter greens, or a fruity chutney. The combination of flavours and textures creates a satisfying contrast that highlights the best qualities of both the meat and the cheese.

For a heartier meal, wild boar can be served with a side of roasted vegetables and a brie-based sauce or fondue. The roasted vegetables provide a sweet, caramelised contrast to the savoury meat and cheese, while the sauce brings everything together. This dish is perfect for a cosy winter meal, as it is comforting and indulgent.

When selecting a brie to pair with wild boar, look for a high-quality cheese with a mild, buttery flavour. Double and triple cream bries will have an especially rich, creamy texture that pairs well with the leaner meat. A brie with a hint of truffles or wild mushrooms can also enhance the earthy notes in the wild boar.

In conclusion, wild boar and brie is a classic pairing that showcases the versatility of both ingredients. By selecting the right cut of meat and the best complementary flavours, you can create a delicious and satisfying dish that highlights the unique qualities of wild boar and brie.

Wild boar and apple

One way to serve wild boar and apple is in a hearty stew. To make this, melt butter in a pan and fry large chunks of boar meat until golden. Add chopped onion and carrot, then stir in flour and let it colour. Add red wine, a clove of garlic, a bay leaf, and season with salt and pepper. Bring to the boil, then place the pan in the oven to cook for an hour. While the meat is cooking, peel and chop the apples and fry them in butter until browned. Serve the meat with the sauce and apples on the side.

Another option is to make wild boar burgers. Ask your butcher for minced wild boar shoulder or belly with a good marbling of fat. Work the mince with your hands to break down the fat, then form into patties and chill in the fridge. Fry the burgers, then build them in buns with sliced apple, blue cheese, and watercress.

Wild boar and goat's cheese

Wild boar is a rich, flavoursome meat that can be complemented by a variety of cheeses. While there is a cheese called Wild Boar, which is a type of brie with wild mushrooms and Oregon black truffles, this answer will focus on the use of goat's cheese with wild boar.

Goat's cheese is a popular choice for those looking for a cow's milk alternative. It has a distinctive, tangy taste and can be used to make a variety of dishes, from sandwiches to burgers. Its mellow, nuanced flavour can complement the rich taste of wild boar without overwhelming it.

Boar's Head offers a range of goat's cheeses, including a semi-firm goat cheddar from Canada, which has a familiar cheddar taste with a mild tang. This could be a versatile option to pair with wild boar, offering a unique flavour without being too strong.

For those who enjoy a sweeter cheese, Boar's Head also offers a Wild Blueberry Chèvre, a soft and creamy goat's cheese hand-rolled in wild blueberries. This cheese could add a fruity twist to a wild boar dish, balancing sweetness and tanginess.

When crafting a wild boar dish with goat's cheese, consider a Spanish goat cheese with a mild yet earthy flavour, such as Boar's Head's Goat Cheese. This could be a delightful pairing with wild boar, especially in a grilled chicken sandwich with onion jam, providing a nuanced flavour to complement the boar's richness.

In summary, goat's cheese is a versatile option to pair with wild boar, offering a range of flavours and textures to enhance this game meat. From mild and earthy to sweet and tangy, these cheeses can elevate a wild boar dish, providing a unique culinary experience.

Wild boar and mozzarella

Wild boar is a rich, flavourful meat that can be used in a variety of dishes, from burgers to pasta bakes. When it comes to cheese pairings, mozzarella is an excellent option to consider. Here's why wild boar and mozzarella are a delicious combination:

Flavour and Texture Complementarity

Mozzarella is a semi-soft, low-moisture, whole milk cheese with a delicate, creamy, mild flavour. Its mildness complements the robust taste of wild boar without overwhelming it. The creamy texture of mozzarella also pairs well with the hearty texture of wild boar meat, creating a pleasant contrast.

Melting Properties

Mozzarella is known for its excellent melting properties. When used in baked dishes, such as oven-baked rigatoni with wild boar salami, mozzarella melts beautifully, creating a gooey, stretchy texture that enhances the overall taste experience. The melted mozzarella blends seamlessly with the other ingredients, adding a layer of richness to the dish.

Versatility in Recipes

Both wild boar and mozzarella are versatile ingredients that can be used in a variety of recipes. For instance, you can create a mouth-watering pasta dish by combining oven-baked rigatoni with wild boar salami, a tomato and basil sauce, and golden mozzarella. The salty, savoury notes of the wild boar salami are balanced by the mildness of the mozzarella, resulting in a harmonious flavour profile.

Additionally, wild boar burgers can be elevated by incorporating mozzarella. The melted mozzarella adds a creamy dimension to the burger, complementing the juicy wild boar patty. You can also experiment with different types of mozzarella, such as buffalo mozzarella, to add a slightly tangier note to your dish.

Nutritional Benefits

Mozzarella is a nutritious cheese, providing a good source of protein, calcium, and healthy fats. When paired with wild boar, which is a lean protein source, the combination offers a well-rounded nutritional profile. This makes wild boar and mozzarella dishes not only delicious but also nourishing and satisfying.

In conclusion, wild boar and mozzarella is a winning combination that showcases the versatility and flavour-enhancing qualities of both ingredients. The mildness of mozzarella complements the robust flavour of wild boar, while its creamy texture and melting properties elevate the overall taste and mouthfeel of the dish. Whether used in pasta bakes, burgers, or other culinary creations, the pairing of wild boar and mozzarella is sure to impress.

Frequently asked questions