If you’re curious about how to cook a possum, you’re in for a culinary adventure that combines tradition, patience, and a bit of southern charm. While possum might not be the most common meat on the table, it has a rich history in Southern and rural American cooking. This guide will walk you through the basics of preparing and cooking possum in a way that is approachable, tasty, and respectful of this unusual ingredient.
Understanding Possum as Food
Possum, or opossum, is a wild game meat that has been part of Southern cuisine for generations. It is known for being quite fatty, so proper preparation is key to making it enjoyable. Many traditional recipes suggest “feeding out” the possum before cooking, meaning capturing it and feeding it bland foods to improve the flavor and reduce gaminess.
Preparing Your Possum
Before cooking, the possum needs to be skinned and cleaned thoroughly. Removing the head and feet is standard practice. After cleaning, it’s recommended to soak the meat in a saltwater brine overnight. This helps tenderize the meat and season it from within.
Cooking Methods for Possum
1. Boiling and Roasting
One of the most common methods involves boiling the possum first to tenderize the meat and remove excess fat. Place the cleaned possum in a large pot with enough water to cover it. Add a halved onion and an apple (unpeeled) to the pot for flavor, along with salt. Boil on medium heat for one to two hours or until the meat is tender when pierced with a fork.
After boiling, remove the possum, discard the onion and apple, and place the meat in a baking pan. Remove as much fat as possible, then rub the possum with butter or oleo and sprinkle with black pepper. Lightly dust with flour to help brown the meat. Pour some of the broth from boiling around the possum and bake in the oven until browned and cooked through.
2. Dutch Oven Stew
Another delicious way to cook possum is by browning the meat in oil in a Dutch oven or heavy skillet. After browning, add garlic, onions, carrots, canned corn, tomatoes, bell pepper, zucchini, cabbage, tomato juice, vinegar, Tabasco, salt, and pepper. Cover and simmer for about 45 minutes, then add potatoes and simmer another 15 minutes until the vegetables are tender. This method creates a hearty stew packed with flavor.
3. Barbecue Style
For a smoky flavor, you can barbecue possum pieces. Dip the cut-up possum in your favorite marinade or seasoning, then barbecue for about 20 minutes or until cooked to your taste. This method is quicker but still delivers a satisfying result.
4. Stuffed Possum Roast
If you want a show-stopping dish, try stuffing the possum. After soaking the cleaned possum in saltwater for about 10 hours and rinsing, stuff the cavity with prepared stuffing mix. Place the stuffed possum in a roasting pan with water, beef bouillon cubes, bay leaves, celery, and onions. Roast at 350°F for about 2 hours, then reduce heat to 300°F and cook for another hour or until done. This method yields tender meat with a flavorful stuffing complementing the gamey taste.
Tips for Cooking Possum
– Remove Fat: Possum meat is naturally fatty, so trimming excess fat after boiling is crucial to avoid greasy dishes.
– Slow Cooking: Possum benefits from slow, low-heat cooking to break down the tough fibers and enhance tenderness.
– Season Well: Use bold seasonings like garlic, onions, vinegar, and hot sauce to balance the flavor.
– Serve with Sides: Sweet potatoes, potatoes, and hearty vegetables are traditional accompaniments that complement possum well.
A Simple Recipe to Try: Possum and Sweet Potatoes
Ingredients:
– 1 young, fat possum, skinned and cleaned
– 8 sweet potatoes, peeled
– 2 tablespoons butter
– 1 tablespoon sugar
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
- Boil the possum in a covered pan with a little water until tender.
- Meanwhile, boil sweet potatoes with butter, sugar, and salt until soft.
- Arrange the boiled possum and sweet potatoes in a baking dish.
- Sprinkle with thyme, marjoram, or pepper and top with bacon strips if desired.
- Bake in the oven, basting often with drippings, until browned and flavorful.
Cooking possum is a unique experience that connects you with a piece of culinary history. With patience and the right techniques, you can turn this wild game into a memorable meal.
Enjoy your cooking adventure!
Possum meat requires careful preparation and slow cooking to become tender and tasty. With the right recipe and seasoning, it can be a delicious, hearty dish worth trying.