Venison Stew is a rustic and hearty dish that celebrates the bold and gamey flavors of venison, a lean and flavorful meat sourced from the wilderness. This comforting stew features tender pieces of venison, a medley of earthy root vegetables, and aromatic herbs and spices, all slow-cooked to perfection in a savory broth. The slow simmering process allows the flavors to meld, resulting in a rich and satisfying stew that evokes the spirit of the outdoors. Whether served as a hearty main course or a special occasion dish, Venison Stew offers a taste of the wilderness in every bite. The combination of venison and rustic ingredients creates a harmonious and hearty medley of flavors and textures, making it a cherished favorite for those seeking a robust and adventurous bowl of goodness. Savor the warmth and depth of flavors in this classic stew, perfect for embracing the essence of wild game cuisine.
In your Dutch oven, heat the vegetable oil over medium-high heat. Add the venison stew meat and brown it on all sides. Remove the browned venison from the pot and set it aside.
In the same pot, add the chopped onion and sauté for about 3-4 minutes until it becomes translucent.
Stir in the minced garlic and sauté for an additional 1-2 minutes until fragrant.
Return the browned venison to the pot. Add the sliced carrots, diced potatoes, and chopped celery. Mix well with the sautéed onions and garlic.
Pour in the beef or venison broth and red wine (if using). Stir to combine.
Add the bay leaves, dried thyme, dried rosemary, salt, and black pepper to the pot. Stir again.
Bring the stew to a boil, then reduce the heat to low, cover the Dutch oven, and let it simmer for about 1.5 to 2 hours, or until the venison is tender and the flavors meld together. Remove and discard the bay leaves.
About 10 minutes before serving, stir in the frozen peas.
If you want to thicken the stew, you can create a slurry by mixing 2 tablespoons of all-purpose flour with a few tablespoons of water until smooth. Stir the slurry into the stew and simmer for an additional 10-15 minutes to thicken the broth.
Taste the stew and adjust the seasonings with more salt and pepper if needed.
Serve the Venison Stew hot, garnished with chopped fresh parsley if desired.
Notes
This Venison Stew is a hearty and flavorful dish with tender venison and a variety of vegetables, simmered in a rich and savory broth. It's perfect for a satisfying and warming meal. Enjoy!