Chicken Free Rosemary-Garlic Venison Stew
Rich, deeply savory, and built around wild game, this braised stew is the kind of cold-weather cooking that fills the whole kitchen with the scent of rosemary, garlic, and something genuinely special simmering low and slow. Venison is a naturally lean, flavorful protein that takes beautifully to long braises, and here it becomes fork-tender after a slow simmer in bone broth spiked with pomegranate juice and apple cider vinegar — a combination that adds subtle brightness and helps tenderize the meat without masking its character. Turmeric and ginger in the initial seasoning give the stew a warm, earthy backbone before the aromatics even hit the pot. Carrots, parsnips, and sweet potatoes round everything out into a genuinely hearty one-pot meal, while an arrowroot slurry at the end pulls the broth into a silky, glossy sauce that clings to every piece of meat and vegetable. The whole process rewards patience — a proper sear first, then a long, covered simmer — and the result is the kind of stew that tastes like it took far more effort than it actually did. A scatter of fresh parsley at the end lifts the richness just enough to make each bowl feel complete.
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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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