Exploring Foraging and Offal with Alan Bergo

In this episode of the Okayest Cook podcast, host Chris Whonsetler and co-host Andy Heiser welcome foraging expert and chef Alan Bergo. The conversation kicks off with discussions on a variety of unique culinary endeavors, from homemade truffle oil and innovative uses of venison to the intricacies of foraging wild plants like nettles and ramps. Alan provides an in-depth look into the recipes and techniques from his book 'Flora,' shedding light on traditional and innovative ways to use wild ingredients. The episode also dives into the world of organ meats, discussing delectable preparations of heart, tongue, liver, and kidneys, as well as the value of often-overlooked parts like venison feet for making stock. Alan teases his upcoming books on meat, promising more insightful and traditional culinary wisdom. Whether you’re a seasoned chef or a novice forager, this episode is packed with valuable tips and fascinating discussions on the art of wild cuisine.

Find Alan:

Web: https://foragerchef.com/

Social: https://www.instagram.com/foragerchef/

The Forager Chef's Book of Flora: https://www.amazon.com/dp/1603589481?ref=ppx_yo2ov_dt_b_fed_asin_title

Mentioned in Episode:

https://trufflecart.com/

~ Support Okayest Cook by shopping with our favorite brands ~

Anova: We love their Precision Cooker 3.0 & vac sealers - https://bit.ly/3WT36ZR

MEAT!: Powerful meat grinders - https://bit.ly/4ho5a4r

Hedley & Bennett: Quality Aprons - https://hedley-and-bennett.sjv.io/EEzBq2

Yeti: The king of coolers - https://yetius.pxf.io/a1NJXq

Lodge: Cast Iron cooking - https://lodgecastiron.pxf.io/zxe7dr

~

00:00 Technical Difficulties and Introductions

00:38 Meet Our Special Guest: Alan Burgo

01:24 Culinary Adventures and Experiments

05:21 The Truffle Talk

15:24 Foraging and Wild Plants

35:20 Fermenting Ramp Leaves: A Siberian Tradition

36:24 Creating Ramp Steak Sauce

37:06 Future Projects: Upcoming Books

39:01 Cooking with Organ Meats: Heart, Tongue, and More

50:17 Making Stock from Venison Feet

55:25 Liver and Kidney Recipes

01:02:30 Scrapple and Sausage: Utilizing Offal

01:05:56 Conclusion and Where to Find More

More at https://OkayestCook.com

Sign up for our Second Helpings newsletter: https://OkayestCook.com/subscribe

Connect with us on Instagram @Okayest_Cook

And facebook.com/AnOkayestCook

Video feed on YouTube.com/@OkayestCook

Crew:

Chris Whonsetler

Email: [email protected]

Web: ChrisWhonsetler.com

Instagram: @FromFieldToTable & @WhonPhoto

Andy Heiser

Email: [email protected]

Web: RakeDevelopment.com

Instagram: @andheiser