Wild Game Stew

Wild game stew is a hearty and flavorful dish made with a variety of game meats, such as venison, wild boar, rabbit, or pheasant. It's often cooked with an assortment of vegetables and aromatic spices, resulting in a rich and comforting meal. Here's a basic recipe for wild game stew:

Ingredients:

• 1.5 pounds of mixed game meats (e.g., venison, wild boar, rabbit), cut into bite-sized pieces
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 large onion, chopped
• 2-3 cloves of garlic, minced
• 2 carrots, sliced
• 2 celery stalks, sliced
• 2 potatoes, peeled and diced
• 1 cup mushrooms, sliced
• 1 cup red wine (choose a hearty red like a Cabernet Sauvignon)
• 4 cups beef or game broth
• 1 can diced tomatoes (14 ounces)
• 1 bay leaf
• 1 teaspoon dried thyme
• 1 teaspoon dried rosemary
• Salt and black pepper, to taste
• 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour (for dredging the meat)
• Chopped fresh parsley for garnish

Instructions:

1. Prepare the Meat:
   • Season the game meat with salt and pepper, and then lightly dredge it in flour to help with browning.
2. Sear the Meat:
   • In a large, heavy-bottomed pot or Dutch oven, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat.
   • Brown the game meat in batches, making sure not to overcrowd the pot. This step helps to develop flavor. Remove the browned meat and set it aside.
3. Sauté the Vegetables:
   • In the same pot, add more oil if needed, and sauté the chopped onions until they become translucent.
   • Add the minced garlic and sauté for another minute.
   • Add the carrots, celery, and potatoes. Sauté for about 5 minutes.
4. Combine and Simmer:
   • Return the browned meat to the pot. Pour in the red wine and stir to deglaze the bottom of the pot, releasing any flavorful bits.
5. Add Remaining Ingredients:
   • Add the mushrooms, diced tomatoes, beef or game broth, bay leaf, thyme, and rosemary.
   • Season with additional salt and pepper to taste.
6. Simmer and Cook:
   • Bring the stew to a boil, then reduce the heat to low and let it simmer for about 2-3 hours or until the meat becomes tender. You can also use a slow cooker for this step.
7. Finish and Serve:
• Before serving, check the seasoning and adjust as needed.
• Remove the bay leaf.
• Garnish with chopped fresh parsley.

Wild game stew is traditionally served with crusty bread or over mashed potatoes. It's a warming and hearty dish that's perfect for cold weather or after a successful hunting trip. Enjoy!