WINE & FOOD AFFAIR RECIPES

Main Dish

Bison Sliders with Blueberry BBQ Sauce

Virginia Dare Winery

22281 Chianti Rd
Geyserville, CA 95441
virginiadarewinery.com

Sliders made from ground bison meat are served with caramelized onion and a homemade blueberry BBQ sauce. These sandwiches pair perfectly with Virginia Dare's Lost Colony Red Blend.

Blueberry BBQ Sauce

Ingredients:
  • 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
  • 1/2 yellow onion, cut into small dice
  • 1 tablespoon minced garlic
  • 1/2 red bell pepper, seeded and cut into small dice
  • Salt and freshly ground pepper, to taste
  • 1 teaspoon dry mustard
  • 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon chili powder
  • 1 teaspoon ground cumin
  • 1/2 cup chicken stock
  • 1/4 cup ketchup
  • 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
  • 1/4 cup packed brown sugar
  • 1/2 cup molasses
  • 2 cups frozen blueberries
Directions:
To prepare the blueberry BBQ sauce, in a saucepan over medium heat, warm the vegetable oil. Add the onion, garlic and bell pepper, and season with a pinch each of salt and pepper. Cook, stirring often, until the vegetables are soft, about 10 minutes. 

Add the dry mustard, paprika, garlic powder, chili powder and cumin, stir to coat with the oil and cook for about 3 minutes. Add the stock, ketchup, vinegar, brown sugar, molasses and blueberries and bring to a simmer. Season to taste with salt and pepper. 

If you prefer a smooth sauce, transfer it to a blender and puree until smooth. For a chunkier sauce, serve it as is. The sauce will yield about 1 quart and freezes well if there is any left over.

Caramelized Onion

Ingredients:
  • 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
  • 1 yellow onion, thinly sliced
  • Salt and freshly ground pepper, to taste
Directions:
To prepare the caramelized onion, in a small saucepan over low heat, warm the vegetable oil. Add the onion and season with a pinch each of salt and pepper. Cover the pan and cook, stirring often, until the onion is soft and caramelized, about 30 minutes.

Sliders

Ingredients:
  • 1 pound ground bison
  • Salt and freshly ground pepper, to taste
  • 8 slider rolls, cut in half
Directions:
To prepare the sliders, prepare a hot fire in a grill. 

Shape the ground bison into 8 patties, each about 2 ounces, and season on both sides with salt and pepper. Place the patties on the grill and cook, turning once, about 1 minute per side for medium-rare, or until done to your liking. 

Place the slider buns, cut sides up, on a work surface and spread the blueberry BBQ sauce on both the top and bottom buns. Place a bison slider on each bottom bun, top with the caramelized onion and close with the top buns.