Indulge in a taste of the wild with this exquisite roasted wild goose recipe. This dish, rich in flavors from the blend of fresh fruits, herbs and bacon, offers a gourmet experience right at home. Perfect for festive occasions or a weekend family dinner, it fuses the robust taste of wild goose with the sweet and tangy notes of cranberries and orange. The recipe is a delightful play of textures and tastes that assures a memorable dining experience.
The star ingredient of this recipe, the wild goose, may not be commonly found in most homes. It has a stronger flavor compared to domestic goose or duck and can usually be sourced from specialty meat shops or ordered online. Fresh cranberries, another key ingredient, can typically be found in the fresh produce section or frozen aisle at your local supermarket. If you can't find fresh cranberries, frozen ones or dried cranberries can be a good substitute.
Ingredients for Roasted Wild Goose
Whole goose: Wild goose lends a richer flavor to this recipe compared to conventional poultry.
Butter sticks: Butter is used to bind the stuffing and provide a rich, creamy flavor.
Fresh cranberries: Cranberries add a punch of tartness which cuts through the richness of the goose.
Raisins: Raisins add sweetness and a bit of chew to our stuffing.
Orange: Adds a fresh citrusy note.
Onion: Provides a base flavor for the stuffing.
Apple: Apples add a sweet, fruity taste that balances the savory ingredients.
Herbs: The mix of sage, tarragon, basil, and bay leaf adds depth and complexity to the flavor profile of this dish.
Garlic: Garlic provides a pungent, spicy flavor that enhances the overall taste.
Salt and ground black pepper: Basic seasoning to enhance the flavors.
Bacon: Bacon gives a smoky and savory taste.
One reader, Creigh Perea says:
The roasted wild goose recipe was a game-changer for our holiday dinner. The meat was succulent, and the stuffing was bursting with flavor. The combination of cranberries, raisins, and bacon was a delightful surprise. It's a must-try for anyone looking to impress their guests with a unique and delicious dish.
Techniques Required for Roasting Wild Goose
How to prepare the goose: This involves rinsing and patting the goose dry, as well as stuffing the cavity with the butter and fruit mixture.
How to roast the goose: This involves wrapping the goose in bacon and roasting it in the oven at 325 degrees F for 3 to 4 hours, until it reaches an internal temperature of 180 degrees F.
How to rest the goose: After roasting, the goose should be left to rest for 15 minutes breast-side down, then 10 minutes breast-side up before carving and serving.
How To Make Roasted Wild Goose
Fancy up dinners with this wild goose recipe for an elegant dish! A whole goose is filled with a fruity stuffing and wrapped with bacon for a crisp bite.
Serves:
Ingredients
- 12lbswhole goose,(1 whole), skinned
- 2butter sticks,cold, cut into small pieces
- 1½cupsfresh cranberries
- ½cupraisins
- 1large orange,with peel, chopped
- 1medium onion,chopped
- 1large apple,peeled, cored and quartered
- 1tspdried sage
- 1tspdried tarragon
- 1tspdried basil
- 1tspgarlic,or to taste, minced
- 1bay leaf,broken into pieces
- salt and ground black pepper,to taste
- 1lbbacon
Instructions
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Preheat the oven to 325 degrees F. Rinse and pat the goose dry.
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Place the cold butter in a large bowl and add cranberries, raisins, orange, onion, apple, sage, tarragon, basil, garlic, bay leaf, salt, and pepper. Mix well using hands until a large ball of butter and fruit is formed.
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Stuff the ball of butter into the body cavity of the goose. Close the cavity and tie the drumsticks together with kitchen twine. Sew the cavity shut, if desired.
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Place 2 large layers of foil on a work surface. Make a bed of bacon slices in the center of the foil by placing 4 or 5 slices side by side. Lay the goose on top, breast-side up.
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Cover the breast and legs with remaining bacon. Bring the foil up and fold, sealing in the bird, leaving a small space around the bird for air circulation. Place the foil-covered bird into a roasting pan.
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Roast in the preheated oven for 3 to 4 hours until no longer pink in the center. An instant-read thermometer inserted into the largest part of the thigh should read 180 degrees F.
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Remove from the oven, leave the bird breast-side down, and let rest for 15 minutes. Turn the bird breast-side up and let rest for 10 minutes.
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Open the foil pouch very carefully. Remove and discard all stuffing and transfer the bird to a serving platter.
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Slice, carve, and serve, or serve whole and carve at the table. Enjoy!
Nutrition
- Calories: 2430.67kcal
- Fat: 219.54g
- Saturated Fat: 70.93g
- Trans Fat: 0.80g
- Monounsaturated Fat: 109.42g
- Polyunsaturated Fat: 24.14g
- Carbohydrates: 16.15g
- Fiber: 2.79g
- Sugar: 9.95g
- Protein: 93.14g
- Cholesterol: 513.98mg
- Sodium: 1605.20mg
- Calcium: 102.62mg
- Potassium: 1944.92mg
- Iron: 14.37mg
- Vitamin A: 256.27µg
- Vitamin C: 36.99mg
Technique Tip for Achieving Perfectly Roasted Wild Goose
When roasting a goose, it's important to remember that it has less fat than domesticated geese. To prevent it from drying out, consider basting it with its own juices or with a mixture of melted butter and herbs. This will not only keep the meat moist but also add a layer of flavor. Additionally, using bacon to cover the breast and legs can also help to keep the meat moist and tender, while adding a smoky flavor to the bird. Remember to remove the bacon towards the end of the cooking time to allow the skin to crisp up.
Time-Saving Tips for Making Roasted Wild Goose
Prep ahead: Prepare the stuffing and butter mixture the day before and store it in the refrigerator. This will save you time on the day of cooking.
Use a roasting bag: Consider using a roasting bag to cook the goose. It can help reduce cooking time and keep the meat moist.
Invest in a meat thermometer: Using a meat thermometer can help you ensure that the goose is cooked perfectly without overcooking it, saving you time and effort.
Spatchcock the goose: Spatchcocking the goose can help it cook more evenly and in less time, making the roasting process quicker.
Prep your ingredients: Chop, measure, and prepare all your ingredients before you start cooking to streamline the process and save time.
Substitute Ingredients For Roasted Wild Goose Recipe
whole goose - Substitute with whole duck: Duck has a similar rich and gamey flavor to goose, making it a suitable substitute for this recipe.
butter - Substitute with ghee: Ghee is a clarified butter that adds a rich, nutty flavor and is suitable for high-heat cooking like roasting.
fresh cranberries - Substitute with dried cranberries: Dried cranberries can be rehydrated and used in place of fresh ones, providing a sweet and tart flavor to the dish.
raisins - Substitute with dried currants: Dried currants have a similar sweet and tangy flavor to raisins and can be used as a substitute in this recipe.
orange - Substitute with tangerine: Tangerines have a similar citrusy flavor to oranges and can be used as a substitute in this recipe.
onion - Substitute with shallots: Shallots have a milder flavor compared to onions and can add a subtle sweetness to the dish.
apple - Substitute with pear: Pears have a similar texture and sweetness to apples and can be used as a substitute in this recipe.
dried sage - Substitute with dried thyme: Dried thyme has a similar earthy and slightly minty flavor to sage and can be used as a substitute in this recipe.
dried tarragon - Substitute with dried marjoram: Dried marjoram has a slightly sweeter and milder flavor compared to tarragon, making it a suitable substitute.
dried basil - Substitute with dried oregano: Dried oregano has a similar earthy and slightly peppery flavor to basil and can be used as a substitute in this recipe.
garlic - Substitute with garlic powder: Garlic powder can be used as a substitute for fresh garlic, providing a concentrated garlic flavor to the dish.
bacon - Substitute with pancetta: Pancetta is an Italian bacon that adds a similar salty and savory flavor to the dish.
Presenting Your Roasted Wild Goose Dish
Elevate the plating: When presenting the roasted wild goose, focus on creating an elegant and visually appealing plate. Use edible flowers and microgreens to add a pop of color and freshness to the dish.
Incorporate texture: Introduce a variety of textures to the plate by adding crispy fried shallots or pomegranate arils for a burst of juiciness. This will enhance the overall dining experience and add complexity to each bite.
Utilize negative space: Embrace the concept of minimalism by allowing some negative space on the plate. This will draw attention to the beautifully roasted wild goose and create a sense of balance in the presentation.
Garnish with finesse: Add a final touch of sophistication by garnishing the dish with a drizzle of balsamic reduction or a sprinkle of flaky sea salt. These subtle yet impactful garnishes will elevate the flavors and aesthetics of the dish.
Essential Tools for Preparing Roasted Wild Goose
- Oven: A kitchen appliance used for roasting, baking, and heating food.
- Kitchen twine: A strong, food-safe twine used for trussing meats and securing stuffed poultry.
- Foil: Aluminum foil is used for wrapping and covering food during cooking to retain moisture and heat.
- Roasting pan: A deep, heavy-duty pan used for roasting meats and vegetables in the oven.
- Instant-read thermometer: A thermometer used to quickly check the internal temperature of the meat to ensure it is cooked thoroughly.
- Sewing needle: A needle used for sewing the cavity of the goose shut, if desired.
- Mixing bowl: A bowl used for mixing the butter, fruits, and seasonings for stuffing the goose.
- Food processor: A kitchen appliance used for chopping, blending, and mixing ingredients for the stuffing.
- Serving platter: A large, flat dish used for presenting and serving the roasted goose.
- Carving knife: A sharp knife used for carving and slicing the roasted goose before serving.
Storing and Freezing Roasted Wild Goose
Here are the storing and freezing guidelines for roasted wild goose:
- Let the roasted goose cool completely before storing or freezing. This will prevent condensation from forming and making the meat soggy.
- Remove any stuffing from the cavity of the goose before storing or freezing. Store the stuffing separately in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- To store the roasted goose in the refrigerator:
- Place the goose in an airtight container or wrap it tightly with plastic wrap or aluminum foil.
- Store in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
- When ready to reheat, remove from the refrigerator and let it come to room temperature for about 30 minutes before reheating in the oven at 325°F until heated through.
- To freeze the roasted goose:
- Wrap the goose tightly with plastic wrap or aluminum foil, making sure to remove as much air as possible to prevent freezer burn.
- Place the wrapped goose in a freezer-safe container or freezer bag, label with the date, and freeze for up to 3 months.
- When ready to reheat, remove the goose from the freezer and let it thaw in the refrigerator overnight.
- Once thawed, remove the wrapping and place the goose in a roasting pan. Reheat in the oven at 325°F until heated through, about 45 minutes to 1 hour.
- To store any leftover goose meat:
- Remove the meat from the bones and place in an airtight container or wrap tightly with plastic wrap or aluminum foil.
- Store in the refrigerator for up to 4 days or in the freezer for up to 3 months.
- Reheat in the oven or on the stovetop until heated through before serving.
How To Reheat Leftover Roasted Wild Goose
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Place the leftover goose in an oven-safe dish and cover it with foil. Reheat for about 20-25 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C). This method helps to retain moisture and prevent the meat from drying out.
For a quicker option, use the microwave. Place the goose pieces in a microwave-safe dish and cover with a damp paper towel. Microwave on high for 1-2 minutes per pound, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C). Let the meat rest for a few minutes before serving to allow the juices to redistribute.
If you have a lot of leftover goose, consider shredding the meat and using it in other dishes. Shredded goose can be added to soups, salads, sandwiches, or tacos for a delicious and creative way to use up leftovers.
For a crispy skin, reheat the goose in a skillet or on a grill pan. Place the goose pieces skin-side down in a preheated skillet or grill pan over medium heat. Cook for 3-4 minutes, or until the skin is crispy and the meat is heated through.
If you want to infuse the leftover goose with additional flavor, try basting it with a mixture of chicken broth, orange juice, and a touch of honey before reheating. This will add moisture and a subtle sweetness to the meat.
Random Fact About Roasted Wild Goose
The roasted wild goose recipe is a traditional dish enjoyed during festive occasions such as Thanksgiving and Christmas. It is a popular dish in many cultures and is often served as a special treat during the holiday season. The rich and flavorful meat of the wild goose makes it a delicious and unique alternative to more common poultry options. Additionally, wild goose meat is lean and high in protein, making it a healthy choice for those looking to enjoy a hearty and satisfying meal. This recipe is a great way to experience the rich flavors of wild game and create a memorable dining experience for family and friends.
Is Roasting Wild Goose Economical for Home Cooking?
This roasted wild goose recipe is moderately cost-effective for a household. While goose can be more expensive than other meats, the recipe utilizes simple and readily available ingredients. The combination of butter, cranberries, and bacon adds depth of flavor, making it worth the investment. The approximate cost for a household of 4 people is around $50-$60, considering the price of the goose and other ingredients. Overall Verdict: 8/10. The unique flavors and impressive presentation make it a worthwhile choice for special occasions or festive gatherings.
Is Roasted Wild Goose Healthy or Unhealthy?
The roasted wild goose recipe is a delicious but unhealthy dish due to its high fat and calorie content. The recipe calls for a significant amount of butter, bacon, and a whole goose, which are all high in saturated fat and cholesterol. The stuffing ingredients, such as cranberries, raisins, and apple, add some nutritional value, but they are overshadowed by the excessive use of butter. The cooking method of roasting the goose wrapped in bacon further increases the fat content of the dish.
To make this recipe healthier, consider the following suggestions:
- Reduce the amount of butter used in the stuffing or replace it with a healthier alternative like olive oil
- Use leaner cuts of bacon or omit it altogether
- Remove the skin from the goose before cooking to reduce the fat content
- Increase the proportion of fruits and vegetables in the stuffing to boost the nutritional value
- Experiment with herbs and spices to add flavor without relying on excessive fat
- Serve the roasted goose with a side of steamed or roasted vegetables to balance the meal
By making these adjustments, you can still enjoy the flavors of this traditional dish while reducing its negative impact on your health.
Editor's Thoughts on This Roasted Wild Goose Recipe
The roasted wild goose recipe is a delightful combination of savory and sweet flavors. The use of cranberries, raisins, and orange, along with the aromatic herbs, infuses the meat with a burst of deliciousness. The bacon wrapping ensures the goose stays moist and flavorful during the roasting process. The result is a succulent and tender goose with a perfect balance of flavors. This recipe is a wonderful choice for a special occasion or holiday feast, showcasing the rich and unique taste of wild game.
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Why trust this Roasted Wild Goose Recipe:
This recipe for roasted wild goose is a trusted and time-tested classic, perfect for special occasions and holiday feasts. The combination of butter, cranberries, raisins, and a blend of aromatic herbs and spices creates a symphony of flavors that will delight the taste buds. The method of roasting the goose with a bacon wrap ensures a succulent and flavorful result. With the careful preparation and cooking instructions, this recipe promises to deliver a mouthwatering and impressive dish that will earn the trust and admiration of anyone who tries it.
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