L'hiver approche

It's almost game season 🤩

Traditional game recipes play an important role in Belgian cuisine, especially during the cold season. Game is prized for its rich, flavorful meat, and has been an integral part of our gastronomy for centuries.

Here's an overview of our typical Belgian game recipes, which combine traditional know-how and local produce.

1. Wild boar stew

The marcassin, or young wild boar, is a delicacy of choice in Belgian game cooking. Civet de marcassin is an emblematic recipe, often prepared for festive occasions. The meat is first marinated in red wine with vegetables such as carrots, onions, celery and aromatic herbs (bay leaf, thyme). After marinating for a few hours, the marcassin is slowly cooked with the marinade, which tenderizes the meat and concentrates the aromas. This dish is usually accompanied by potatoes, Brussels sprouts or celeriac purée.

2. Filet of venison with grand veneur sauce

Venison is undoubtedly one of Belgium's most popular game dishes. Filet de chevreuil sauce grand veneur is a classic on Belgian tables during the hunting season. The tender, delicate meat is cooked to perfection, then served with a creamy sauce made from red wine, game stock, juniper berries, redcurrants and cream. To accompany this dish, Belgians like to serve cranberries or pumpkin purée and sautéed apples.

3. Pheasant terrine

Introduced to Belgium by the Romans, the pheasant has been a prized game bird ever since. Pheasant terrine is a traditional way of preparing this fowl. Pheasant meat is mixed with pork, hazelnuts and sometimes foie gras, then flavored with spices such as pepper, nutmeg and juniper berries. This preparation is then baked in the oven and served cold, in slices, with farmhouse bread and gherkins. An ideal recipe for festive starters.

4. Hind goulash

Hind, the female deer, is often prepared as goulash in Belgium. This version of goulash is a simmered dish in which hind meat is gently cooked in a mixture of red wine, game stock, paprika, onions and tomatoes. The long cooking time allows the meat to soak up the flavors while becoming extremely tender. This hearty dish is often served with steamed apples or fresh pasta.

These recipes are often prepared with simple but quality ingredients, highlighting the deep, rustic flavors of game meat.

Whether it's for a special occasion or simply to enjoy the season, game cuisine in Belgium is a true celebration of our local traditions.

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