Rattlesnake Pasta: A Wildly Delicious Adventure in Your Kitchen

Have you ever wanted to try something truly unique and adventurous in the kitchen? Something that will make your taste buds sing and your guests say, “Wow, I’ve never had anything like this before!”? If so, then rattlesnake pasta might just be the dish you’ve been searching for.

Now, I know what you might be thinking: rattlesnake? Is that even safe to eat? And where on earth am I supposed to find rattlesnake meat? Don’t worry, we’ll address all of those concerns and guide you through the process step-by-step. This recipe can be adapted for different ingredients should you feel uneasy with the original. So, gather your courage, put on your culinary explorer hat, and let’s embark on this deliciously daring adventure!

Why Rattlesnake Pasta?

Rattlesnake meat, when prepared properly, is surprisingly delicious. It has a mild, slightly gamey flavor that is often compared to chicken or rabbit. It’s also a lean source of protein. The pasta provides a comforting and familiar base, while the other ingredients create a symphony of flavors that complement the rattlesnake perfectly. This dish is not just about eating; it’s about experiencing a new and exciting culinary horizon.

Sourcing Rattlesnake Meat

This is perhaps the most challenging part of the recipe. Here are a few options:

* **Specialty Meat Markets:** Check with butcher shops specializing in exotic or game meats. They may occasionally carry rattlesnake or be able to order it for you.
* **Online Retailers:** Several online retailers specialize in unusual meats, including rattlesnake. Be sure to choose a reputable source with good reviews.
* **Hunting (If Legal and Permitted):** In some areas, it is legal to hunt rattlesnakes, but you *must* have the proper licenses and permits and follow all regulations. This is not a beginner’s activity, and safety should always be your top priority. You also must know how to handle rattlesnake safely after hunting. For novice, this is strongly discouraged.
* **Substitute meat:** If you cannot find rattlesnake, you can substitute with rabbit, chicken, or even alligator meat. The flavors will differ, but the recipe will still be delicious and unique.

**Important Safety Note:** Rattlesnake meat *must* be cooked thoroughly to kill any potential parasites or bacteria. Never eat raw or undercooked rattlesnake.

## Rattlesnake Pasta Recipe

This recipe serves approximately 4-6 people.

**Ingredients:**

* 1 pound rattlesnake meat, pre-cooked and shredded (or substitute meat)
* 1 pound pasta (linguine, fettuccine, or penne work well)
* 2 tablespoons olive oil
* 1 medium onion, chopped
* 2 cloves garlic, minced
* 1 red bell pepper, chopped
* 1 jalapeño pepper, seeded and minced (optional, for added heat)
* 1 (14.5 ounce) can diced tomatoes, undrained
* 1/2 cup chicken broth
* 1/4 cup heavy cream
* 2 tablespoons chopped fresh cilantro
* 1 tablespoon lime juice
* 1 teaspoon chili powder
* 1/2 teaspoon cumin
* Salt and pepper to taste
* Grated Parmesan cheese, for garnish (optional)

**Equipment:**

* Large pot
* Large skillet or sauté pan
* Cutting board
* Knife
* Measuring cups and spoons

**Instructions:**

**Step 1: Prepare the Pasta**

1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.
2. Add the pasta and cook according to package directions until al dente. Reserve about 1 cup of pasta water before draining. This water will help to create a luscious sauce. Drain the pasta and set aside.

**Step 2: Sauté the Vegetables**

1. While the pasta is cooking, heat the olive oil in a large skillet or sauté pan over medium heat.
2. Add the chopped onion and cook until softened, about 5 minutes.
3. Add the minced garlic, chopped red bell pepper, and jalapeño pepper (if using) and cook for another 3-5 minutes, or until the vegetables are tender-crisp.

**Step 3: Create the Sauce**

1. Stir in the diced tomatoes (with their juice), chicken broth, heavy cream, cilantro, lime juice, chili powder, and cumin. Bring to a simmer.
2. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
3. Let the sauce simmer for about 10-15 minutes, stirring occasionally, to allow the flavors to meld together and the sauce to thicken slightly. If the sauce becomes too thick, add a little bit of the reserved pasta water to thin it out.

**Step 4: Add the Rattlesnake Meat**

1. Gently stir in the pre-cooked and shredded rattlesnake meat (or substitute meat) into the sauce.
2. Heat through for a few minutes, ensuring the meat is warmed evenly. Be careful not to overcook the meat, as it can become dry.

**Step 5: Combine Pasta and Sauce**

1. Add the cooked pasta to the skillet with the sauce and rattlesnake meat.
2. Toss well to coat the pasta evenly with the sauce. If the pasta seems dry, add a little more of the reserved pasta water to achieve the desired consistency.

**Step 6: Serve and Garnish**

1. Serve the rattlesnake pasta immediately while it’s hot.
2. Garnish with grated Parmesan cheese (if desired) and a sprinkle of fresh cilantro.

**Tips and Variations:**

* **Spice Level:** Adjust the amount of jalapeño pepper to control the spiciness of the dish. You can also add a pinch of cayenne pepper for extra heat.
* **Vegetables:** Feel free to add other vegetables to the sauce, such as corn, black beans, or zucchini.
* **Cheese:** Consider using a different type of cheese, such as Monterey Jack or pepper jack, for a different flavor profile.
* **Wine Pairing:** A crisp, dry white wine like Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio pairs well with rattlesnake pasta.
* **Smoked Rattlesnake:** If you can find smoked rattlesnake, it will add a wonderful depth of flavor to the dish.
* **Creamy Sauce:** Add more heavy cream or a dollop of sour cream for a richer, creamier sauce.
* **Citrus Zest:** A little lime or lemon zest will brighten up the flavors of the dish.
* **Pasta Shape:** Experiment with different pasta shapes to find your favorite.

Making Rattlesnake Stock

If you happen to have access to rattlesnake bones (from your butchering process or a generous hunter friend), you can make a flavorful rattlesnake stock to use in place of chicken broth. This will amplify the rattlesnake flavor in the dish.

**Ingredients:**

* Rattlesnake bones (about 1-2 pounds)
* 1 onion, roughly chopped
* 2 carrots, roughly chopped
* 2 celery stalks, roughly chopped
* 4 cloves garlic, smashed
* 1 bay leaf
* 1 teaspoon black peppercorns
* Water to cover

**Instructions:**

1. Place the rattlesnake bones, onion, carrots, celery, garlic, bay leaf, and peppercorns in a large stockpot.
2. Cover with cold water. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for at least 3-4 hours, or even longer for a richer flavor. Skim off any foam or impurities that rise to the surface.
3. Strain the stock through a fine-mesh sieve, discarding the solids.
4. Let the stock cool completely, then refrigerate for at least 4 hours or overnight. This will allow any fat to solidify on the surface, which you can then easily remove.
5. Use the rattlesnake stock in place of chicken broth in the pasta recipe. You can also freeze the stock for later use.

## Safety Considerations When Cooking Rattlesnake

Safety is paramount when dealing with rattlesnake. Adhere to these guidelines:

1. **Source Responsibly:** Obtain rattlesnake meat from reputable suppliers or experienced hunters. If you are inexperienced, hunting rattlesnakes is highly discouraged due to the risk of venomous bites.
2. **Proper Handling:** Always handle rattlesnake meat with care. Wear gloves when handling raw meat to prevent contamination. Wash your hands thoroughly with soap and water after handling.
3. **Thorough Cooking:** Cook rattlesnake meat to an internal temperature of at least 165°F (74°C) to kill any potential parasites or bacteria. Use a meat thermometer to ensure accurate temperature reading.
4. **Venom Neutralization:** Heat neutralizes rattlesnake venom. Proper cooking renders the venom harmless. Never consume raw or undercooked rattlesnake.
5. **Bone Removal:** Carefully inspect the cooked meat for any remaining bones. Rattlesnake bones can be small and sharp.

## Rattlesnake Pasta: A Culinary Conversation Starter

Rattlesnake pasta is more than just a meal; it’s an experience, a conversation starter, and a testament to culinary curiosity. While it may not be an everyday dish, it’s certainly one that will impress your guests and leave them with a lasting memory. So, if you’re feeling adventurous and want to try something truly unique, give rattlesnake pasta a try. You might just discover your new favorite wild and delicious dish!

This recipe can be easily adapted to use readily available meat such as chicken or rabbit. The taste will be slightly different but still delicious. This allows you to still experience a novel recipe that doesn’t require hunting for snakes. With the right mixture of peppers, you can capture the essence of rattlesnake meat without the risk.

So go ahead, venture into the unknown, and bring a little bit of the wild west into your kitchen!