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The Paleo Autoimmune Protocol (AIP) diet has gained significant popularity in recent years due to its focus on anti-inflammatory foods and its help in promoting recovery of autoimmunity. One food that has become a snack staple on my own Paleo AIP journey is pemmican!
Pemmican is a nutrient-dense food that is easy to make, easy to take along, and can be stored for long periods of time. In this article, we will explore what Paleo AIP pemmican is, its nutritional benefits, how to choose the best ingredients, how to make it at home, and frequently asked questions.
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What is Paleo AIP Pemmican?
Paleo AIP pemmican is a variation of traditional pemmican that is specifically tailored to fit the guidelines of the Paleo Autoimmune Protocol diet. Pemmican is a portable, high-energy food made from dried meat, rendered fat, and sometimes berries or other seasonings. It is a traditional food of indigenous peoples and was used as a survival food by explorers.
The main difference between traditional pemmican and Paleo AIP pemmican lies in the ingredients used. Conventional pemmican found on your grocer’s shelves might include ingredients like nuts, grains, sugar, nightshade and/or fruit-based spices, and unnatural preservatives, all of which are not allowed on the Paleo AIP diet. Paleo AIP pemmican, on the other hand, uses only high-quality, nutrient-dense ingredients that are compliant with the elimination phase!
The Nutritional Benefits of Paleo AIP Pemmican
Paleo AIP pemmican is a nutrient-dense food that provides a wide range of essential nutrients. It is high in protein, healthy fats, and important vitamins and minerals. The combination of dried meat and rendered fat provides a balanced source of macronutrients that can help support overall health.
Pemmican is also rich in micronutrients like iron, zinc, and B vitamins. These nutrients are essential for energy production, immune function, and overall well-being. Additionally, the inclusion of berries or other seasonings in Paleo AIP pemmican can provide additional antioxidants and phytonutrients.
In the context of the Paleo AIP diet, pemmican is an ideal food as it is free from grains, dairy, legumes, and other common allergens. It can also be made lower in carbohydrates, making it suitable for those following a low-carb or ketogenic diet.
How to Choose the Best Ingredients for Your Pemmican
When making Paleo AIP pemmican, it is important to choose high-quality ingredients to ensure the best flavor and nutritional value. Here are some tips for selecting the best meat, fat, and seasonings:
Meat
Choose lean cuts of grass-fed or pasture-raised meat. Avoid meats that are high in fat or marbling, as they can make the pemmican too greasy. Good options include beef, bison, elk, or venison.
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Fat
Opt for healthy fats like tallow, lard, or coconut oil. Rendered fat from the same animal as the meat is traditionally used in pemmican, but you can also use other animal fats or plant-based fats if preferred, so long as they are compliant with the elimination phase of the AIP.
Seasonings
If you choose to add seasonings to your pemmican, make sure they are compliant with the Paleo AIP diet. Avoid spices like paprika, chili powder, or cayenne pepper, as these are nightshade spices and are not added back into the diet until the reintroduction phase. can be inflammatory for some individuals. Instead, opt for herbs like rosemary, thyme, or sage, or use AIP-friendly spices like turmeric or ginger.
Paleo AIP Pemmican Recipes for Every Occasion
Here are some Paleo AIP pemmican recipes to get you started (follow the step-by-step guide outlined in the next section for comprehensive instructions):
Classic Pemmican
- 1 ½ lbs lean grass-fed beef (like beef shoulder), thinly sliced
- ½ lb beef suet
- Sea salt, to taste
Berry Pemmican
- 1 ½ lbs lean grass-fed beef, thinly sliced
- ½ lb beef suet
- Sea salt, to taste
- ½ lb fresh berries (such as cranberries or blueberries)
Herb Pemmican
- 1 ½ lbs lean grass-fed beef, thinly sliced
- ½ lb beef suet
- Sea salt, to taste
- AIP-friendly herbs like rosemary, thyme, or sage
Step-by-Step Guide: How to Make Paleo AIP Pemmican
Making your own Paleo AIP pemmican is a straightforward process that requires minimal equipment and ingredients! Here is a step-by-step guide to making pemmican at home:
Prepare the meat
Freeze the meat for an hour or two to firm it up. Next, start by thinly slicing the lean meat into strips. You can use a sharp knife or a meat slicer for this step.
Dry the meat
Lay the meat strips on a dehydrator tray (for the dehydrator method) or a wire baking rack (for the oven method). If using a dehydrator, set it to the lowest temperature and let the meat dry for 6-8 hours, or until it becomes dry and leathery. If using an oven, set it to the lowest temperature and prop the door open slightly to allow air circulation. Dry the meat for 4-6 hours, or until it reaches the desired texture.
Dry the fruit at the same time
At the same time as you dry out the meat, also dry out ½ lb of small fruit (like blueberries) or diced fruit (like apples) in the dehydrator or on a parchment-lined baking sheet.
Grind the dried meat and fruit
Once the meat and fruit are fully dried, transfer them individually to a food processor or a blender and pulse until each becomes a fine powder. Add them both to a large mixing bowl or stand mixer.
Render the fat
While the meat is drying, render the fat by melting it in a saucepan over low heat. Be careful not to burn the fat. Also watch for when it stops simmering, because that is when it is done! Strain the melted fat through a fine-mesh sieve to remove any impurities and crisped pieces. Save any crispy pieces for snacking or other recipes; you only want the strained fat for the pemmican.
Add seasonings
Add sea salt and AIP-friendly seasonings to taste to the powdered mixture. Mix well to incorporate the flavors.Looking for an all-purpose blend that seasons your pemmican with no fuss? Check out Paleo AIP Powder, Herbamare, Super Gyro, Breakfast Blend, and Garlic & Herb.
Mix the powders and fat
Add the melted fat slowly into the bowl with the powdered meat and fruit. You may not need all of it, as you only want enough to combine it up into a formable “dough.” If you find you have accidentally made it too “loose,” you can add 1 tsp of coconut flour at a time until the dough is firm.
Shape and store
Line a baking dish or a loaf pan with parchment paper. Press the pemmican mixture into the pan, making sure to compact it tightly. Smooth the top with a spatula or the back of a spoon. Alternatively, you can use silicone molds to make cute pemmican shapes!
Frequently Asked Questions About Paleo AIP Pemmican
Q: Can I use different types of meat for pemmican?
A: Yes, you can use different types of lean meat like bison, elk, or venison. Just make sure to choose high-quality, grass-fed or pasture-raised meat.
Q: Can I use plant-based fats for pemmican?
A: Yes, you can use coconut oil or sustainable palm shortening if you prefer. However, traditional pemmican is made with animal fats like tallow or lard.
Q: Can I add nuts or seeds to my pemmican?
A: Nuts and seeds are not typically included in traditional pemmican recipes, but if you have reintroduced them after the Paleo AIP elimination phase, you can definitely experiment with adding them!
Q: How long does pemmican last?
A: When stored properly, pemmican can last for several months or even years at room temperature. However, it is best to consume it within a year for optimal flavor and quality. If you are concerned about it spoiling due to the weather in your area being too hot or humid, you can store it in the freezer.
Click here for more delicious and compliant snack ideas!
In Conclusion: How to Make Paleo AIP Pemmican
Paleo AIP pemmican is a nutrient-dense food that is easy to make and can be stored for long periods of time. It is a great addition to the Paleo AIP diet due to its high protein and healthy fat content.
By choosing high-quality ingredients and following a simple recipe, you can make your own pemmican at home. Whether you’re looking for a portable snack, a protein boost for your meals, or a survival food for travel or outdoor adventures, pemmican is a versatile and nutritious option to consider. So why not give it a try and experience the benefits of Paleo AIP pemmican for yourself?
Americans: Check out Butcherbox to take advantage of their current meat or seafood specials!
Canadians: Use TruLocal code MEAGEN5994 to save $10 on a small box or $20 on a regular box of high-quality meat and seafood!
