Savory Herb-Infused Venison Stew with Mushrooms and Sherry

Venison for Chuck 🦌🍷

This venison dish is a heartfelt thank-you dinner for Chuck, a wonderful guy from Killbuck who has been a tremendous help to many of us here at Zaar, especially when it comes to posting pictures. This rich and hearty meal, perfect for the colder months, is a one-dish wonder that combines savory venison with the earthy flavors of mushrooms and the warmth of sherry wine. Let’s dive into the full recipe that will surely impress Chuck and anyone else lucky enough to join in.

Preparation and Cooking Times ⏰

Description 🍽️

This dish is a warm and hearty thank-you dinner for Chuck, crafted with love and appreciation for his generous help. It’s a savory one-dish meal featuring tender venison, earthy mushrooms, and rich flavors, perfect for a cozy gathering.

Recipe Category 🍲

• One Dish Meal

Keywords 🔑

• Lunch/Snacks
• Deer
• Wild Game
• Onions
• Vegetable
• Meat
• Winter
• Spicy
• Savory
• Refrigerator
• Stove Top
• < 4 Hours

Ingredients 🥩🍄🧂

Nutritional Information 🌿🍎

• Calories: 480.1 kcal
• Fat: 22.6 g
• Saturated Fat: 8.3 g
• Cholesterol: 210.8 mg
• Sodium: 614.9 mg
• Carbohydrates: 9.4 g
• Fiber: 1.7 g
• Sugar: 3.2 g
• Protein: 55 g

Servings 🍽️

• Serves: 6

Instructions 🥄👩‍🍳

1. Marinate the Venison:

   • In a ziplock bag, place 3 pounds of venison. Add 1 teaspoon each of salt, pepper, dry mustard, and paprika. Seal the bag and shake it to coat the meat evenly with the spices. Refrigerate overnight to let the flavors meld and the meat tenderize. 🦌🌌

2. Prepare the Liquid Mixture:

   • In a bowl, combine 2 cups of hot water, beef base, and 1 tablespoon of tomato paste. Stir well and set aside. This mixture will be used to create a rich sauce for the dish. 🌊🍅

3. Sauté the Vegetables:

   • In a large skillet, heat 4 tablespoons of butter with 3 tablespoons of olive oil over medium heat. Add 1 sliced onion, 16 ounces of button mushrooms (quartered if large), 1 bay leaf, and 1 sprig of fresh thyme. Sauté for about 5 minutes until the onions are translucent and the mushrooms are tender. Remove from the pan and set aside. 🍄🧅

4. Brown the Venison:

   • In the same pan, add 1 tablespoon of olive oil to the remaining butter and oil mixture. Add the marinated venison pieces and brown on all sides. This step helps to lock in the juices and adds a depth of flavor to the meat. 🥩🔥

5. Deglaze the Pan:

   • Add 2 tablespoons of sherry wine (or whiskey) to the pan to deglaze, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the pan. These bits are packed with flavor and will enhance the sauce. 🥃🍷

6. Create the Sauce:

   • Sprinkle 4 tablespoons of flour over the browned meat and stir well to coat. Gradually add the prepared liquid mixture, stirring constantly to prevent lumps. This will thicken the sauce and create a smooth, rich consistency. 🌾🍶

7. Simmer the Dish:

   • Return the sautéed mushrooms and onions to the pan. Lower the heat and let the mixture simmer for about 30 minutes. This allows the flavors to meld and the meat to become tender. 🥘⏲️

8. Final Touches:

   • Remove the bay leaf and thyme sprig. Taste the sauce and season with additional salt and pepper if needed. Adjust the seasoning to your preference. 🌿🧂

9. Serve:

   • Serve the venison dish hot, paired with creamy mashed potatoes to soak up the delicious sauce. This hearty meal is perfect for a special dinner with loved ones. 🍽️🥔

Serving Suggestions 🌟🍷

This dish is best enjoyed with a side of buttery mashed potatoes, which perfectly complement the rich and savory sauce. You can also pair it with a glass of robust red wine, such as a Cabernet Sauvignon or Merlot, to enhance the meal’s flavors. Additionally, a simple green salad with a light vinaigrette can add a refreshing contrast to the hearty main dish.

Tips and Tricks 💡👩‍🍳

• Marination: Marinating the venison overnight is key to tenderizing the meat and infusing it with flavor. If you’re short on time, try to marinate it for at least a few hours.
• Deglazing: Deglazing the pan with sherry or whiskey not only lifts the flavorful browned bits from the pan but also adds a rich, complex flavor to the sauce.
• Vegetable Preparation: If you prefer a more pronounced mushroom flavor, you can use a mix of wild mushrooms or add more than the recipe calls for.
• Thickening the Sauce: If your sauce is too thin, you can make a slurry by mixing a tablespoon of flour with a little water and adding it to the pan, stirring constantly until the desired thickness is achieved.
• Herb Variations: Feel free to experiment with other herbs like rosemary or sage for a different flavor profile.

Enjoying the Meal 🌠❤️

As you gather around the table with Chuck and other loved ones, savor each bite of this hearty venison dish. The combination of tender meat, earthy mushrooms, and rich sauce is sure to create lasting memories and moments of gratitude. This meal is not just about the food but also about celebrating the wonderful people in our lives who go out of their way to help others. 🍽️🍷🦌

Bon appétit! 🍴🥂