Hunter’s-Style Venison Stew

📍 Where this dish comes from: St. Helena Island, South Carolina · Penn Center
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Venison is naturally lean, which means it rewards a slow, patient braise more than a quick sear. This stew builds a rich, savory broth around the meat, giving it time to tenderize fully while picking up the flavor of the vegetables and herbs.

What You’ll Need

Hunter's-Style Venison Stew

Tender venison braised low and slow with onions, celery, and a deep, savory broth.

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Prep Time: 20 minutes minutes

Cook Time: 2 hours hours

Total Time: 2 hours hours 20 minutes minutes

Course: Main Course

Cuisine: American

Servings: 6 servings

Calories: 350kcal

Ingredients

• 2 lbs venison stew meat cubed
• 3 tbsp avocado oil
• 1 onion diced
• 2 celery stalks diced
• 2 cloves garlic minced
• 4 cups beef broth
• 1 tbsp tomato paste
• 2 bay leaves
• 1 tsp thyme
• Salt and black pepper to taste

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Instructions

• Season venison generously with salt and pepper.
• Heat avocado oil in a heavy pot over medium-high heat. Sear venison in batches, about 3–4 minutes, until browned. Remove and set aside.
• Add onion and celery to the pot, cooking 5–6 minutes until softened. Add garlic and cook 1 minute more.
• Stir in broth, tomato paste, bay leaves, and thyme.
• Return venison to the pot, cover, and simmer 1 hour 30 minutes to 2 hours, until tender.
• Remove bay leaves, season with salt and pepper, and serve hot.

Nutrition

Serving: 1serving | Calories: 350kcal | Protein: 36g | Fat: 18g | Fiber: 2g

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Health Benefits

• Venison is exceptionally lean and high in protein, iron, and B vitamins.
• A slow braise tenderizes the naturally lean meat without needing added fat beyond the sear.
• A naturally gluten-free dish using no flour-based thickener.

Pairs Well With

• Cauliflower Cornbread Dressing
• Wilted Lettuce Salad with Hot Bacon Dressing