Summer backyard barbeques don’t always need to mean serving hamburgers and hotdogs. For my latest summer “do,” I skipped the old stand-bys and served Smoked Wild Boar and Tomato Jam Sandwiches.
Inspiration for this Smoked Wild Boar and Tomato Jam Sandwich came from two places. The first is your basic BLT sandwich. While this sandwich swaps out the bacon for wild boar, you still get the smokey flavor complemented with cool and crisp elements.
The second inspiration was what to do with the massive amounts of tomatoes and peppers growing in my backyard. This is the first year that I grew my own tomatoes and peppers. In years past, I was too intimidated or lived in locations where growing vegetables in your backyard could mean bears interested in afternoon snacks. This summer I discovered they are both amazingly easy to grow. Both just need a sunny spot and regular water.
Tips for Growing Tomatoes
- Pick the variety that is best for your area. In Central Oregon, we have a very short growing season for backyard gardens. There are several short-season varieties, including the Early Girl, Juliet, and Sungold, which can produce fruit in as little as 50-60 days.
- Mulch and water! Tomatoes love the sun, but they also love their water. A good layer of mulch will also help keep the roots moist.
- Watch for frost sneaking up on your plants. This year we had frost as late as early June and as early as late August. I start my plants inside and watch the weather to see if I need to pull my smaller plants back into the house or cover them for extra protection.
Looking for more backyard growing tips? Read this article from our resource section on how to set up your own garden.
When you have an abundance of fruit, making a tomato jam is also extremely easy. Simply chop the tomatoes and peppers. Then, combine with salt, sugar, and an acid, like vinegar or lemon. Cook over low heat for 2 hours and store in the fridge. You can even can in glass jars using a water-bath canning method for longer storage.
How to Make Tomato Jam for Smoked Wild Boar and Tomato Jam Sandwich
- Wash, core, and chop about 2 lbs of tomatoes. Peppers are optional!
- Add 1/2 cup brown sugar and 1/4 cup apple cider vinegar.
- Mix in some spices – cinnamon, cloves, and ginger!
- Don’t forget the salt!
- Cook down for approximately 2 – 2 1/2 hours.
- Store in fridge or can and use all fall and winter long!
Tomato jam is a great topping for sandwiches, like these. Or as a fun addition to your favorite campsite cheese and charcuterie board. Since I can mine, I even like to use this in the winter months as a fresh addition to morning toast or a grilled cheese sandwich.
As this sandwich hits on the smokey, spicy, and acidic notes, pair it with a sweet side. At my party, that meant an ear of grilled honey-sweet corn on the cob. Another great option for a side is a sweet slaw featuring some grilled fruit. Got another suggestion? Leave me a note in the comments at the bottom of the page!
Also, check out my other summer barbeque favorites like Juicy Elk Burgers with Bacon or Asian-Flavored Wild Boar Ribs!
Smoked Wild Boar and Tomato Jam Sandwich
Ingredients
- 3 lbs wild boar shoulder
- 1/4 cup yellow mustard
- 2 tsp salt
- 1 tsp pepper
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp paprika
- 1 cup apple juice
- 1 baguette
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 jar BWE tomtato jam
- 1/2 cup mayonaise
- 1 head green leaf lettuce
Instructions
- Preheat smoker to 225 degrees. Coat board shoulder with mustard and then cover with salt, pepper, garlic powder, and paprika. Smoke for 2 hours. After 2 hours, baste with apple juice. Continue cooking for another hour or until the internal temperature reaches 160 degrees. Wrap shoulder in tin foil and re-baste with apple juice. Cook until internal temp is 190 degrees, about another 2 hours. Let meat rest for 1 hour and shred or slice.
- Slice baguette lengthwise. Coat sides with olive oil and toast on the grill. Slather bread with mayonnaise and tomato jam. Top with wild boar and a couple of lettuce leaves, and serve.
Did you make this recipe?
Please let me know how it turned out for you! Leave a comment below and tag @bewildeats on Instagram and hashtag it #bewildeats.
Twas an amazing meal, my friend!
Even better than I expected from just reading the recipe! Bravo.