Cranberry Wild Rice Venison Meatballs with Wojapi Sauce

Cranberry Wild Rice Venison Meatballs with Wojapi Sauce

Cranberry Wild Rice Venison Meatballs with Wojapi Sauce

Wild game is a staple of native indigenous tribes. These meatballs can be made with either ground venison, bison, or elk; wild rice, and any type of berry of your choosing. I chose to use venison and cranberries. The meatballs get baked in the oven, then tossed in Wojapi sauce, which is made out of berries and honey.
Prep Time10 minutes
Cook Time20 minutes
Course: Appetizer, Main Course
Cuisine: Indigenous
Keyword: American, appetizer, Indigenous, main course, wild game
Author: Alex Gorgos

Ingredients

  • 1 lb ground venison, bison, or elk
  • 1/2 lb ground pork
  • 2 tsp salt
  • 3 garlic cloves minced
  • 2 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
  • 1 cup breadcrumbs
  • 1 large egg
  • 1 cup cooked wild rice
  • 3/4 cup dried cranberries
  • 2 tbsp rosemary chopped
  • 3 green onions finely chopped

Wojapi Sauce

  • 1/3 cup blueberries
  • 1/3 cup cherries pitted
  • 1/3 cup cranberries
  • 1/2 cup honey
  • 3/4 cup water
  • 1 tbsp cold water
  • 2 tbsp cornstarch

Instructions

  • Mix all of the meatball ingredients together.
  • Form into 1 1/2” meatballs.
  • Place in a 400° preheated oven on a baking sheet lined in parchment paper for 20 minutes.
  • While the meatballs are baking, cook the berries, honey, and water in a small pot over medium low heat for 10 minute’s; occasionally stirring.
  • Make a slurry with the cold water and cornstarch. Pour into the berry mixture and stir. Cook for 2 more minutes until the sauce has thickened.
  • Drizzle the sauce over the meatballs and serve.