Venison Stew
Venison stew is a timeless, hearty dish that celebrates the rich, earthy flavor of wild game meat paired with tender vegetables and aromatic herbs. Perfect for slow cooking, this rustic dish is ideal for warming up on cold evenings, delivering comfort in every bite. It's a meal that speaks to tradition and wholesome nourishment.
Servings 4
Calories 426kcal
Ingredients
- 1 lb venison cubed
- 3 carrots sliced
- 3 potatoes cubed
- 1 large onion diced
- 1 tbsp tomato paste
- 2 cloves garlic minced
- 1 cup red wine
- 4 cups beef or game stock
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- Fresh thyme sprigs
- 2 bay leaves
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Prepare the ingredients: Chop the venison into bite-sized pieces, removing any excess fat. Dice the onions, garlic, and root vegetables into uniform chunks. Prepping vegetables uniformly ensures even cooking and enhances the dish's presentation.
- Brown the venison: Heat oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Sear the venison in batches to lock in flavor, ensuring each piece has a golden crust. Avoid overcrowding the pot as this can lead to steaming rather than browning.
- Sauté the aromatics: Lower the heat and sauté the onions and garlic until softened and translucent. Add tomato paste, cooking it for a minute to deepen its flavor. This step builds a flavorful base for the stew.
- Combine ingredients: Return the venison to the pot. Add the vegetables, herbs, and stock. If using red wine, pour it in now, scraping the bottom of the pot to deglaze and incorporate all browned bits.
- Simmer and slow-cook: Cover and let the stew simmer gently for 2 to 2.5 hours. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking. Slow cooking allows the flavors to meld beautifully, creating a rich and hearty broth.
- Adjust seasoning and serve: Taste and adjust salt and pepper as needed. Remove bay leaves and rosemary stems before serving. Serve hot with a crusty bread or side of your choice.
Nutrition
Calories: 426kcal