Wild boar is one of Tuscany’s most iconic dishes—rich, hearty, and deeply tied to the region’s culinary traditions. Slow-simmered with red wine, herbs, and aromatic vegetables, this rustic recipe captures the essence of Tuscan cooking: simple ingredients elevated through time and care. Whether served over polenta or on its own, wild boar is a dish meant to be savored, especially when paired with a bold Tuscan red like Tua Rita’s Syrah Per Sempre.
Cinghiale alla Bracconiera (Wild Boar Hunter’s-Style)
Ingredients
- 1kg of wild boar
- 400 grams of tomato pulp
- 1 teaspoon of tomato paste
- 3 cloves of garlic, 1 carrot, 1 rib of celery
- 1 glass of red wine
- Chili
- 6 tablespoons of oil (possibly extra virgin olive oil)a pinch of fennel seeds or 2 bay leaves (depending on taste)
- salt and pepper
Method
- Marinate the meat.
Cut the wild boar into stew-sized pieces and marinate for 4–5 hours. Choose one of the following marinades:- Red wine marinade: Red wine, a splash of vinegar, 1 onion, 1 rib of celery, 1 carrot, a few juniper berries, and a pinch of coarse salt.
- Milk marinade: Milk, sprigs of rosemary, and a few juniper berries.
- Drain.
After marinating, drain the meat and let it rest in a colander for about 30 minutes. - Dry-cook the meat.
Place the meat in a wide pan with just a touch of oil. Cook over medium heat until it releases its water. Drain again and let it rest for another 30 minutes. - Prepare the soffritto.
In a large saucepan, heat 3 tablespoons of olive oil with the garlic cloves and chili pepper. Sauté briefly, then add the well-drained wild boar pieces. Brown them well on all sides. - Build the flavor base.
Add finely chopped carrot, celery, and onion. Stir and cook until the vegetables and meat take on a golden color. Season with salt and pepper. - Deglaze and simmer.
Pour in red wine and let it evaporate. Then add tomato pulp, a spoonful of tomato concentrate, and either fennel or a bay leaf. - Slow-cook.
Cover and cook gently over low heat until the meat is tender, topping up with hot broth or water if necessary.
Come cook with us at Tua Rita!
If you’d like to learn this Wild Boar recipe in person—along with fresh pasta and many other Tuscan specialties—join us for a hands-on cooking lesson at Tua Rita! Our chef will guide you through the rich traditions of Italian cuisine and teach you how to prepare some of our favorite recipes. Book your experience here or contact us directly at hospitality@tuarita.it for more details.
