A Hearty Stew Recipe π²
Overview:
A real “stick to your ribs” stew that is wonderful on a cold winter’s day. This hearty stew was specially developed for a friend who wanted a recipe he could use with venison, and let me tell you, it held up well! Whether you’re using venison, beef, or pork, this stew promises to warm you up from the inside out.
Cooking Times:
Prep Time | Cook Time | Total Time |
---|---|---|
40 mins | 2 hrs 30 mins | 3 hrs 10 mins |
Ingredients:
- 2 cups dry red wine π·
- 2 cans (14.5 oz each) tomatoes with juice π
- 1 1/2 cups onions, chopped π§
- 1 garlic clove, minced π§
- 2 sprigs bouquet garni (thyme, parsley, bay leaves) πΏ
- 4 cups venison/beef/pork, cubed π₯©
- 2 tsp salt π§
- 1/2 tsp ground black pepper πΆοΈ
- 1 green pepper, diced πΆοΈ
- 2/3 cup raisins π
- 1/2 cup kalamata olives, pitted and sliced π«
- 1/4 cup flour, for thickening πΎ
- 1 cup cold water π§
Instructions:
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Brown the Meat: In a large skillet, heat oil over medium heat. Brown the cubed meat until it’s nicely seared on all sides. This step helps to develop those rich, savory flavors.
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Add Aromatics: Pour off any excess liquid from the skillet, then add in the onions, garlic, and bouquet garni. Let these fragrant ingredients mingle with the meat for a few minutes, stirring occasionally.
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Simmer Away: Now it’s time to add the tomatoes with their juices, salt, and ground black pepper. Give everything a good stir, then cover the skillet and let it simmer gently for about 2 hours. This slow simmer allows the flavors to meld together beautifully.
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More Goodness: After 2 hours, add in the diced green pepper, raisins, and kalamata olives. Stir everything together, cover the skillet once again, and let it simmer for another 30 minutes.
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Thicken it Up: In a small bowl, mix the flour with 2 tablespoons of water to create a smooth paste. Stir this mixture into the remaining cup of water until well combined. Pour this into the stew, stirring constantly. Increase the heat to medium and continue stirring until the stew thickens to your desired consistency. This usually takes about 10 minutes.
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Serve and Enjoy: Your hearty stew is now ready to be enjoyed! Serve it piping hot in bowls, perhaps with a side of crusty bread or fluffy mashed potatoes. The tender meat, savory sauce, and pops of sweetness from the raisins make this a truly comforting meal.
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Storage Tip: This stew also tastes fantastic the next day, so don’t hesitate to make a big batch and save some for later. Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days, or freeze for longer storage.
Nutritional Information (Per Serving):
- Calories: 624.7
- Total Fat: 35.3g
- Saturated Fat: 12.7g
- Cholesterol: 101.3mg
- Sodium: 1253.6mg
- Total Carbohydrates: 37.8g
- Dietary Fiber: 5.1g
- Sugar: 23.9g
- Protein: 30.9g
Recipe Notes:
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Meat Choice: While this recipe was designed with venison in mind, feel free to use beef or pork instead. The key is to use a cut that’s suitable for stewing, such as chuck, shoulder, or leg.
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Flour Tip: If you prefer a thicker stew, you can adjust the amount of flour used for the thickening step. Add more for a thicker consistency, or less for a lighter sauce.
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Customize to Taste: This stew is quite versatile, so don’t be afraid to customize it to your liking. Add in your favorite vegetables, such as carrots, potatoes, or mushrooms, for extra heartiness.
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Wine Pairing: Since this recipe calls for dry red wine, consider serving the same wine alongside the stew for a perfect pairing. A hearty Cabernet Sauvignon or Merlot would complement the rich flavors beautifully.
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Stovetop Simplicity: This stew is cooked entirely on the stovetop, making it a convenient option for those cozy winter evenings when you crave something warm and comforting.
So there you have it, a hearty stew recipe that’s sure to become a family favorite! Whether you’re serving it up on a chilly winter’s night or simply craving a comforting meal, this stew delivers on flavor and warmth. Gather your ingredients, simmer away, and get ready to enjoy a bowlful of deliciousness! π₯£β¨