Why You’ll Love This Venison Sausages Braised in Red Wine Recipe
Why will you love this Venison Sausages Braised in Red Wine recipe? It’s the perfect blend of rich flavors and comforting warmth.
Picture tender venison sausages, perfectly infused with the deep, robust taste of red wine. As they braise, your kitchen fills with an irresistible aroma that beckons everyone to the table.
This dish’s simplicity is a game-changer; you won’t spend hours slaving away. Plus, it pairs beautifully with creamy potatoes, making it a delightful meal for family and friends.
Trust me, once you try it, you’ll be adding this recipe to your regular rotation. It’s that good!
Ingredients of Venison Sausages Braised in Red Wine
When it comes to making a delicious dish like Venison Sausages Braised in Red Wine, having the right ingredients is key. You want to guarantee that every bite is packed with flavor, and that starts with gathering the essentials.
So, let’s take a look at what you’ll need to bring this mouthwatering recipe to life. Don’t worry; it’s not a long grocery list, and you might even have some of these items hanging out in your kitchen already.
Ingredients:
- 2 lbs venison sausage
- 1 ounce butter
- 1 shallot (or onion, if that’s what you have)
- 1 garlic clove
- 10 fluid ounces red wine (the better the wine, the better the sauce)
- 1 bouquet garni (a fancy way of saying a bundle of herbs)
- 1 piece celery (chopped)
- 1 pinch allspice (for that warm, cozy flavor)
- 2 teaspoons flour (to help thicken the sauce)
- 2 tablespoons red currant jelly (trust me, it adds a nice touch)
- Salt and pepper (to taste)
- 1 tablespoon parsley (for garnish)
Now, I know what you might be thinking: “What on earth is a bouquet garni?” It’s just a bundle of herbs, typically tied together, that adds flavor to the dish.
You can use herbs like thyme, bay leaves, and parsley. If you don’t have these on hand, don’t sweat it; you can always toss in your favorite dried herbs instead. Just remember, fresh herbs pack a stronger punch.
And about that red wine—choose a bottle that you’d enjoy drinking; it really does make a difference in the final taste.
How to Make Venison Sausages Braised in Red Wine
Alright, let’s plunge into making those delicious Venison Sausages Braised in Red Wine. First off, you’ll want to preheat your oven to a cozy 375°F (that’s Mark 5 if you’re using a British oven). While that’s heating up, you can get started with some prep work. Grab your 2 lbs of venison sausage and separate them gently. No need to wrestle with them; they’ll be much happier if you treat them kindly.
Next, take 1 ounce of butter and melt it in a heavy-based frying pan over medium heat. As the butter begins to sizzle, toss in your chopped shallot (or onion, if that’s what you have) along with 1 garlic clove, minced or smashed—whatever floats your boat. Cook these for about 2-3 minutes until they’re soft and fragrant. The smell alone will have you dreaming of your meal.
Now, it’s time to add those sausages. Brown them on all sides for 4-5 minutes. You want them to get a nice golden color; it adds flavor and makes them look appetizing.
Once your sausages are nicely browned, pour in 10 fluid ounces of red wine—make sure it’s a wine you’d enjoy drinking, because it really does elevate the sauce. Add your bouquet garni (don’t worry, it’s just a fancy term for a bundle of herbs), a piece of chopped celery, and a pinch of allspice. Bring everything to a boil, and then transfer this beautiful mixture into a preheated oven dish.
Slide it into the oven and let it cook for 15-20 minutes, or until those sausages are thoroughly cooked.
While the sausages are doing their thing, you can start thinking about the sauce. Once they’re done, remove the bouquet garni (like a magician pulling a rabbit from a hat) and transfer the sausages to a hot serving dish.
In the same dish, blend 2 teaspoons of flour with a tablespoon of cold water and stir it into the remaining sauce along with 2 tablespoons of red currant jelly. Give it a good stir until the sauce thickens up nicely. Season it with salt and pepper to taste, then pour it over the sausages.
Don’t forget to sprinkle some chopped parsley on top for that lovely finishing touch. Now, all that’s left is to serve it up with some creamed potatoes. Enjoy your culinary masterpiece—you’ve earned it!
Venison Sausages Braised in Red Wine Substitutions & Variations
If you’re looking to switch things up, there are plenty of substitutions and variations for making Venison Sausages Braised in Red Wine that can suit your taste or pantry.
For instance, you can easily swap venison sausages with pork or chicken sausages if you prefer.
If red wine isn’t available, a hearty broth or a light white wine can work in a pinch.
Adding mushrooms or bell peppers enhances the dish’s flavor and texture.
For a sweeter twist, try using cranberry sauce instead of red currant jelly.
Get creative, and tailor this recipe to match your cravings!
What to Serve with Venison Sausages Braised in Red Wine
To complement the rich flavors of Venison Sausages Braised in Red Wine, I love serving them with creamy mashed potatoes or a smooth polenta.
The buttery, velvety texture balances the robust sauce beautifully. A side of sautéed greens, like spinach or kale, adds a fresh contrast and a pop of color.
For a touch of sweetness, roasted root vegetables work wonders, enhancing the dish’s earthy notes.
Finally, don’t forget a crusty loaf of bread to soak up every last drop of that delicious sauce.
Together, these sides create a satisfying and memorable meal that I can’t resist.
Additional Tips & Notes
While preparing Venison Sausages Braised in Red Wine, I’ve found a few tips that can elevate the dish even further.
First, try using a full-bodied red wine; it enhances the flavor considerably. If you want a touch of sweetness, adding a bit more red currant jelly can balance the richness of the sausages.
I also recommend letting the sausages rest for a few minutes after cooking; this helps keep them juicy.
Finally, don’t skip the fresh herbs—parsley or chives really brighten the dish.
Enjoy your cooking adventure, and remember to savor each bite!