Name: Creamy German Hunter’s Sauce Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 40 min
Cuisine: German
Ingredients: 1 lb sliced mushrooms; 1 large onion, finely chopped; 3 cloves garlic, finely minced; 3/4 cup bacon, finely minced; 2 tablespoons butter; 1 tablespoon flour; 1 cup bone broth or stock; 1 tablespoon tomato paste; 3 sprigs fresh thyme (divided); 1/4 cup parsley leaves for garnish; Salt and pepper to taste; 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce (optional); 1/2 cup sour cream (or cream)

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Introduction

Creamy German Hunter’s Sauce is a rich and flavorful mushroom sauce that pairs perfectly with meats like pork, beef, or game. This hearty sauce combines sautéed mushrooms, bacon, and fresh herbs in a luscious sour cream base for a comforting and elegant meal addition.

A close-up view of a creamy mushroom sauce in a black cast iron skillet, with a wooden spoon lifting some of the sauce. The sauce shows several layers: a thick, orange-tan creamy base with visible slices of brown mushrooms and small chunks of red bell pepper dispersed throughout. On the surface, bright green chopped herbs are sprinkled, adding a touch of freshness and color contrast. The skillet rests on a rough beige cloth, all set on a white marbled textured background. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients

1 lb sliced mushrooms
1 large onion, finely chopped
3 cloves garlic, finely minced
3/4 cup bacon, finely minced
2 tablespoons butter
1 tablespoon flour
1 cup bone broth or stock
1 tablespoon tomato paste
3 sprigs fresh thyme (divided)
1/4 cup parsley leaves for garnish
Salt and pepper to taste
1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce (optional)
1/2 cup sour cream (or cream)

Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the ingredients by cleaning and slicing the mushrooms. Finely chop the onion and mince the garlic. Dice the bacon or speck if using.
Step 2: In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the bacon until crispy. Remove with a slotted spoon and set aside, leaving the bacon fat in the pan.
Step 3: Add butter to the hot skillet. Once melted, sauté the onion until translucent. Add the garlic, 2 sprigs of thyme, and mushrooms. Cook until the mushrooms turn golden and release their moisture.
Step 4: Sprinkle the flour over the mushroom mixture and stir well to combine. Add the tomato paste and cook for a couple of minutes, stirring continuously.
Step 5: Gradually pour in the broth and Worcestershire sauce (if using), stirring continuously. Bring the mixture to a simmer and cook until slightly thickened.
Step 6: Temper the sour cream by mixing a few tablespoons of the warm sauce with it in a separate bowl. This helps prevent curdling.
Step 7: Stir the tempered sour cream back into the skillet, mixing well. Avoid boiling the sauce after adding the sour cream. Season with salt and pepper, then add the cooked bacon back into the sauce. Simmer gently until the desired thickness is reached. Add a splash of water, white wine, or broth if the sauce becomes too thick.
Step 8: Garnish with fresh chopped thyme and parsley. Serve the sauce warm alongside your preferred meat or dish.

Tips & Variations

For a richer flavor, use cream instead of sour cream or combine both.
You can substitute bacon with pancetta or speck for a smoky taste.
Add a splash of white wine when cooking the mushrooms for extra depth.
If you prefer a thicker sauce, increase the flour slightly or simmer longer.

Storage

Store leftover sauce in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently over low heat to avoid curdling, adding a bit of broth if the sauce has thickened too much.

How to Serve

A close-up view of a black cast iron pan filled with creamy mushroom sauce, showing several layers: the thick sauce is light brown with a smooth texture, dotted with sliced mushrooms that are dark brown and tender, and small chunks of reddish tomato. The sauce is garnished with finely chopped green herbs scattered on top. A wooden spoon is partially dipped into the sauce, coated with the creamy mixture. The pan rests on a light brown cloth over a white marbled surface, with a few whole white mushrooms placed nearby. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I make this sauce without bacon?

Yes, you can omit the bacon for a vegetarian version. Use extra butter or oil to sauté the mushrooms and consider adding smoked paprika for a smoky flavor.

What can I serve with Creamy German Hunter’s Sauce?

This sauce pairs beautifully with roasted or grilled meats such as pork chops, beef steaks, venison, or chicken. It also works well spooned over spaetzle or mashed potatoes.