Ingredients
- 6 slices bacon, cut into 1/2-inch pieces
- 1 medium yellow onion, finely diced
- 2 teaspoons minced garlic
- 1 pound ground venison
- 1/4 pound ground veal or pork
- 1 cup buttermilk
- 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese, plus extra for garnish
- 2 teaspoons salt
- 1 teaspoon black pepper
- Creole seasoning
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh rosemary
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh sage
- 1/4 cup plus 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
- 1 cup dry red wine
- 1/4 cup flour
- 1 quart veal or chicken stock
- 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 4 tablespoons cold butter
- 2 pounds fresh pasta ribbons
- 1/2 cup chopped green onions
Directions
In a large saute pan set over medium high heat, render the bacon until crispy, about 4 minutes. Remove the bacon from the pan and drain on paper towels. Add the onions to the pan and cook until soft, about 3 minutes. Add the garlic and cook until aromatic, about 2 minutes. In the bowl of a food processor, process the onions and garlic into a smooth paste, then set aside to cool.
In a large mixing bowl combine the venison and veal. With an electric mixer fitted with a paddle attachment, blend the meats together on low speed. (Alternately, blend together the ingredients with a large wooden spoon.) Slowly add the bacon and onion mixture, and once incorporated, gradually add the buttermilk, breadcrumbs and cheese in stages. Add the salt, pepper, Essence, rosemary and sage, and blend thoroughly.
Form the meat into 20 even sized balls. Heat a large saute pan over medium high heat and heat 2 tablespoons of the vegetable oil. Add the meatballs to the pot in batches and sear on all sides. Remove the meatballs and add the red wine to deglaze the pan, scraping the bottom of the pan with a wooden spoon. Pour the pan juices into a cup and reserve. Add the remaining vegetable oil and flour to the pan and cook over medium heat to make a light brown roux, stirring constantly, about 5 -- 10 minutes. Add the veal stock to the pan and stir until the roux is completely dissolved. Bring the stock to a boil, then reduce the heat to a simmer. Let the sauce reduce for 15 minutes, then stir in the Dijon mustard and cream. Return the meatballs and reserved pan juices to the pot and cook for 20 minutes.
Bring a large pot of salted water to the boil. Add the pasta ribbons to the boiling water and cook until al dente, about 8 -- 10 minutes. Drain the pasta, toss lightly with olive oil and keep warm.
Swirl the cold butter into the sauce and adjust the seasoning to taste. Serve the noodles topped by meatballs and sauce, garnishing each serving with chopped green onions and grated Parmesan cheese.
















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By dirigo9
Binghamton, NY
on November 18, 2012
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Wow. These are so good. I've tried other recipes for venison meatballs before and nothing has come close to this creation of a tender meatball that highlights this wonderful meat so well. The assembly of ingredients for this recipe is pure genius. From the buttermilk for the moisture in the meatballs, to the purée of onions, garlic, and bacon fat to add flavor and necessary fat to this lean meat is just amazing. I learned so much making these, and although they at a bit time consuming, the time was completely worth it and I will make them again. The only thing I will change is to lay off on the salt a bit. Thanks to Emeril for taking the time to learn how to craft venison into this amazing dish.
By mirkkadavis
Brandon, FL
on November 17, 2010
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I've done this with venison when available; buffalo when there's no venison. I don't serve any pasta on the side, just meat balls for snacks / hors d'ouvres with sweet sauce. Excellent flavors!
By bmccullough10_1...
savannah, GA
on December 05, 2008
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This is fabulous! We've made it numerous times over the last couple of years and have always gotten rave reviews when its served to company. My husband doesn't hunt deer, but we make sure to buy a deer every year so we can make these venison meatballs.
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