What is Venison?
Venison refers to the meat of a deer, and it is lean, tender, and packed with flavor. It is a popular choice for those who enjoy game meat and are looking for a healthy alternative to red meat.
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 2 pounds of venison, cut into chunks
- 4 tablespoons of olive oil
- 1 onion, diced
- 2 carrots, diced
- 2 celery stalks, diced
- 4 cloves of garlic, minced
- 1 cup of red wine
- 1 can of crushed tomatoes
- 2 tablespoons of tomato paste
- 1 cup of beef broth
- 1 bay leaf
- 1 teaspoon of dried thyme
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 pound of pasta
- Grated Parmesan cheese for serving
Step 1: Preparing the Venison
Take your venison chunks and season them with salt and pepper. Heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a large pot over medium-high heat. Once the oil is hot, add the venison chunks and brown them on all sides. This will give the meat a nice caramelized flavor. Remove the venison from the pot and set it aside.
Step 2: Sautéing the Vegetables
In the same pot, add the remaining 2 tablespoons of olive oil. Add the diced onion, carrots, celery, and minced garlic. Sauté them for about 5 minutes or until they become tender and fragrant.
Step 3: Cooking the Sauce
Add the browned venison back into the pot with the sautéed vegetables. Pour in the red wine and let it simmer for a couple of minutes to cook off the alcohol. Then, add the crushed tomatoes, tomato paste, beef broth, bay leaf, dried thyme, salt, and pepper. Give everything a good stir to combine all the flavors.
Step 4: Simmering the Ragu
Reduce the heat to low and cover the pot. Let the ragu simmer for 2-3 hours, stirring occasionally, until the venison becomes tender and the flavors meld together. You can also transfer the pot to a preheated oven at 325°F and let it cook for the same amount of time.
Step 5: Serving the Venison Ragu
Cook your favorite pasta according to the package instructions. Once cooked, drain the pasta and add it to the pot of venison ragu. Stir everything together to coat the pasta with the rich sauce. Serve the ragu hot, garnished with grated Parmesan cheese.
Final Thoughts
Making a delicious venison ragu may take some time, but the results are definitely worth it. The tender and flavorful meat combined with the rich tomato sauce creates a comforting dish that will satisfy even the pickiest eaters. Whether you’re hosting a dinner party or simply enjoying a cozy night in, this venison ragu is sure to impress.
So, why not give it a try? Gather the ingredients, follow the step-by-step guide, and experience the taste of this indulgent venison ragu for yourself. Your taste buds will thank you!