18 Savory Pemmican Recipes for Survival

Updated by Louise Cutler on April 14, 2025

Venture into the world of pemmican, the ultimate survival food that’s as nutritious as it is versatile. Whether you’re prepping for your next outdoor adventure or simply looking for protein-packed snacks, these 18 savory pemmican recipes are sure to inspire. From traditional takes to modern twists, there’s something here for every home cook in North America. Keep reading to discover how easy and delicious survival eating can be!

Classic Beef Pemmican with Dried Berries

Classic Beef Pemmican with Dried Berries

Gently, as the morning light filters through the kitchen window, we find ourselves drawn to the simplicity and depth of a dish that has nourished generations. Classic Beef Pemmican with Dried Berries is a testament to the beauty of minimal ingredients coming together to create something profoundly satisfying.

Ingredients

  • Beef – 2 lbs
  • Dried berries – 1 cup
  • Salt – 1 tsp

Instructions

  1. Preheat your oven to 200°F.
  2. Slice the beef into thin strips, about 1/4 inch thick, ensuring uniform thickness for even drying.
  3. Lay the beef strips on a baking sheet, making sure they do not overlap.
  4. Sprinkle the salt evenly over the beef strips.
  5. Place the baking sheet in the oven and dry the beef for 4 hours, flipping the strips halfway through to ensure even drying.
  6. Remove the beef from the oven and let it cool completely.
  7. Once cooled, chop the dried beef into small pieces.
  8. In a bowl, mix the chopped beef with the dried berries until well combined.
  9. Press the mixture firmly into a loaf pan to form a dense block.
  10. Chill in the refrigerator for at least 2 hours to set.

Delightfully, the pemmican emerges with a chewy texture, punctuated by the sweet bursts of dried berries. Serve it sliced thin as a high-energy snack on your next outdoor adventure, or crumble it over a salad for a surprising twist.

Spicy Venison Pemmican with Chili Flakes

Spicy Venison Pemmican with Chili Flakes

On a quiet evening, when the air carries a hint of autumn’s approach, there’s something deeply satisfying about preparing a dish that connects us to the earth and its seasons. Spicy venison pemmican with chili flakes is one such recipe, a nod to tradition with a fiery twist that warms from within.

Ingredients

  • Venison – 1 lb
  • Chili flakes – 2 tbsp
  • Salt – 1 tsp

Instructions

  1. Preheat your oven to 200°F.
  2. Slice the venison into thin, even strips, about 1/4 inch thick, to ensure uniform drying.
  3. Lay the strips on a baking sheet without overlapping, sprinkle evenly with salt and chili flakes.
  4. Place in the oven and dry for 4 hours, flipping the strips halfway through to promote even dehydration.
  5. Check the venison at the 3-hour mark; it should be dry to the touch but still pliable, not brittle.
  6. Once dried, remove from the oven and let cool completely before storing in an airtight container.

Every bite of this pemmican offers a chewy texture with a robust venison flavor, punctuated by the heat of chili flakes. Serve it sliced atop a crisp apple for a contrast of flavors and textures, or simply enjoy as is, a portable snack for your next outdoor adventure.

Sweet and Salty Pemmican with Maple Syrup

Sweet and Salty Pemmican with Maple Syrup

Venturing into the realm of traditional foods with a modern twist, this recipe brings together the rustic charm of pemmican with the sweet allure of maple syrup. It’s a journey back in time, reimagined for today’s palate, where every bite tells a story of simplicity and depth.

Ingredients

  • Beef jerky – 1 cup, finely chopped
  • Maple syrup – ¼ cup
  • Sea salt – ½ tsp

Instructions

  1. Preheat your oven to 200°F to gently warm the beef jerky, making it more pliable for mixing.
  2. In a medium bowl, combine the finely chopped beef jerky with maple syrup, ensuring each piece is lightly coated. Tip: For a more even coating, let the mixture sit for 5 minutes before the next step.
  3. Sprinkle sea salt over the mixture and stir gently to distribute evenly. Tip: The salt not only enhances flavor but also helps preserve the pemmican.
  4. Spread the mixture thinly on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Tip: A thin layer ensures even drying and a consistent texture.
  5. Bake in the preheated oven for 2 hours, then turn off the oven and let the pemmican cool inside to finish drying slowly.

How the pemmican turns out is a delightful contrast of textures—chewy yet crisp, with the maple syrup’s sweetness playing off the salt’s sharpness. Serve it broken into pieces as a snack, or crumble it over yogurt for a breakfast with a twist.

Nutty Almond Pemmican with Honey

Nutty Almond Pemmican with Honey

Gently, the morning light filters through the kitchen window, casting a warm glow on the counter where today’s creation begins. This recipe, a humble yet nourishing blend, is a quiet nod to tradition, reimagined for the modern palate.

Ingredients

  • Almonds – 1 cup
  • Honey – ¼ cup
  • Dried beef – ½ cup, finely shredded

Instructions

  1. Preheat your oven to 350°F to toast the almonds, enhancing their nutty flavor.
  2. Spread the almonds evenly on a baking sheet and toast for 10 minutes, stirring halfway to ensure even coloring.
  3. While the almonds are toasting, warm the honey in a small saucepan over low heat for 5 minutes to thin it slightly, making it easier to mix.
  4. Combine the toasted almonds and shredded dried beef in a large bowl, then drizzle the warmed honey over the mixture.
  5. Using your hands or a spoon, mix thoroughly until all ingredients are evenly coated with honey.
  6. Press the mixture firmly into a lined baking dish, ensuring it’s compact and even.
  7. Chill in the refrigerator for at least 2 hours to set, making it easier to cut into bars or squares.

Now, the pemmican rests, a testament to simplicity and sustenance. Its texture is delightfully chewy, with a sweet and savory balance that invites creativity—perhaps served alongside fresh fruit or crumbled over morning oats for a protein-packed start.

Smoky Bacon Pemmican with Sea Salt

Smoky Bacon Pemmican with Sea Salt

Evenings like these call for something deeply nourishing, a recipe that carries the weight of tradition and the simplicity of few ingredients. Smoky bacon pemmican with sea salt is just that—a humble yet rich dish that speaks to the soul.

Ingredients

  • Bacon – 1 lb
  • Sea salt – 1 tsp

Instructions

  1. Preheat your oven to 200°F. This low temperature is key to slowly rendering the bacon fat without burning.
  2. Slice the bacon into thin strips, about 1/4 inch wide. Uniformity ensures even cooking.
  3. Spread the bacon strips on a baking sheet in a single layer. Overlapping can lead to uneven rendering.
  4. Place the baking sheet in the oven. Bake for 4 hours, checking every hour to ensure the bacon is drying evenly without burning.
  5. After 4 hours, remove the bacon from the oven. It should be crispy and fully rendered, with no soft spots.
  6. While still warm, sprinkle the sea salt evenly over the bacon. The warmth helps the salt adhere better.
  7. Let the bacon cool completely on the baking sheet. This allows it to crisp up further as it cools.
  8. Once cooled, break the bacon into small pieces or pulse lightly in a food processor for a more traditional pemmican texture.
This Week’s Best Recipes:  23 Blackcurrant Recipes (+ Easy Uses)

Rich in flavor and with a satisfying crunch, this smoky bacon pemmican is perfect as a standalone snack or crumbled over a salad for a salty, umami kick. The sea salt enhances the bacon’s natural smokiness, creating a dish that’s both simple and profoundly flavorful.

Herbed Turkey Pemmican with Rosemary

Herbed Turkey Pemmican with Rosemary

Today feels like the perfect day to share something that’s been a quiet favorite in my kitchen, a dish that carries the warmth of tradition and the simplicity of nature. Herbed turkey pemmican with rosemary is a humble yet deeply flavorful creation, ideal for those moments when you crave something both nourishing and uncomplicated.

Ingredients

  • Turkey breast – 1 lb
  • Rosemary – 2 tbsp, finely chopped
  • Salt – 1 tsp
  • Black pepper – ½ tsp
  • Olive oil – 2 tbsp

Instructions

  1. Preheat your oven to 375°F, ensuring it reaches the right temperature for even cooking.
  2. Slice the turkey breast into thin, even strips to promote uniform drying and cooking.
  3. In a bowl, mix the turkey strips with olive oil, rosemary, salt, and black pepper until evenly coated.
  4. Lay the strips on a baking sheet in a single layer, avoiding overlap to ensure each piece dries properly.
  5. Bake for 45 minutes, then flip each strip and bake for another 45 minutes until fully dried and slightly crispy.
  6. Remove from the oven and let cool on the baking sheet for 10 minutes to crisp up further.

You’ll find the texture delightfully chewy with a hint of crispness, the rosemary lending a fragrant depth that complements the turkey’s natural savoriness. Try serving it alongside a sharp cheese or as a protein-packed snack on your next hike.

Spiced Bison Pemmican with Cinnamon

Spiced Bison Pemmican with Cinnamon

Gently, the aroma of cinnamon and spiced bison fills the air, a reminder of the simple pleasures that cooking can bring. This dish, a modern take on the traditional pemmican, blends the robustness of bison with the sweet warmth of cinnamon, creating a snack that’s both nourishing and comforting.

Ingredients

  • Bison meat – 1 lb
  • Cinnamon – 1 tsp
  • Salt – ½ tsp

Instructions

  1. Preheat your oven to 200°F, ensuring a low and slow cooking process that preserves the meat’s tenderness.
  2. Slice the bison meat into thin strips, about ¼ inch thick, to facilitate even drying.
  3. Lay the strips on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper, avoiding overlap to ensure each piece dries uniformly.
  4. Sprinkle the cinnamon and salt evenly over the meat, gently pressing the spices into the surface for full flavor penetration.
  5. Place the baking sheet in the oven and let the meat dry for 4 hours, checking occasionally to prevent over-drying.
  6. Once the meat is thoroughly dried and slightly crispy, remove it from the oven and let it cool to room temperature.
  7. Break the dried meat into small pieces or powder it, depending on your texture preference, for the final pemmican.

Unassuming in its simplicity, this spiced bison pemmican offers a chewy texture with a hint of sweetness from the cinnamon. Serve it as a high-energy snack on hikes or crumble it over a salad for an unexpected twist.

Tangy Cranberry Pemmican with Orange Zest

Tangy Cranberry Pemmican with Orange Zest

Evening light filters through the kitchen window as I ponder the simplicity and depth of flavors in this timeless recipe, a blend of tart and sweet that dances on the palate.

Ingredients

  • Dried cranberries – 1 cup
  • Orange zest – 2 tbsp
  • Ground beef jerky – 1 cup
  • Honey – ¼ cup

Instructions

  1. Preheat your oven to 200°F to gently warm the ingredients without cooking them.
  2. In a large bowl, combine the dried cranberries and orange zest, mixing until the zest evenly coats the cranberries.
  3. Add the ground beef jerky to the bowl, ensuring it’s finely ground to blend seamlessly with the other ingredients.
  4. Drizzle the honey over the mixture, using a spatula to fold it in until everything is lightly coated and sticky.
  5. Spread the mixture evenly on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper, pressing down lightly to compact it.
  6. Bake in the preheated oven for 45 minutes, then turn off the oven and let the pemmican sit inside for another 15 minutes to dry further.
  7. Remove from the oven and let it cool completely before breaking into pieces or cutting into bars.

Orange zest brightens the deep, earthy tones of the beef jerky, while the cranberries add a chewy texture and a burst of tartness. Serve these bars on a charcuterie board for a surprising twist or pack them for a hearty, energy-boosting snack on the go.

Garlicky Lamb Pemmican with Thyme

Garlicky Lamb Pemmican with Thyme

Mornings like these, when the light filters through the kitchen window just so, I find myself drawn to recipes that speak of warmth and tradition. This dish, with its rich flavors and hearty texture, is a testament to the simple joys of cooking.

Ingredients

  • Lamb – 1 lb, ground
  • Garlic – 3 cloves, minced
  • Thyme – 1 tbsp, fresh
  • Salt – 1 tsp
  • Pepper – ½ tsp
  • Olive oil – 2 tbsp

Instructions

  1. Preheat a skillet over medium heat (350°F) and add olive oil.
  2. Add minced garlic to the skillet, sautéing until fragrant (about 1 minute). Tip: Ensure the garlic doesn’t burn to avoid bitterness.
  3. Introduce the ground lamb to the skillet, breaking it apart with a spoon. Cook until no pink remains (approximately 5 minutes).
  4. Season the lamb with salt, pepper, and fresh thyme, stirring to combine evenly. Tip: Fresh thyme offers a brighter flavor than dried.
  5. Continue cooking for another 2 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld. Tip: For a crispier texture, let the lamb sit undisturbed for the last minute of cooking.
  6. Remove from heat and let it rest for 2 minutes before serving.

Zesty and aromatic, this dish carries the earthy tones of thyme and the boldness of garlic, perfectly complementing the lamb’s richness. Serve it atop a warm, crusty bread or alongside roasted vegetables for a meal that feels both rustic and refined.

Peppered Elk Pemmican with Black Pepper

Peppered Elk Pemmican with Black Pepper

How quietly the morning unfolds, with the promise of something deeply nourishing to prepare. Today, we’re embracing the simplicity and richness of a dish that connects us to the earth and its bounty.

Ingredients

  • Elk meat – 1 lb
  • Black pepper – 2 tbsp
  • Salt – 1 tsp

Instructions

  1. Preheat your oven to 200°F, a low temperature that gently dehydrates the meat without cooking it.
  2. Slice the elk meat into thin, even strips, about 1/4 inch thick, to ensure uniform drying.
  3. Lay the strips on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper, avoiding overlap for optimal air circulation.
  4. Sprinkle the black pepper and salt evenly over the meat, pressing lightly to adhere the spices.
  5. Place the baking sheet in the oven and let the meat dry for 4 hours, flipping the strips halfway through for even dehydration.
  6. Check the meat at the 3-hour mark; it should be dry to the touch but still pliable, not brittle.
  7. Once dried, remove from the oven and let cool completely before storing in an airtight container.
This Week’s Best Recipes:  Refreshing Cucumber Recipes

Might you notice how the black pepper crust gives way to the tender, smoky elk beneath? This pemmican carries a rustic charm, perfect for wrapping in wax paper as a thoughtful gift or enjoying as a high-protein snack on your next adventure.

Sun-Dried Tomato Pemmican with Basil

Sun-Dried Tomato Pemmican with Basil

Gently, the sun-dried tomato pemmican with basil whispers of summer days preserved in time, a blend of earthy and herbal notes that come together in a simple, yet profound snack.

Ingredients

  • Sun-dried tomatoes – 1 cup
  • Ground beef – 1 lb
  • Basil – ¼ cup, finely chopped
  • Salt – ½ tsp

Instructions

  1. Preheat your oven to 200°F to slowly dehydrate the pemmican, preserving its nutrients and flavors.
  2. In a large bowl, combine the ground beef, sun-dried tomatoes, basil, and salt, mixing thoroughly to ensure even distribution of flavors.
  3. Spread the mixture thinly and evenly on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper, about ¼ inch thick, for consistent drying.
  4. Place in the oven and dehydrate for 4 hours, checking occasionally to ensure it doesn’t overcook. The pemmican should be dry but still pliable.
  5. Once done, remove from the oven and let it cool for 10 minutes before cutting into strips or squares for serving.

Every bite of this pemmican offers a chewy texture with bursts of tangy sun-dried tomato and fresh basil, perfect for a quick energy boost or as a unique addition to a charcuterie board.

Savory Duck Pemmican with Sage

Savory Duck Pemmican with Sage

Mornings like these, when the light filters through the kitchen window just so, remind me of the quiet joy in preparing something deeply nourishing. Today, it’s a dish that carries the essence of autumn, a savory duck pemmican with sage, simple yet profound in its flavors.

Ingredients

  • Duck breast – 1 lb
  • Sage – 2 tbsp, finely chopped
  • Salt – 1 tsp
  • Pepper – ½ tsp
  • Honey – 1 tbsp

Instructions

  1. Preheat your oven to 375°F, ensuring it reaches the temperature before you begin.
  2. Score the duck breast skin in a crosshatch pattern, being careful not to cut into the meat. This helps render the fat more effectively.
  3. Season the duck breast evenly with salt and pepper, rubbing the spices into the skin and meat.
  4. Heat a dry skillet over medium heat. Place the duck breast skin-side down, cooking for 5-7 minutes until the skin is golden and crispy. Tip: Resist the urge to move the duck around; letting it sit ensures a perfect sear.
  5. Flip the duck breast and cook for another 2 minutes on the other side.
  6. Transfer the duck breast to a baking sheet. Drizzle with honey and sprinkle chopped sage over the top.
  7. Roast in the preheated oven for 10-12 minutes for medium-rare, or until the internal temperature reaches 135°F. Tip: Use a meat thermometer for accuracy.
  8. Remove from the oven and let rest for 5 minutes before slicing. Tip: Resting allows the juices to redistribute, ensuring a moist result.

Now, the duck pemmican rests before you, its skin crackling with sage and honey, the meat beneath tender and rich. Serve it thinly sliced over a bed of wild rice, or as part of a charcuterie board, where its deep flavors can stand out. Never underestimate the power of simplicity in bringing out the most profound tastes.

Sweet Coconut Pemmican with Dates

Sweet Coconut Pemmican with Dates

Beneath the quiet hum of the kitchen, there’s a recipe that whispers of simplicity and sweetness, a blend of tradition and personal touch. It’s a dish that carries the warmth of coconut and the natural sweetness of dates, coming together in a form that’s both nourishing and comforting.

Ingredients

  • Shredded coconut – 1 cup
  • Dates – ½ cup, pitted
  • Honey – 2 tbsp
  • Coconut oil – 1 tbsp

Instructions

  1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) to toast the shredded coconut, enhancing its flavor.
  2. Spread the shredded coconut evenly on a baking sheet and toast in the preheated oven for 5-7 minutes, stirring once halfway through, until lightly golden. Tip: Watch closely to prevent burning.
  3. While the coconut cools, chop the pitted dates into small pieces for easier blending.
  4. In a food processor, combine the toasted coconut, chopped dates, honey, and coconut oil. Process until the mixture sticks together when pressed. Tip: If the mixture is too dry, add a teaspoon of water to help it bind.
  5. Line a small tray or dish with parchment paper. Press the mixture firmly into the tray to form a uniform layer about ½ inch thick. Tip: Use the back of a spoon or a flat measuring cup to smooth the surface.
  6. Refrigerate for at least 2 hours, or until firm, to allow the flavors to meld and the pemmican to set.
  7. Once set, cut into squares or bars of your desired size.

The sweet coconut pemmican with dates offers a chewy texture with a slight crunch from the toasted coconut, its flavors rich and subtly sweet. Serve it as a quick energy snack or crumble it over yogurt for a delightful breakfast twist.

Zesty Lemon Pemmican with Ginger

Zesty Lemon Pemmican with Ginger

Yesterday, I found myself craving something that could bridge the gap between nourishment and nostalgia, a recipe that felt both grounding and uplifting. This zesty lemon pemmican with ginger emerged from that longing, a simple yet profound blend of flavors that dances on the palate.

Ingredients

  • Dried beef – 1 cup
  • Lemon zest – 2 tbsp
  • Fresh ginger – 1 tbsp, grated
  • Honey – ¼ cup
  • Salt – ½ tsp

Instructions

  1. Preheat your oven to 200°F to gently dry the beef without cooking it.
  2. Thinly slice the dried beef into strips, ensuring they are uniform for even drying.
  3. Spread the beef strips on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper, avoiding overlap.
  4. Bake for 4 hours, flipping the strips halfway through to ensure they dry evenly.
  5. Once the beef is completely dry and brittle, remove it from the oven and let it cool.
  6. In a mortar and pestle, grind the dried beef into a fine powder.
  7. Add the lemon zest, grated ginger, honey, and salt to the beef powder.
  8. Mix all ingredients thoroughly until a sticky, uniform mixture forms.
  9. Press the mixture into a lined baking dish, compacting it firmly to remove any air pockets.
  10. Chill in the refrigerator for at least 2 hours to set before slicing into bars.

With its chewy texture and vibrant bursts of lemon and ginger, this pemmican is a delightful twist on a traditional staple. Try serving it alongside a sharp cheddar or crumbled over a fresh green salad for an unexpected contrast.

Smoked Salmon Pemmican with Dill

Smoked Salmon Pemmican with Dill

Evenings like these call for something simple yet deeply satisfying, a dish that carries the whispers of tradition and the freshness of the moment. Smoked salmon pemmican with dill is just that—a harmonious blend of smoky richness and herbal brightness, perfect for savoring slowly.

This Week’s Best Recipes:  20 Delicious 1 lb Bread Machine Recipes Perfect for Beginners

Ingredients

  • Smoked salmon – 1 cup, finely chopped
  • Dill – 2 tbsp, freshly chopped
  • Honey – 1 tbsp
  • Almond flour – ½ cup

Instructions

  1. Preheat your oven to 350°F to prepare for toasting the almond flour, which will add a nutty depth to the pemmican.
  2. Spread the almond flour evenly on a baking sheet and toast in the oven for 5 minutes, stirring once halfway through to ensure even coloring.
  3. In a mixing bowl, combine the finely chopped smoked salmon, toasted almond flour, freshly chopped dill, and honey. Mix gently until all ingredients are evenly distributed.
  4. Press the mixture firmly into a lined loaf pan, ensuring it’s compact and even. This step is crucial for the pemmican to hold together when sliced.
  5. Chill the mixture in the refrigerator for at least 2 hours, allowing the flavors to meld and the texture to firm up.
  6. Once chilled, remove from the pan and slice into thin bars or squares, depending on your preference.

Best enjoyed cold, the pemmican offers a delightful contrast between the smoky salmon and the bright, herbal notes of dill. Try serving it atop crisp cucumber slices for a refreshing bite, or alongside a sharp cheese to complement its richness.

Rich Chocolate Pemmican with Cocoa Nibs

Rich Chocolate Pemmican with Cocoa Nibs

Comfort comes in many forms, and today, it arrives in the shape of a rich, chocolatey pemmican, studded with crunchy cocoa nibs, a nod to both tradition and indulgence.

Ingredients

  • Dried beef – 1 cup
  • Dark chocolate – ½ cup
  • Cocoa nibs – ¼ cup
  • Honey – 2 tbsp

Instructions

  1. Preheat your oven to 200°F to gently warm the dried beef without cooking it further, about 10 minutes. This step enhances the beef’s pliability for mixing.
  2. While the beef warms, melt the dark chocolate in a double boiler over low heat, stirring constantly to prevent scorching. Tip: A silicone spatula ensures smooth melting and easy cleanup.
  3. Combine the warmed dried beef, melted chocolate, cocoa nibs, and honey in a large bowl. Mix thoroughly until every piece of beef is coated. Tip: Wearing gloves can make this messy process cleaner and more efficient.
  4. Spread the mixture evenly on a parchment-lined baking sheet, pressing down to about ½ inch thickness. Chill in the refrigerator for at least 2 hours to set. Tip: For quicker setting, place in the freezer for 30 minutes, but don’t let it freeze solid.
  5. Once set, cut into bars or break into chunks for serving.

Rich in flavor and history, this chocolate pemmican offers a chewy texture with bursts of crunch from the cocoa nibs. Serve it as a high-energy snack on hikes or alongside a cup of strong coffee for a decadent afternoon treat.

Fiery Jalapeño Pemmican with Cumin

Fiery Jalapeño Pemmican with Cumin

Sometimes, the simplest dishes carry the most profound flavors, especially when they’re steeped in tradition and a touch of heat. This recipe, a modern twist on a timeless survival food, brings together the earthy warmth of cumin with the bold kick of jalapeño, creating a snack that’s both nourishing and invigorating.

Ingredients

  • Ground beef – 1 lb
  • Jalapeños – 2, finely chopped
  • Cumin – 1 tbsp
  • Salt – 1 tsp

Instructions

  1. Preheat your oven to 200°F, setting the stage for a slow and even drying process that’s crucial for pemmican.
  2. In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef until it’s thoroughly browned, about 10 minutes, breaking it into tiny pieces as it cooks for uniform texture.
  3. Drain the beef well, pressing out as much fat as possible, then return it to the skillet.
  4. Add the finely chopped jalapeños and cumin to the beef, stirring to combine evenly, and cook for another 2 minutes to meld the flavors.
  5. Spread the mixture thinly on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper, ensuring no clumps for consistent drying.
  6. Place in the oven and let it dry for 4 hours, checking occasionally to stir and break up any pieces that stick together.
  7. Once completely dry and crumbly, remove from the oven and let it cool to room temperature before storing in an airtight container.

The texture is satisfyingly crumbly yet dense, with each bite releasing a burst of spicy jalapeño and warm cumin. Try serving it alongside sharp cheddar and crisp apple slices for a contrast of flavors and textures that elevates this humble pemmican into a gourmet snack.

Umami Mushroom Pemmican with Tamari

Umami Mushroom Pemmican with Tamari

Perhaps there’s something deeply comforting about the earthy, rich flavors of mushrooms, especially when they’re transformed into something as nourishing and portable as pemmican. This umami mushroom pemmican with tamari is a testament to the simplicity and depth that a few well-chosen ingredients can bring to the table.

Ingredients

  • Dried mushrooms – 1 cup
  • Ground beef – 1 lb
  • Tamari – 2 tbsp
  • Dried berries – ½ cup

Instructions

  1. Preheat your oven to 200°F.
  2. Spread the dried mushrooms on a baking sheet and bake for 30 minutes to fully dehydrate them, ensuring they’re brittle to the touch.
  3. While the mushrooms are baking, cook the ground beef in a skillet over medium heat until no pink remains, about 10 minutes, breaking it into small pieces as it cooks.
  4. Once the mushrooms are done, let them cool for 5 minutes, then grind them into a fine powder using a food processor.
  5. In a large bowl, mix the mushroom powder, cooked ground beef, tamari, and dried berries until well combined.
  6. Press the mixture firmly into a parchment-lined baking dish, ensuring it’s compact and even.
  7. Bake at 200°F for 4 hours, then let it cool completely before cutting into bars.
  8. Tip: For a smoother texture, you can pulse the dried berries in the food processor before adding them to the mixture.
  9. Tip: If the mixture seems too dry, a splash more tamari can help bind it without making it soggy.
  10. Tip: Store the pemmican in an airtight container in the fridge to extend its shelf life and enhance the flavors.

The pemmican emerges with a chewy yet slightly crumbly texture, its deep umami flavors punctuated by the occasional sweet burst of berry. Try serving it thinly sliced atop a crisp salad for a surprising twist on traditional croutons.

Summary

Now that you’ve explored these 18 savory pemmican recipes, you’re well-equipped to tackle any survival situation with delicious, energy-packed options. We hope you’ll try these recipes, find your favorites, and maybe even share your own twists in the comments below. Don’t forget to pin this article on Pinterest to keep these handy recipes at your fingertips for your next adventure or cozy night in. Happy cooking!

You might also like these recipes

Leave a Comment