The Sporting Chef Season 10 Episode 2 Simple and Elegant (Cooking Wild Game in Wine)

In season 10 episode 2 of The Sporting Chef, titled "Simple and Elegant (Cooking Wild Game in Wine)," viewers are treated to a masterclass in using wine to elevate the flavors of wild game dishes. Host Scott Leysath, a seasoned wild game chef and author of several cookbooks, demonstrates how to use wine in marinades, sauces, and glazes to create sophisticated, yet approachable, dishes.

Leysath starts off by preparing a simple marinade of red wine, olive oil, and herbs for venison tenderloin. He explains that the acid in the wine will help to tenderize the meat and enhance its natural flavors. After marinating the meat for several hours, Leysath grills it to perfection and serves it alongside a red wine reduction sauce that he prepared earlier. The result is a beautifully tender piece of meat that's bursting with flavor.

Next up, Leysath tackles a slightly more complex dish: quail braised in white wine and chicken broth. He starts by browning the quail in a hot pan, then adds in chopped vegetables and seasonings to create a flavorful base. He deglazes the pan with white wine, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom to incorporate their rich flavors. Finally, he adds in chicken broth and simmers the quail until it's tender and juicy. The finished dish is elegant and sophisticated, but surprisingly easy to prepare.

Throughout the episode, Leysath emphasizes the importance of using good quality wine in cooking. He explains that cooking with wine is different from drinking it, and suggests using a mid-priced bottle of wine with good acidity and balance. He also encourages viewers to experiment with different types of wine to see which flavors work best with different types of wild game.

In addition to the venison and quail dishes, Leysath also prepares a rustic pasta dish with wild boar sausage and a red wine tomato sauce, and a rich and savory stew made with braised buffalo short ribs and red wine. Each dish highlights the unique flavors of the wild game, while also showcasing the versatility and complexity of wine as an ingredient.

As always, Leysath's enthusiasm for outdoor cooking and wild game is infectious, and his easy-to-follow recipes and techniques are sure to inspire viewers to get creative in the kitchen. Whether you're an experienced wild game cook or a novice looking to try something new, "Simple and Elegant (Cooking Wild Game in Wine)" is a must-watch episode of The Sporting Chef.