Squirrel hunting, a time-honored tradition in many parts of the world, offers a sustainable and delicious source of protein. While some might shy away from preparing squirrel, its lean meat lends itself beautifully to slow cooking methods, resulting in incredibly tender and flavorful dishes. This guide explores various slow cooker squirrel recipes, providing you with the knowledge and inspiration to make the most of this often-underutilized game meat. We'll cover everything from preparation to cooking techniques and variations, ensuring you create a memorable and delicious meal.
Preparing Your Squirrel for Slow Cooking
Before you dive into slow cooker squirrel recipes, proper preparation is key. This process ensures your dish is safe and tastes its best.
Cleaning and Butchering:
- Remove the entrails: Carefully clean the squirrel's cavity, removing all internal organs. Rinse thoroughly with cold water.
- Skinning: The skin can be left on or removed, depending on personal preference. Removing the skin can make the meat slightly more tender.
- Cut into pieces: Cut the squirrel into smaller, bite-sized pieces for even cooking in the slow cooker. This is especially crucial for larger squirrels. You can choose to leave the legs whole or cut them in half.
- Soaking (optional): Some cooks soak the squirrel in buttermilk or saltwater for a few hours to tenderize the meat and remove any lingering gamey taste. This step is particularly helpful for older squirrels.
Essential Tools:
- Sharp knife
- Clean cutting board
- Gloves (optional, but recommended for hygiene)
- Bowl for rinsing
- Container for soaking (optional)
Delicious Slow Cooker Squirrel Recipes
This section delves into various slow cooker squirrel recipes, offering diverse flavor profiles and cooking methods. Remember, cooking times may vary depending on your slow cooker and the size of the squirrel pieces.
Classic Squirrel and Wild Rice Stew
This recipe uses simple ingredients to highlight the natural flavor of the squirrel meat.
Ingredients:
- 1-2 squirrels, cut into pieces
- 1 cup wild rice, rinsed
- 2 cups chicken broth
- 1 cup chopped onions
- 1 cup chopped carrots
- 1 cup chopped celery
- 1 tsp dried thyme
- 1 tsp dried rosemary
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
- Place the squirrel pieces in the slow cooker.
- Add onions, carrots, and celery.
- Pour in chicken broth.
- Stir in wild rice, thyme, and rosemary.
- Season with salt and pepper.
- Cook on low for 6-8 hours or high for 3-4 hours, or until the squirrel is tender and the rice is cooked through.
Spicy Squirrel Chili
For those who enjoy a kick, this slow cooker squirrel recipe provides a hearty and flavorful chili.
Ingredients:
- 1-2 squirrels, cut into pieces
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 large onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 (28 ounce) can crushed tomatoes
- 1 (15 ounce) can kidney beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 (15 ounce) can pinto beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 green bell pepper, chopped
- 1 red bell pepper, chopped
- 1 tbsp chili powder
- 1 tsp cumin
- 1/2 tsp cayenne pepper (or more, to taste)
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
- Sear the squirrel pieces in olive oil until lightly browned. This step adds depth of flavor.
- Transfer the squirrel to the slow cooker.
- Add onion and garlic to the slow cooker and cook for 15 minutes on low.
- Add the remaining ingredients, stir well, and cook on low for 6-8 hours or high for 3-4 hours, or until the squirrel is tender and the chili has thickened.
Squirrel and Dumplings
This comforting dish is perfect for a chilly evening.
Ingredients:
- 1-2 squirrels, cut into pieces
- 2 cups chicken broth
- 1 cup chopped carrots
- 1 cup chopped potatoes
- 1/2 cup chopped onion
- 1 tbsp all-purpose flour
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- Biscuit dough or dumpling mix
Instructions:
- Combine squirrel, chicken broth, carrots, potatoes, and onion in the slow cooker.
- Stir in flour, salt, and pepper.
- Cook on low for 4-6 hours or high for 2-3 hours.
- Drop biscuit dough or dumplings onto the top of the stew during the last 30 minutes of cooking.
- Cook until dumplings are cooked through.
Tips for Success with Slow Cooker Squirrel Recipes
- Don't overcook: Overcooked squirrel will be dry and tough. Check for tenderness with a fork.
- Adjust seasonings: Taste and adjust seasonings as needed throughout the cooking process.
- Thicken the sauce: If your sauce is too thin, you can thicken it with a cornstarch slurry or by simmering uncovered for the last 30 minutes.
- Use a meat thermometer: Ensure the internal temperature of the squirrel reaches 165°F (74°C) to ensure it's safely cooked.
By following these slow cooker squirrel recipes and tips, you can enjoy a delicious and sustainable meal. Remember to always prioritize food safety and adapt recipes to your personal preferences. Happy cooking!