Beef Free Rosemary-Garlic Venison Stew
Wild game brings something genuinely special to a slow-simmered stew — a deeper, earthier flavor that pairs beautifully with the warming spices and fresh herbs used here. Venison stew meat gets a generous coating of turmeric and ginger before being seared in coconut oil until a serious brown crust forms, and that step alone builds a foundation of flavor that carries the whole dish. Pomegranate juice and apple cider vinegar deglaze the pot, adding a subtle tartness that balances the richness of the broth and the natural sweetness of the carrots, parsnips, and sweet potatoes that join later in the braise. After a long, low simmer, the meat becomes fork-tender and the vegetables soak up every bit of that rosemary-and-thyme-scented liquid. A quick arrowroot slurry at the end pulls the broth into a silky, glossy gravy that clings to every piece in the bowl. It's hearty, deeply satisfying cold-weather cooking that skips beef entirely without sacrificing even a little bit of comfort.
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Learn more →Ingredients
4 servings
For the stew
- 2 lb venison stew meat, cut into 1 ½-inch cubes
- 1 tsp fine sea salt, divided
- ½ tsp ground turmeric
- ¼ tsp ground ginger
- 2 tbsp coconut oil
- 1 medium yellow onion, diced
- 6 cloves garlic, minced
- 3 medium carrots, cut into 1-inch pieces
- 2 medium parsnips, cut into 1-inch pieces
- 2 medium sweet potatoes, peeled and cut into 1 ½-inch cubes
- ¾ cup pomegranate juice
- 3 tbsp apple cider vinegar
- 3 cups bone broth (homemade or aip-compliant brand)
- 3 sprigs fresh rosemary
- 4 sprigs fresh thyme
- 2 bay leaves
- 1 tbsp arrowroot starch
- 2 tbsp cold water
For serving
- 2 tbsp fresh flat-leaf parsley, roughly chopped (optional)
Instructions
- 1
Pat the venison cubes thoroughly dry with paper towels. In a large bowl, toss the meat with 3/4 tsp of the salt, the turmeric, and the ginger until evenly coated.
- 2
Heat the coconut oil in a Dutch oven over medium-high heat until shimmering. Working in two batches to avoid crowding, add the venison in a single layer and sear undisturbed for 3–4 minutes per side, until a deep brown crust forms and the pieces release easily from the pot. Transfer the seared meat to a plate and set aside.
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