Try this mouthwatering stuffed roast opossum recipe today!
As a home chef who loves throwing parties, trust me when I say that there is no greater showstopper than a beautifully roasted and stuffed opossum. Yes, I know it may sound unconventional or even taboo for some, but hear me out. Stuffed roast opossum is a beloved Southern classic that dates back to pre-Civil War times. In fact, during World War II, the U.S. government even urged citizens to cook and eat more opossums as a patriotic duty to help with food shortages.
Despite its controversial reputation, cooking possum is an art form – one that every adventurous chef should experience at least once in their life. The meat may be lean and slightly tougher than other game meats, but when seasoned correctly and cooked to tender perfection, it boasts a sweet and nutty flavor profile that rivals some of the most expensive cuts of meat out there.
In this recipe article, I will guide you through the process of making my family’s time-honored stuffed roast opossum recipe, which features a savory stuffing made with onions, hard-boiled eggs, breadcrumbs, and optional liver. Trust me when I say that after trying this dish, your guests won’t be able to resist coming back for seconds (and maybe even thirds). So buckle up and get ready to impress your friends and family with this unique and delicious Southern delicacy!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Attention all adventurous foodies! Have you ever heard of a stuffed roast opossum recipe? If not, you’re in for a real treat. I promise this recipe will be your next favorite dish that will leave your taste buds craving for more. I know it might sound strange to some people, but trust me, the flavor of the roasted opossum combined with the savory stuffing will blow your mind.
One reason why you’ll love this recipe is its unique flavor profile. The meaty and slightly gamey taste of the possum coupled with Worcestershire sauce, hard-boiled egg, and breadcrumbs creates a mouthwatering sensation that can’t be found in any other dish. Whether you’re looking for new and exotic flavors to try or are simply bored with your everyday meals, this stuffed roast opossum recipe is guaranteed to satisfy your cravings.
Another reason to give this recipe a chance is that it exemplifies traditional Southern cooking. This iconic recipe has been passed down through generations and still remains a popular dish in Southern cuisine. By making this dish, you’ll not only enjoy its irresistible taste but also become part of a culinary tradition that reflects the heritage and culture of the region.
Moreover, stuffed roast opossum recipe requires minimal effort to prepare while showcasing an impressive presentation. Just imagine presenting a whole roasted possum at your dinner party – it’s something that will keep your guests amazed and their taste buds pleased.
In conclusion, if you want to make an impression at your next event or are looking for a unique and unforgettable dining experience; stuffed roast opossum recipe is definitely the way to go. With its outstanding taste, convenience of preparation, and historical significance – this classic Southern dish won’t disappoint.
Ingredient List
Here is what you will need to create what is sure to be a showstopper meal: a 1 opossum, preferably fat with liver (optional); 1 cup salt (for soaking and seasoning); 1 large onion, chopped fine; 1 cup breadcrumbs, chopped; red pepper (1 tbsp); worcestershire sauce (4 tbsp); salt and pepper for seasoning; 2-3 slices of bread for making stuffing (1 slice of bread per person), light brown by being soaked in water and squeezed dry; hard-boiled egg (1). Make sure to have a good-sized roasting pan on hand for the main course. For an added side dish, consider roasted sweet potatoes to balance the savory flavor of the dish.
The Recipe How-To
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Clean and prepare the opossum – The first step in cooking an opossum is to clean it properly. Soak the opossum in cold salted water that covers it completely for about an hour. Drain the water, rinse thoroughly with fresh water, then place the opossum in boiling water for about 10 minutes.
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Stuff the opossum – Once the opossum has been cleaned and prepared, it’s time to stuff it with your desired filling. You can use a variety of ingredients, such as bread crumbs, liver, onions, hard-boiled eggs, Worcestershire sauce, and red pepper flakes. Stuff the mixture into the cavity of the opossum.
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Close up the cavity – Sew up or skewer together the open end of the opossum’s cavity with cooking twine or large sewing needles and strong thread.
Roasting the Stuffed Opossum
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Preheat your oven – Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
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Prepare a roasting pan – Lightly flour a roasting pan to help prevent sticking and add fat drippings from roasted possum (if available).
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Roast the stuffed opossum – Place the stuffed opossum in the prepared roasting pan and roast for 2–3 hours or until cooked through (about 165°F or 75°C). Baste occasionally while cooking by spooning over fat from pan.
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Rest before serving – Once cooked through, remove from oven and let rest for at least 15 minutes before carving.
Making substitutions and variations
- For more depth of flavor, you can add diced sweet potatoes or other root vegetables to roast along with possum
- If liver isn’t available or preferred, skip it altogether or replace with sausage
- For a less spicy flavor profile, you can opt out of adding red pepper flakes
After following these steps carefully, your guests will enjoy a richly flavorful and surprisingly savory dish and will keep asking for more of your recipes!
Substitutions and Variations
For those who are hesitant to try the traditional opossum recipe, there are several substitutions and variations that may be of interest.
If you do not have access to an opossum, this recipe can be adapted for other meats like chicken or goose. The flavor profile will differ, but it can still be a delicious and impressive dish to serve at your next gathering. Alternatively, a possum pie or possum belly can be substituted for the stuffed roast opossum as they both have similar textures and flavors.
For those who prefer a milder taste, omitting the liver is also possible. However, liver is a vital element of the traditional recipe and adds depth to the overall flavor.
Those with dietary restrictions may appreciate gluten-free bread crumbs as a substitution for regular bread crumbs. And for vegetarians or vegans, stuffing the roast with wild rice or quinoa instead of meat may be an exciting variation.
As for sides, sweet potatoes pair beautifully with this dish and complement its sweetness. You can also experiment with different vegetables such as roasted root vegetables or steamed greens to add more texture and color to the plate.
Whether you choose to stick with tradition or try something new, there are many variations and substitutions that can make this recipe work for you and your guests.
Serving and Pairing
Serving stuffed roast opossum is an experience that will not be quickly forgotten. The tender, juicy meat combined with the savory stuffing creates a flavor explosion that will have your guests begging for more. While some may balk at the idea of cooking an animal that they consider to be a nuisance, many connoisseurs relish in the opportunity to cook and eat this unique delicacy.
To complement the earthy flavors of the opossum, pair the dish with traditional southern sides such as collard greens or mashed sweet potatoes. The sweetness of the potatoes balances out the saltiness of the meat and complements the subtle spice from the Worcestershire sauce.
Alternatively, you can serve this dish with roasted vegetables like carrots, green beans and asparagus to add a texture contrast while keeping it healthy. You can also complete your menu by adding salad toppings like chopped onions or avocado tossed with vinaigrette over lettuce for a refreshing bite.
When it comes to pairing drinks with this dish, offer your guests a selection of full-bodied red wines like Cabernet Sauvignon or Merlot. These fruity wines pair well with strong flavors and provide an acidic balance to cut through rather rich flavors.
While this recipe is sure to leave a lasting impression on your guests, you may also want to consider pairing it with other Southern classics such as possum stew recipe, possum pie or even a roast goose for those who are less adventurous. Ultimately, your guests will leave your party feeling satisfied, entertained and filled with joy as they reminisce about their culinary experience.
Make-Ahead, Storing and Reheating
When it comes to make-ahead options, stuffed roast opossum can be a real time saver. If you’re hosting an event but don’t want to be stuck in the kitchen the whole time, you can easily prepare your stuffed roast opossum a day or two ahead of time. Simply follow the recipe as usual, then let the dish cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container and refrigerating it overnight.
Likewise, storing your leftovers is also an easy task. Once again, simply transfer any unused portions to an airtight container and keep them in the refrigerator for up to three days. But that’s not all – stuffed roast opossum is also freezable! If you have a lot of leftovers, or want to save some for later without the worry of spoilage, just wrap your dish tightly with aluminum foil or plastic wrap and then stick it in the freezer.
To reheat your make-ahead stuffed roast opossum, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Remove your dish from its airtight container and place it in a baking dish that will fit properly into the oven. Make sure it’s well-covered with foil so that it doesn’t dry out during cooking. Bake in the preheated oven until heated through, which could take around 30-45 minutes if frozen or approximately 20 minutes if chilled.
While stuffing an opossum with hard-boiled egg, Worcestershire sauce, liver and onion may seem strange at first glance, trust me when I say that you and your guests are going to love this classic southern dish. And now that you know how easy it is to make-ahead, store and reheat this delicious stuffed roast opossum recipe, there’s no excuse not to give it a try!
Tips for Perfect Results
As any home chef knows, the key to a successful meal is in the details. When it comes to cooking a stuffed roast opossum, attention to detail can make all the difference between a mediocre dish and a truly memorable one. Here are some tips to make sure that your stuffed roast opossum recipe comes out perfectly every time.
First of all, salt plays a critical role in this recipe. To ensure that your possum is properly seasoned throughout, be sure to rub salt both inside and outside the animal before stuffing it. Additionally, don’t go light on the seasonings – this dish benefits from an ample amount of red pepper and Worcestershire sauce for flavor enhancement.
When stuffing the opossum, it’s important to use bread crumbs that have been finely chopped so that you get a nice texture without encountering large chunks of bread. For those who want to experiment with different flavors or textures, consider substituting some sweet potato in your filling for a boost of sweetness!
One of the most important tips for perfect results with this recipe (or any recipe involving meat) is to let your stuffed opossum rest at room temperature for about half an hour prior to cooking so that it can evenly absorb heat and cook through properly. Once you have roasted your opossum to perfection, allow it to rest again before serving up slices.
Finally, don’t forget about presentation! This dish can be an impressive centerpiece for any dinner party, so consider garnishing with fresh herbs or other colorful elements. With the right attention and care, your stuffed roast opossum will taste just as good as any dish you’ve tried from Joy of Cooking or other classic cookbooks.
FAQ
As a scribe for a home chef, it’s important to anticipate some of the questions that might arise when preparing unusual recipes like the stuffed roast opossum. In this section, we’ll answer some of the most common questions that home cooks might have before attempting to cook this dish, and provide some additional tips to ensure perfect results. So let’s dive in!
What’s the best way to cook possum?
For a tasty opossum dish, start by generously seasoning it with black pepper. Next, lightly sprinkle some flour over the meat to help it brown nicely. To add some moisture while cooking, take a spoon and lightly baste the opossum with some broth. Then, pop it in the oven at 350 degrees F and keep a watchful eye as it cooks to a light or preferred brown. Keep basting the opossum with the broth or oleo. When ready to be served, sprinkle some more broth over the top for extra flavor.
What does possum taste like?
In the past, a popular way of preparing possum was by baking it together with sweet potatoes which was seen as a replacement for the traditional English roast served with white potatoes. The dish was commonly spiced with red pepper to enhance its flavor and texture, and many have compared its taste to that of pork.
Can you eat opossums?
Possums are edible, but it is crucial to handle and cook them with great caution. This is mainly because possums have been known to harbor various harmful germs, including the bacterial infection called “Tularaemia.” While this illness is rare, it is still essential to take all necessary precautions when preparing possums for consumption.
Why are possums good for the environment?
Possums are more than just tick exterminators. They play a vital role in maintaining a healthy environment by feeding on various pests like cockroaches, rats, and mice. Additionally, they help keep the ecosystem clean by consuming dead animals, also known as carrion.
Bottom Line
In conclusion, the stuffed roast opossum recipe is hands down one of the most unique and delicious dishes to serve at a party or gathering. It’s a recipe that has been passed down for generations and is part of Southern cuisine tradition. The key to a perfect opossum recipe, roasted or stuffed, is choosing the right ingredients and flavors that compliment this unique animal’s taste. By using the suggested ingredient list, following the how-to instructions, and incorporating your favorite substitutions and variations, you can create a dish that tastes like nothing else.
Although there may be some reservations about cooking possum or opossum meat, it is no different from preparing any other animal. The meat can be incredibly tender and flavorful when cooked correctly, and it will surely be a conversation starter at any event. Even though opossums are sometimes considered pests, with their oily gray fur and pointy snouts; they’re much more appetizing than you would think!
The stuffed roast opossum recipe may not be for everyone, but it’s undoubtedly worth trying at least once. Not only will you have an unforgettable dining experience along with opportunities to explore Southern cuisine traditions, but you’ll also become part of preserving history culture from generations past.
So next time you have a gathering or just want to try something new in your kitchen, consider giving this recipe a go – if not for the experience itself then to pay homage to the passion of our ancestors who created ways to utilize food in unexpected ways.
Stuffed Roast Opossum Recipe
Ingredients
- 1 opossum
- 1 cup salt
Opossum Stuffing
- 1 large onion, chopped fine
- 1 tablespoon fat
- opossum liver (optional)
- 1 cup breadcrumbs
- chopped red pepper
- 1 dash Worcestershire sauce
- 1 hard-boiled egg, chopped fine
- salt, to taste
Instructions
- Roast Opossum:
- The opossum is a very fat animal with a peculiarly flavored meat.
- It is dressed much as one would dress a suckling pig, removing the entrails, and if desired, the head and tail.
- After it is dressed, wash thoroughly inside and out with hot water.
- Cover with cold water to which has been added 1 cup of salt.
- Allow to stand overnight. In morning, drain off the salted water and rinse well with clear water.
- Stuff opossum with opossum stuffing (stuffing recipes next); sew opening or fasten with skewers.
- Place in roaster, add 2 tablespoons water and roast in moderate oven (350°F) until tender and richly browned, about one and one half hours.
- Baste every 15 minutes with drippings.
- Remove skewers or stitches, and place on heated platter.
- Skim fat from gravy remaining in pan.
- Opossum Stuffing:
- Brown onion in fat.
- Add finely chopped opossum liver and cook until liver is tender.
- Add crumbs, a little red pepper, Worcestershire sauce, egg, salt and water to moisten.
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Anna is a culinary expert who specializes in grilling delicious BBQ dishes. She also enjoys sharing her recipes and experiences with her foodie community on her blog. She’s the total package for any backyard barbecue!