Wild Mushroom Hunter's Sauce
This savory Wild Mushroom Hunter's Sauce (Jaegersosse) is an exquisite German delight that perfectly complements hearty dishes like spaetzle, schnitzel, and succulent game meats. Rich in flavor, this sauce melds the smokiness of bacon with the earthy tones of mushrooms, creating a complex profile that tantalizes the palate. Whether you're preparing a family dinner or impressing guests, this sauce can elevate your meal. Forget the expensive gourmet mushrooms; regular varieties work beautifully too! This recipe is simple to prepare, making it an approachable choice for both novice and experienced cooks alike.
5
Servings
N/A
Calories
12
Ingredients
Ingredients
Smoked bacon
60 g (cubed)
Onion
1 medium (cubed)
Flour
2 tablespoons (none)
Water
1/4 liter (none)
Red wine
1/8 liter (none)
Vegetable or chicken stock cube
1 cube (for 1/2 liter of stock)
Thyme
to taste (none)
Rosemary
to taste (none)
Pepper
to taste (none)
Tomato paste
1 teaspoon (none)
Pickle
1 small (optional) (none)
Mushrooms (yellow boletus or chanterelle)
100 g (chopped)
Instructions
1
In a medium saucepan, add the cubed smoked bacon and heat over medium heat until the fat is rendered and the bacon is crisp.
2
Add the cubed onion to the pan and sauté in the bacon fat until translucent and lightly caramelized.
3
Stir in the chopped mushrooms and cook until they release their moisture and are nicely browned.
4
Once there is no visible liquid left, sprinkle in the flour and stir to incorporate, cooking for about 2-3 minutes to form a medium brown roux.
5
Gradually add the water and red wine to the roux, whisking continuously to prevent lumps. Bring the mixture to a gentle boil.
6
Dissolve the stock cube into the sauce and stir in the thyme, rosemary, and pepper to taste.
7
Finally, add the tomato paste and, if using, the finely chopped pickle. Stir well to combine.
8
Allow the sauce to simmer for an additional 5-10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until it thickens to your desired consistency.
9
Serve immediately over your choice of spaetzle, schnitzel, or game meats. Store leftovers in the refrigerator or freeze for future use.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Wild Mushroom Hunter's Sauce?
Wild Mushroom Hunter's Sauce, or Jaegersosse, is a savory German sauce that combines smoked bacon and earthy mushrooms, perfect for hearty dishes.
What dishes pair well with this sauce?
It is an excellent accompaniment for spaetzle, schnitzel, and various succulent game meats.
Is this recipe suitable for beginners?
Yes, the recipe is described as simple and approachable for both novice and experienced cooks.
Can I use regular mushrooms instead of gourmet ones?
Absolutely! While yellow boletus or chanterelles are mentioned, regular mushroom varieties work beautifully as well.
What type of bacon should be used?
The recipe calls for 60 grams of smoked bacon, cubed.
How do I start the cooking process?
Begin by heating cubed smoked bacon in a medium saucepan over medium heat until the fat renders and the bacon is crisp.
How should the onion be prepared?
One medium onion should be cubed and sautéed in the bacon fat until translucent and lightly caramelized.
When do I add the mushrooms?
Add the chopped mushrooms after the onions are caramelized and cook them until they release moisture and brown.
How is the sauce thickened?
The sauce is thickened by stirring flour into the bacon and mushroom mixture to form a medium brown roux.
How long should the roux cook?
The flour should be cooked for about 2 to 3 minutes to achieve the desired medium brown color.
What liquids are used in the sauce?
The recipe uses 1/4 liter of water and 1/8 liter of red wine.
How can I prevent lumps in the sauce?
Gradually add the water and red wine while whisking continuously to ensure a smooth consistency.
What kind of stock is recommended?
You can use either a vegetable or chicken stock cube dissolved into the sauce.
Which herbs are included in the recipe?
Thyme and rosemary are added to taste to provide earthy flavor profiles.
Is tomato paste a necessary ingredient?
Yes, one teaspoon of tomato paste is added to help develop the flavor and color of the sauce.
Are pickles mandatory in Hunter's Sauce?
No, adding a small, finely chopped pickle is optional but provides an extra layer of flavor.
How long does the sauce need to simmer?
The sauce should simmer for 5 to 10 minutes until it reaches your desired thickness.
How many servings does this recipe make?
This recipe is designed to yield 5 servings.
How should leftovers be stored?
Leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator or frozen for future use.
What is the German name for this sauce?
This sauce is traditionally known as Jaegersosse.
Does the recipe require specific seasonings?
The recipe uses thyme, rosemary, and pepper to taste for seasoning.
What is the preparation for the mushrooms?
The mushrooms should be chopped before being added to the saucepan.
What is the preparation for the optional pickle?
If using a pickle, it should be finely chopped before being stirred into the sauce.
What heat level is used for rendering the bacon?
Medium heat is used to render the fat and crisp the bacon.
What color should the roux be?
The recipe specifies creating a medium brown roux.
Can I use chicken stock?
Yes, the recipe allows for either a vegetable or chicken stock cube.
Is the sauce served hot?
Yes, it should be served immediately over your choice of meat or noodles.
How much flour is required?
The recipe requires 2 tablespoons of flour.
What is the total ingredient count?
There are 12 ingredients listed in this recipe.
Is this a savory or sweet sauce?
This is a savory sauce with smoky and earthy flavor profiles.