A Delicious Post-Hunt Meal

Venison Stew Recipe for Deer Hunters

If you're a passionate deer hunter, you know the joy that comes with a successful hunt, but the reward doesn’t end in the field. Bringing home fresh venison allows you to enjoy one of the finest wild game meats available, rich in flavor and lean in fat. After a long day in the woods, nothing beats a warm, hearty meal to refuel and savor the success of the hunt. One of the best ways to enjoy your hard-earned venison is by preparing a classic venison stew.

Here’s a recipe that’s easy to make and perfect for those cool autumn evenings when you’re ready to relax by the fire after a day outdoors.

Hearty Venison Stew Recipe

Ingredients:

• 2 lbs venison (cubed)
• 4 cups beef broth
• 1 cup red wine (optional, for added richness)
• 3 large potatoes (peeled and cubed)
• 4 carrots (sliced)
• 1 onion (diced)
• 3 cloves garlic (minced)
• 2 tbsp tomato paste
• 1 cup mushrooms (optional, for earthiness)
• 2 bay leaves
• 2 tbsp olive oil or butter
• 1 tsp dried thyme
• 1 tsp dried rosemary
• Salt and pepper (to taste)
• 2 tbsp flour (for thickening)
• Fresh parsley (for garnish)

Instructions:

1. Prepare the Venison: Start by seasoning your venison cubes with salt and pepper. In a large pot or Dutch oven, heat the olive oil (or butter) over medium-high heat. Brown the venison on all sides, working in batches if necessary. This will help seal in the juices and develop flavor. Remove the browned venison and set aside.
2. Sauté Vegetables: In the same pot, add the onions and garlic. Sauté until softened, about 3-5 minutes. Add the carrots, mushrooms (if using), and tomato paste, and cook for another couple of minutes to let the flavors meld together.
3. Deglaze the Pot: Pour in the red wine (if using) and let it simmer for a couple of minutes, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the pot. This step adds depth to the flavor of your stew.
4. Add Broth and Seasonings: Return the venison to the pot and add the beef broth, bay leaves, thyme, and rosemary. Bring the mixture to a simmer, then lower the heat, cover the pot, and let it cook for about 1 hour to allow the venison to become tender.
5. Add Potatoes: After an hour, add the cubed potatoes to the stew. Cover and continue to cook for another 30-40 minutes, until the potatoes are tender.
6. Thicken the Stew: To thicken the stew, create a slurry by mixing 2 tablespoons of flour with a little cold water, then stir it into the pot. Let the stew simmer for another 5-10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until it reaches your desired thickness.
7. Taste and Adjust: Taste the stew and adjust the seasonings if necessary, adding more salt, pepper, or herbs to your liking.
8. Serve and Enjoy: Ladle the venison stew into bowls and garnish with fresh parsley for a pop of color. Serve hot with a slice of crusty bread to soak up all the savory goodness.

Why Venison Stew?

Venison is not only a delicious and lean source of protein, but it's also a rewarding way to honor the hunt. This stew allows the rich, natural flavor of the venison to shine while pairing it with hearty vegetables and earthy herbs. It’s a filling, nutritious meal that’s perfect for warming you up after a day in the woods.

Plus, venison stew is a great dish to make in bulk—if you have a successful hunting season, you can freeze portions for easy meals throughout the winter.

Enjoy your stew and happy hunting! For more local hunting information or recipes, contact Bold North Realty & Auctions at (218) 766-9607.