Honey Free Rosemary-Garlic Venison Stew
Rich, slow-braised venison stew is the kind of cold-weather cooking that fills your whole kitchen with an incredible savory aroma, and this version delivers on every level. The meat gets a deep, caramelized sear before it ever meets the broth, which builds a flavor foundation that hours of simmering only deepens. Pomegranate juice and apple cider vinegar bring a subtle tartness that balances the earthiness of the venison beautifully — no sweeteners needed, and certainly nothing derived from bees. Carrots, parsnips, and sweet potatoes soak up the rosemary-and-thyme-scented broth as they cook, turning tender and almost silky by the time the stew is done. An arrowroot slurry thickens everything at the end into a glossy, spoon-coating sauce that clings to every piece of meat and vegetable. It's a genuinely satisfying one-pot meal that proves bold, complex flavor doesn't require a drop of added sweetener to shine.
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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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