Sweetbread on game?

[Konocti's Wigwam]

Ok, I know this is an odd question, but recently I tried cooking some Argentine style Mollejas (Sweetbreads) and they are delicious. I was curious, as these are a fatty thymus gland, one forms around the heart and one around the neck area.

I need to get them at the Mexican Carniceria, as American markets don't sell organs, other than chicken livers and chicken gizzards, at least that is what I have been told. None of the Safeways or Luckys sell organs.

As the cow gets older the thymus glands continue to get smaller and smaller until they're gone.

Do any game have Sweetbreads, do any of you know? I just picked up about 2 lbs. that I plan to make tacos out of. The Mexicans cook them slightly different, cutting them in half and seasoning with a dry rub that looks like pork rub. Argentine style is to only use rock salt and lemon juice, and it is served with an Asado, a kind of mixed meat feast.

I wasn't sure if young Deer, Elk or Bear would have them. Anyone know?

If you haven't tried these on the grill, I highly recommend them. After cooked, it turns into a soft meat texture. I can get them frozen, but not fresh. They do look disgusting when you thaw them out, kinda looks like brains or something...LOL But they're tasty!

 

[Jonnyofalltrades]

I've butchered and eaten more elk, bear, and deer than you can shake a stick at, and I've never noticed this.
I'll be looking for sure this fall.
I'm also not one of those guys who notices things, as Pat McManus said.

 

[Konocti's Wigwam]

I've never seen them in anything, other than buying them and knowing they were used in menudo, and I don't plan on trying that. LOL

I'm pretty certain any of the PETA crowd wouldn't like people eating them, it's akin to veal...

 

[DiffEQ]

I've never seen them in anything, other than buying them and knowing they were used in menudo, and I don't plan on trying that. LOL

I'm pretty certain any of the PETA crowd wouldn't like people eating them, it's akin to veal...

What?! PETA folk love them, People Eating Tasty Animals....

 

[Jonnyofalltrades]

Yes! I'm an animal lover....

They're delicious!

 

[Bill K]

I have ate them for years, in Mexican cuisine and Some Basque restaurants. They are super good.
Have never heard of them in other animals other than cattle, but maybe others do have them.

Seems like in the last few years they are harder to find in any of the places. Don't know why and I have not asked.

 

[Konocti's Wigwam]

I have ate them for years, in Mexican cuisine and Some Basque restaurants. They are super good.
Have never heard of them in other animals other than cattle, but maybe others do have them.

Seems like in the last few years they are harder to find in any of the places. Don't know why and I have not asked.

I got 2 tubs of them and plan to make tacos on Sunday. The Carneceria had piles of flat meat, but it wasn't cheap, like $18/lb. I figured they would have the sweetbreads in stock for the holiday.

 

[Konocti's Wigwam]

I've butchered and eaten more elk, bear, and deer than you can shake a stick at, and I've never noticed this.

I read today that lamb has it also. I think that would mean that sheep and/or goat have it also, but most people are looking for mature sheep with a trophy set of horns, and I suspect by that time the thymus is gone.

I have 2 tubs, each tub is about 1-1/4 lbs, so I have about 2-1/2 lbs. to grill up tomorrow.

 

[Konocti's Wigwam]

I think this is habit forming...Mollejas De Res!



And this is a bonus for me. Cachetes De Res, or as we would say it in America...Beef Cheeks. They had a sign at the Carniceria so I asked and he said they're frozen like the sweetbreads. I picked up about a pound and a half. I would have thought that would be more expensive, they charge through the roof for Halibut Cheeks when they're in season (coming up soon up North). At the same time they had a pile of flap meat and it was going for $18.49/lb...selling loads of it...Evidentally I was born into the wrong (i.e., poor) family...



They do have some deals at the Carniceria...