How to cook venison in a stew

Venison, the meat of a deer, is a lean and flavorful alternative to traditional meats like beef or chicken. Cooking in a stew is a great way to tenderize the meat, making it juicy and succulent. If you’re new to cooking venison or looking for a delicious stew recipe, this article will guide you through step by step.

Firstly, let’s talk about the ingredients you’ll need for your venison stew.

– 2 pounds of venison, cut into bite-sized pieces
– 2 tablespoons of olive oil
– 1 onion, diced
– 3 cloves of garlic, minced
– 2 carrots, peeled and diced
– 2 celery stalks, diced
– 1 cup of mushrooms, sliced
– 4 cups of beef or vegetable broth
– 1 cup of red wine (optional)
– 2 tablespoons of tomato paste
– 2 bay leaves
– 1 teaspoon of dried thyme
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Chopped fresh parsley for garnish (optional)

Now, let’s move on to the cooking process:

1. Start by seasoning the venison pieces with salt and pepper. This will help enhance the flavor of the meat.

2. Heat the olive oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Add the seasoned venison pieces and brown them on all sides. This step adds a nice crust and enhances the flavor. Once browned, remove the venison from the pot and set it aside.

3. In the same pot, add the diced onion, minced garlic, carrots, celery, and mushrooms. Sauté the vegetables until they become tender, usually around 5 minutes.

4. Now, it’s time to deglaze the pot. Pour in the red wine (if using) and scrape the bottom of the pot with a wooden spoon to release the browned bits. This adds depth of flavor to the stew.

5. Next, add the beef or vegetable broth, tomato paste, bay leaves, and dried thyme to the pot. Stir everything together, then return the browned venison to the pot.

6. Bring the stew to a gentle boil, then reduce the heat to low. Cover the pot and let the stew simmer for about 2-3 hours. This slow cooking process allows the meat to become tender and develop its rich flavors.

7. After the stew has simmered for a few hours, taste and adjust the seasoning with salt and pepper if needed. If you prefer a thicker stew, mix a tablespoon of cornstarch with a little water and stir it into the pot. Allow the stew to simmer for an additional 10 minutes until thickened.

8. Finally, remove the bay leaves and serve your delicious venison stew hot. You can garnish it with fresh chopped parsley to add a pop of color and freshness.

Venison stew pairs well with hearty sides like mashed potatoes, roasted vegetables, or crusty bread. It’s a satisfying and comforting meal that is perfect for fall and winter gatherings or cozy nights at home.

In conclusion, cooking venison in a stew is a great way to enjoy the flavors of this lean and tasty meat. With the right ingredients and a little patience, you can create a mouthwatering venison stew that will impress your family and friends. So, next time you have some venison on hand, give this recipe a try and savor the deliciousness.