Muskrat Meatballs in Tomato Sauce
Muskrat Recipe
1Setup & Prepare
Cultural Context
This comforting dish represents the ultimate in Italian-American home cooking adapted to local ingredients. Italian immigrants to the Great Lakes region often substituted available game for traditional meats, creating dishes that honored their culinary heritage while embracing their new homeland's bounty. The technique of combining lean game with pork fat ensures moist, flavorful meatballs that rival any traditional preparation.
2Ingredients
Shopping List
*Meatballs
*Sauce
3Cooking Instructions
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Meatball Mixture: Soak breadcrumbs in milk. Combine ground muskrat with breadcrumbs, egg, and seasonings.
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Forming: Roll into small meatballs, about one inch in diameter.
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Browning: Brown the muskrat and porkballs in batches. Don't crowd the pan.
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Sauce Base: In the same pan, sauté onion and garlic until soft, about 5-7 minutes.
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Sauce Building: Add tomatoes, stock, and paprika. Simmer for 10 minutes.
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Simmering: Add the muskrat and porkballs and simmer until cooked through, about 20 minutes.
â¶Watch the Recipe
See the techniques in action with our step-by-step video guide
4Chef's Notes & Pairings
Chef's Notes
- The milk-soaked breadcrumbs keep meatballs moist
- Don't skip the browning step - it adds crucial flavor
- Gentle simmering prevents meatballs from falling apart
Wine Pairing
A medium-bodied Chianti or Sangiovese provides the acidity to complement the tomato sauce while matching the hearty meatballs.
Nutrition Facts
Per serving: 445 calories, 32g protein, 24g fat, 22g carbohydrates. Hearty, satisfying comfort food.
