Aunt Donnah'S Roast Possum
A hearty southern dish featuring tender roasted possum with savory onions and bread crumbs, perfect for adventurous eaters and those craving traditional comfort food.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Skin and clean the possum before you go another foot, then the mess is gone and he won't get away.
- Rub salt and pepper all over his body, then run a mixture of vinegar and brown sugar over the salt and pepper.
- Wrap up the possum in a good baking pan and let it stand in the refrigerator overnight.
- Put the pan with the possum on top of the stove the next morning.
- Add 2 or 3 spoons of bacon fat and sear the possum on all sides.
- Add chopped onions.
- Put the pan in the oven and bake for 1 hour at 350°F.
- Pull the possum out and turn it over.
- Surround the possum with sweet potatoes in the pan.
- Put back in the oven and bake for another 1.5 hours or until tender and juicy.
Tips & Substitutions
For a richer flavor, consider using duck fat instead of bacon fat when searing the possum. If you don't have Worcestershire sauce, a mix of soy sauce and vinegar can provide a similar umami kick. Be sure to marinate the possum overnight for better flavor absorption. For those who prefer a lighter dish, you can substitute with chicken or turkey.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the roast possum alongside roasted sweet potatoes for a classic pairing. A fresh salad or steamed green beans can add a nice contrast to the richness of the dish. For a special touch, consider serving it with a side of cranberry sauce. This dish also pairs beautifully with Filled Apricot Cookies for dessert.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftover roast possum in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place the meat in a preheated oven at 350°F for about 20-30 minutes until warmed through. This helps retain moisture and flavor. Avoid microwaving as it can dry out the meat.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Aunt Donnah'S Roast Possum contains roughly 215 calories, with 5g protein, 40g carbohydrates, and 4g fat. It is a good source of protein (10% of the Daily Value) and iron (10% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 769mg per serving (33% of the Daily Value).
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use a different type of meat instead of possum?
Yes, you can substitute possum with other game meats like rabbit or even chicken for a similar cooking method. Adjust cooking times accordingly, as different meats have varied tenderness and fat content.
What can I do if I don't have bread crumbs?
If you don't have bread crumbs, you can use crushed crackers or cornmeal as a substitute. Alternatively, stale bread can be processed in a food processor to create fresh breadcrumbs. These options will still provide the necessary texture for the dish.
Is it necessary to marinate the possum overnight?
While it's not absolutely necessary, marinating the possum overnight significantly enhances the flavor. The salt and vinegar mixture helps tenderize the meat, making it more succulent and flavorful during cooking.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).