As the sun dipped below the horizon, painting the sky in hues of orange and purple, I found myself reminiscing about a memorable camping trip with friends deep in the heart of the Canadian wilderness. Surrounded by towering pines and the distant call of loons, we decided to create a feast that would celebrate the wild flavors of the land. Inspired by the rich game meats we had brought along, I crafted these herb-crusted venison and bison skewers, a dish that not only tasted exceptional but also captured the essence of that unforgettable adventure.
Ingredients
2 cups cubed venison
2 cups cubed bison meat
4 tablespoons olive oil
2 tablespoons fresh rosemary, finely chopped
2 tablespoons fresh thyme, finely chopped
1 tablespoon garlic powder
1 tablespoon smoked paprika
1 teaspoon sea salt
1 teaspoon black pepper
1 red bell pepper, cut into squares
1 yellow bell pepper, cut into squares
1 red onion, cut into quarters
Wooden skewers, soaked in water for 30 minutes
Instructions
Begin by preparing the marinade. In a large mixing bowl, combine the olive oil, chopped rosemary, thyme, garlic powder, smoked paprika, sea salt, and black pepper. Whisk the mixture until well blended, creating a fragrant herb-infused oil that will enhance the game meats.
Gently fold the cubed venison and bison into the marinade, ensuring that each piece is thoroughly coated. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and let the meat marinate in the refrigerator for at least one hour, allowing the flavors to meld together beautifully.
While the meat is marinating, prep the vegetables. Cut the red and yellow bell peppers into squares and the red onion into quarters. These vibrant veggies will add color and sweetness to the skewers.
Once the meat has marinated, it’s time to assemble the skewers. Take a soaked wooden skewer and alternate threading the marinated venison and bison with the colorful pieces of bell pepper and onion. This not only adds visual appeal but also a delightful crunch and sweetness to balance the rich game flavors.
Preheat your grill to medium-high heat. Carefully place the skewers on the grill and cook for about 8-10 minutes, turning occasionally, until the meat is browned and cooked to your desired level of doneness. The aroma of the grilling meat and herbs will transport you back to that magical camping trip.
Once cooked, remove the skewers from the grill and let them rest for a few minutes. Serve them with a side of chimichurri sauce or a simple yogurt dip to complement the robust flavors of the game meats.
As you savor these herb-crusted venison and bison skewers, let the memories of wild adventures and the beauty of nature fill your heart. This dish is not just a meal; it’s a celebration of togetherness, flavor, and the wild spirit that connects us to the land.