Rustic Venison Stew with Bourbon Infusion

Buck and Bourbon Recipe

Description:
Living in a rural area where deer meat is a staple for many, I’ve come across a cherished recipe from a neighbor deeply rooted in the local culinary tradition. This dish, a community favorite, embodies the essence of hearty comfort food, delivering a deliciously satisfying meal that’s sure to become a regular in your kitchen repertoire.

Key Information:

• Cook Time: 3 hours
• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Total Time: 3 hours and 20 minutes
• Servings: 12
• Calories per Serving: 176.1
• Nutritional Information per Serving:
  • Fat: 4g
  • Saturated Fat: 1.1g
  • Cholesterol: 79.4mg
  • Sodium: 241.9mg
  • Carbohydrates: 6.2g
  • Fiber: 0.9g
  • Sugar: 1.9g
  • Protein: 22.9g
• Recipe Category: Deer
• Keywords: Wild Game, Meat, High Protein, Healthy, High In…, Weeknight, Stove Top, < 4 Hours, Inexpensive

Ingredients:

• 2 1/2 – 3 pounds cubed venison
• Flour (for coating)
• 1/3 cup oil
• 4 beef bouillon cubes
• 1 bell pepper, diced
• 1 onion, diced
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 cup water
• 1 cup tomato sauce
• 1-2 shots of Bourbon (adjust to taste)
• 1/2 cup fresh mushrooms, sliced
• Thyme (to taste)

Instructions:

1. Prepare the Venison:

   • Begin by coating the cubed venison with flour. This will help create a deliciously golden crust when browned.
   • In a heavy iron skillet or a sturdy pan, heat the oil over medium-high heat.
   • Once the oil is hot, add the floured cubed venison to the skillet, ensuring they’re spread out in a single layer.
   • Brown the venison on all sides until they develop a beautiful caramelized exterior, infusing rich flavor into the dish.

2. Combine Ingredients:

   • Once the venison is evenly browned, add the diced bell pepper, onion, and minced garlic to the skillet.
   • Sprinkle in the beef bouillon cubes, ensuring they’re evenly distributed throughout the mixture.
   • Pour in the water and tomato sauce, creating a flavorful base for the dish.
   • Gently stir all the ingredients together, allowing them to meld and infuse their flavors into the venison.

3. Simmer to Perfection:

   • Reduce the heat to low, covering the skillet with a lid to trap the savory aromas and flavors.
   • Allow the mixture to simmer gently for approximately 30 minutes, allowing the venison to tenderize and absorb the delicious flavors of the other ingredients.
   • Keep an eye on the skillet, occasionally stirring to prevent any sticking or burning, ensuring the dish cooks evenly.

4. Infuse with Bourbon:

   • After 30 minutes of simmering, it’s time to elevate the dish with a touch of Bourbon.
   • Carefully pour in 1-2 shots of Bourbon, depending on your preference for flavor intensity.
   • Stir the Bourbon into the mixture, allowing it to meld with the other ingredients and impart its distinctive notes into the dish.

5. Cook Until Tender:

   • Cover the skillet once again and continue to cook the dish over low heat for an additional 3 hours or until the venison reaches a melt-in-your-mouth tenderness.
   • Throughout the cooking process, periodically check the skillet, ensuring there’s enough liquid to keep the dish moist and flavorful. Add water if needed.

6. Serve and Enjoy:

   • Once the venison is tender and infused with the rich flavors of the sauce, it’s time to serve.
   • Spoon the Buck and Bourbon over a bed of cooked noodles or fluffy rice, allowing the flavors to mingle and create a truly satisfying meal.
   • Garnish with freshly sliced mushrooms and a sprinkle of thyme for a final touch of freshness and aroma.
   • Serve hot and savor every bite of this deliciously comforting dish that pays homage to the rustic flavors of the countryside.

7. Adjust to Taste:

   • Remember, cooking is an art, and personal preferences vary. Feel free to adjust the quantities of ingredients to suit your taste buds.
   • Whether you prefer a hint of sweetness from the bell peppers or an extra kick of garlic, customize this recipe to make it your own.
   • Experiment with different herbs and spices to elevate the flavors and create a dish that’s uniquely yours.

Conclusion:
Buck and Bourbon is more than just a recipe; it’s a culinary journey that celebrates the rich tradition of using locally sourced ingredients to create hearty and delicious meals. Whether you’re a seasoned cook or just starting your culinary adventures, this dish is sure to impress with its robust flavors and tender texture. So gather your ingredients, fire up the stove, and embark on a flavor-filled expedition with Buck and Bourbon – a true taste of rural charm. 🦌🥃