Boar Stew With Prunes And Armagnac

The strength of the Armagnac brandy and the sweetness of prunes complement the gamey flavor of the boar. As with most stews and ragouts, this stew benefits from being made a day in advance to allow the flavors to develop overnight. Be sure to skim any collected fat before reheating. You will find that there is much less fat rendered than with a pork or beef stew.

Makes 6 to 8 servings

20 pitted prunes

3/4 cup Armagnac brandy

2 tablespoons olive oil

3 pounds boar shoulder meat, cut in 2-inch chunks

Salt and freshly ground black pepper

4 ounces bacon, coarsely chopped

4 shallots, peeled, cut in half horizontally

2 large carrots, sliced 1/4-inch thick

1 medium yellow onion, chopped

3 garlic cloves, chopped

1 bottle full-bodied red wine

2 bay leaves

1 bouguet garni: 3 rosemary sprigs, 2 thyme sprigs, handful of celery leaves

Preheat oven to 325 degrees.

Combine prunes and Armagnac in a bowl. Let sit at least one hour at room temperature.

Heat 2 tablespoons olive oil over medium-high heat in a dutch oven or oven-proof pot with lid. Season the boar meat all over with salt and pepper. Saute in batches, without overcrowding, until brown on all sides. Transfer meat to a bowl.

Add bacon to dutch oven and saute until the fat renders. Add shallots, carrots and onion. Saute 5 minutes. Add garlic and saute, 1 minute. Return meat to the pot. Add prunes with the Armagnac, wine, bay leaves, bouquet garni, 1 teaspoon salt and 1 teaspoon black pepper. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to a simmer. Cover pan and transfer to oven. Bake until meat is very tender, 2 to 3 hours.

Remove from oven and taste to check seasoning. Remove bay leaves and bouquet garni. Stew may be prepared up to 1 day in advance. Cool, cover and refrigerate. Warm over low heat or in a 300-degree oven before serving. Serve with mashed potatoes or polenta.