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Roasted Cuissot de Sanglier with Red Wine Marinade

This classic French-style cuissot de sanglier is marinated for 48 hours in red wine, aromatic vegetables, herbs, and spices, then roasted until richly flavored and tender. The reduced cooking juices make a deep, rustic sauce worthy of a festive table.

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45 min preparation 150 min cooking 195 min total

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Roasted Cuissot de Sanglier with Red Wine Marinade

Overview

A traditional wild game roast for special occasions

Cuissot de sanglier is a generous and characterful centerpiece, prized for its robust flavor and impressive presentation. A proper red wine marinade helps soften the meat, perfume it with herbs and aromatics, and build a savory sauce during roasting. This version stays true to the rustic French spirit of the dish while refining the method for a reliable home-cooked result.

Preparation

45 min

Cooking

150 min

Total time

195 min

Servings

8

Marinade

Yes

Difficulty

Not specified

Ingredients for 8 people

Find the full list of ingredients and adjust quantities automatically.

Recommended cut

cuissot

Cuisine type

France

Dish profile

Slow-cooked, rich, strong sauce

Ingredients

For 8 servings

  • wild boar leg

    cuissot de sanglier, trimmed of surface membranes where possible

    3 kg
  • dry red wine

    preferably a robust French red

    1 l
  • carrots

    peeled and thinly sliced

    4 unid.
  • onions

    peeled and sliced

    2 unid.
  • Shallots

    peeled and sliced

    2 unid.
  • garlic cloves

    lightly crushed

    2 unid.
  • red wine vinegar

    5 c. de sopa
  • sugar

    or 1 tsp sugar

    1 c. de chá
  • cloves

    2 unid.
  • bouquet garni

    parsley stems, bay leaf, and thyme tied together

    1 unid.
  • fresh thyme

    for roasting

    2 unid.
  • olive oil

    about 1 small glass, divided

    200 ml
  • butter

    softened

    40 g
  • olive oil

    to taste

  • black pepper

    freshly ground, to taste

Preparation

Recipe steps

1

Prepare the aromatic base

10 min

Peel and slice the onions, shallots, and carrots. Crush the garlic cloves lightly. In a large casserole or sauté pan, heat about half of the olive oil over medium heat. Add the onions, shallots, and carrots, and cook for 5 to 7 minutes until lightly softened without taking on much color.

2

Cook the marinade

35 min

Add the red wine, red wine vinegar, bouquet garni, garlic, cloves, and sugar. Season lightly with salt and pepper. Bring to a gentle simmer and cook over low heat for 30 minutes so the flavors meld. Remove from the heat and let the marinade cool completely.

3

Marinate the wild boar leg

2880 min

Trim away any thin outer membranes from the cuissot de sanglier if needed. Place the leg in a non-reactive dish or deep earthenware dish. Pour the cooled marinade over the meat, making sure it is well covered. Cover and refrigerate, or keep in a very cool place, for 48 hours, turning the meat once or twice during marination.

4

Prepare for roasting

15 min

Preheat the oven to 180°C. Remove the wild boar leg from the marinade. Pat it dry thoroughly with kitchen paper to encourage good roasting. Strain the marinade, reserving both the liquid and the vegetables separately.

5

Roast the cuissot de sanglier

135 min

Rub the meat with the softened butter and the remaining olive oil. Season generously with salt and pepper. Place the leg in a roasting dish with the thyme sprigs and a small handful of the strained marinade vegetables. Roast for about 2 hours to 2 hours 15 minutes, basting every 20 minutes with the pan juices and a little reserved marinade if the dish seems dry. For a large leg, the meat should be well roasted but still juicy near the bone.

6

Finish the sauce

15 min

Transfer the roasted wild boar leg to a warm serving platter and rest it for 15 minutes. Meanwhile, skim excess fat from the roasting dish. Add a ladle or two of the reserved marinade liquid to loosen the caramelized juices, bring briefly to a simmer, then strain into a saucepan. Reduce for a few minutes if needed until lightly syrupy. Adjust seasoning and serve in a warmed sauceboat.

Tips

Chef tips

  • Always cool the marinade completely before pouring it over the meat.
  • Patting the leg dry before roasting is essential for better color and flavor.
  • If the wild boar is particularly lean, drape a few thin slices of pork fat or bacon over the top during the first hour of roasting.
  • The internal texture of wild boar is best when cooked through but not dried out; basting regularly helps preserve juiciness.
  • For a deeper sauce, reduce the strained juices with a spoonful of stock or demi-glace.

Plating

Plating tips

Serve the cuissot de sanglier on a large warm platter for a dramatic family-style presentation.
Arrange roasted carrots, chestnuts, celery root purée, or buttered potatoes around the meat.
Spoon only a little sauce over the sliced meat and serve the rest on the side.
Finish the platter with fresh thyme or bay leaves for a rustic French look.

Pairings

Suggested pairings

  • Celery root purée

    Its silky texture and mild earthiness balance the robust flavor of wild boar.

  • Roasted chestnuts

    A classic autumnal garnish that complements game beautifully.

  • Gratin dauphinois

    Creamy potatoes make this festive roast even more comforting.

Food & wine pairing

Wine pairing

Serve this cuissot de sanglier with structured red wines from France such as Cahors, Madiran, Cornas, or a mature Côtes-du-Rhône Villages. Their tannins and dark-fruit depth stand up beautifully to the wild boar and red wine sauce.

FAQ

Frequently asked questions

How long should cuissot de sanglier marinate?

For the best flavor and a gentler texture, marinate it for 48 hours, turning the meat once or twice during that time.

Can I make this recipe ahead?

Yes. You can marinate the meat up to 2 days in advance and roast it on the day of serving. The sauce can also be prepared shortly before serving.

What if I do not have an earthenware dish?

Use any large non-reactive container such as glass, ceramic, or stainless steel. Avoid aluminum, as the wine and vinegar can react with it.

What side dishes go well with cuissot de sanglier?

Potato gratin, celery root purée, roasted root vegetables, chestnuts, braised cabbage, and buttered noodles are all excellent choices.

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