Italian Squirrel
A hearty Italian-inspired squirrel stew with mushrooms and herbs, complemented by wide noodles. Perfect for adventurous eaters seeking rich, rustic flavors in a comforting dish.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Inspect the squirrel to ensure all buckshot has been removed.
- Put the cut-up squirrel, berries, and 1/2 cup salt in a non-aluminum bowl and cover with water.
- Refrigerate overnight.
- Drain the squirrel and set aside.
- In a large skillet, heat 1/3 cup bacon drippings over medium heat.
- Add 1/2 cup chopped yellow onion and cook until translucent.
- Stir in dried oregano and basil, garlic salt, salt, and pepper.
- Add sliced mushrooms and cook until tender.
- In a separate pot, cook wide noodles according to package instructions; drain and set aside.
- Mix cream of mushroom soup and water in a saucepan and heat until smooth.
- Combine cooked squirrel, mushroom mixture, and cooked noodles.
- Simmer together for 15-20 minutes to meld flavors.
- Serve hot.
Tips & Substitutions
To enhance the flavor, consider marinating the squirrel in a mixture of olive oil, lemon juice, and herbs before cooking. If you're unable to find squirrel, rabbit can be a suitable substitute. For a creamier texture, you might add a splash of heavy cream to the mushroom soup mixture. This dish can also benefit from adding a handful of spinach or kale for added nutrition.
Serving Suggestions
Serve this Italian Squirrel dish with a side of garlic bread or a fresh green salad to balance the richness. A glass of red wine would complement the flavors beautifully. For a more complete meal, consider pairing it with Peg'S Lasagna or a side of Italian Seashells. Freshly grated Parmesan can be sprinkled on top for added flavor.
Storage & Reheating
Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, gently warm in a saucepan over low heat, adding a splash of water or broth to prevent drying out. Alternatively, you can microwave in short intervals, stirring occasionally, until heated through.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Italian Squirrel contains roughly 445 calories, with 15g protein, 91g carbohydrates, and 12g fat. It is an excellent source of iron (206% of the Daily Value), dietary fiber (156% of the Daily Value), and calcium (123% of the Daily Value), and a good source of vitamin A. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 727mg per serving (32% 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 frozen squirrel for this recipe?
Yes, frozen squirrel can be used, but be sure to thaw it completely in the refrigerator before cooking. This will ensure even cooking and better flavor absorption during the marinating process.
What can I substitute for bacon drippings?
If you don't have bacon drippings, you can use olive oil or butter as a substitute. While it will alter the flavor slightly, it will still result in a delicious dish. For a smoky flavor, consider adding a dash of liquid smoke.
How can I make this dish spicier?
To add some heat, consider including red pepper flakes or a diced jalapeño when sautéing the onions. Alternatively, serve with a spicy marinara sauce for an extra kick, or pair it with Italian recipes that feature a spicy element.
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).