Virtual Australia: Outback Cuisine

 Aussie Outback Special: Witchetty Grubs.

(...which we will not be trying by-the-way...)

Looking a lot like pale puffy tomato worms, these are the larvae of Cossid Moths and are found as they are eating the roots of witchetty bushes. They are eaten raw or lightly roasted.

Raw, they are said to have an almond flavor.

(...I'll never know...)

Roasted the skin gets crisp like fried chicken and the insides light yellow like fried egg.

(...I'll take their word for it...)

 It is interesting to mention that an estimated 9 out of 10 aborigines in Australia still eat (and presumably enjoy) the grubs.


They are also used as bait by the freshwater fishermen.

Hunting and Eating Witchetty Grubs.

https://youtu.be/VBf-Gelm5fE

Roasted

Yeah..I'm going to have to pass.

And I have found a caveat for my Motto: Try Everything...except Witchetty Grubs...lol!

For those more adventurous than me you can buy these from an online site in the UK

https://www.eatgrub.co.uk/shop/

(...nope...)
 
Some of the traditional bush food like Emu and Kangaroo can be bought online, as well.

The Exotic Meat Market

https://www.exoticmeatmarkets.com/default.asp

I have Emu and Kangaroo Ordered and am buying Vegemite off Amazon.

Emu.

 Emu, like ostrich, is surprisingly red meat.  Since the bird's fat content is very low it is quite healthy for you, but care must be taken to prevent it from overcooking and being extremely dry.

Emu over the Barbie.

Recipe.

Marinate steaks for 2 hours in wine, oil, vinegar, tomato paste, garlic, mustard and sugar mixture.

Drain and place steaks on grill (reserving marinade liquid)

Brush with reserved liquid during grilling.

Grilled Emu.

Which I am anxious to try, and hear it is quite good having almost a lean beefy taste.


Kangaroo, is should be noted, is not a preferred meat in Australia...although plentiful. Many consider it "...only good for dog food". A recent rebranding is occurring because of its availability and leaness toward the "healthy
alternative"

As one Aussie pointed out

"It's STILL 'roo, mate."

Most of the recipes I found were for it ground and spiced heavily into sausages or burgers.

Helped a great deal by the addition of spices and toppings. The taste is said to be quite gamey and the meat very dry and tough.  Often boiled for stews.

We will find out soon! I've a pound of ground 'roo on its way.

About the Vegemite.

En route as well.

Chris, having experienced Vegemite years ago when a friend (and foreign exchange student) brought some for the whole class to try.

"We use it just like peanut butter!" she exclaimed.

"Not PEANUT BUTTER. Disgusting." my son later declared.

Anyway...this is Vegemite Spread

and here is where you can buy it if you want to try it yourself.

https://www.amazon.com/Vegemite-150g-Jar/dp/B001JDHUUA

Spread on toast.

Salty, a bit bitter and a meaty flavour from the black sesame seeds...as well as a yeasty beer flavor from the yeast extract.

Is is said if you dislike beer...you won't care for the taste of Vegemite either.

We will see when it arrives. 

Here are some other ways to use Vegemite besides toast.

https://www.taste.com.au/quick-easy/galleries/ways-vegemite-youve-never-thought/XElcZw6O

Off to wander Western Australia soon!

 More Anon...