Making venison stew is a delicious way to enjoy lean and flavorful venison meat. Here’s a basic recipe for making venison stew:
Ingredients:
2 pounds of venison meat (cut into 1-inch cubes)
2 tablespoons of olive oil
1 onion (chopped very finely)
2 cloves of garlic (minced)
4 cups of beef broth
2 cups of diced potatoes
1 cup of diced carrots
1/2 cup of diced celery
1 cup of sliced mushrooms
1 cup of frozen peas
1 bay leaf
Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
Marinate the Venison (Optional): If you have the time, marinating the venison overnight can enhance the flavor. Combine the venison cubes with some olive oil, red wine, and herbs like rosemary and thyme. Refrigerate for at least 6 hours or overnight.
Sear the Venison: Heat the vegetable oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Add the venison cubes and brown them on all sides. This will help seal in the juices and add flavor. Once browned, remove the venison from the pot and set it aside.
Saute the Onions and Garlic: In the same pot, add the chopped onions and minced garlic. Cook them until they become fragrant and translucent.
Add Vegetables: Add the diced potatoes, carrots, celery, and mushrooms to the pot. Saute for a few minutes until they start to soften.
Return Venison to the Pot: Place the browned venison cubes back into the pot with the vegetables.
Pour in Broth: Pour in the beef or venison broth to cover all the ingredients. Add the bay leaf and dried thyme. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
Simmer: Bring the stew to a boil, then reduce the heat to low. Cover the pot and let it simmer for about 1.5 to 2 hours, or until the venison is tender. Stir occasionally.
Add Peas: About 15 minutes before serving, add the frozen peas to the stew. This will ensure they cook through without becoming mushy.
Adjust Seasoning: Taste the stew and adjust the seasoning with more salt and pepper if needed.
Serve: Once the venison is tender and the peas are cooked, remove the bay leaf. Serve the venison stew hot in bowls. You can garnish it with fresh herbs like parsley if desired.
Enjoy your homemade venison stew! It’s a hearty and flavorful dish perfect for colder months.