Lactose Free Rosemary-Garlic Venison Stew
Rich, deeply savory, and built entirely without a drop of dairy, this venison stew is the kind of cold-weather bowl that earns a permanent spot in your rotation. Venison is a naturally lean, flavorful protein, and a long, low simmer in bone broth coaxes it into fork-tender, shreddable perfection. Pomegranate juice and apple cider vinegar add a subtle brightness that balances the earthiness of the meat, while rosemary, thyme, and garlic layer in that slow-cooked depth you'd expect from a classic braise. Coconut oil handles the searing, and arrowroot starch thickens the broth at the end — so every component is completely free of milk, cream, or butter without any compromise on richness. Carrots, parsnips, and sweet potatoes round out the pot with hearty sweetness, making this a genuinely complete one-pot meal. If you've ever worried that dairy-free stews end up thin or flat, the technique here — deglazing the fond, building layers of aromatics, and finishing with a slurry — proves that concern wrong in the best possible way. A scatter of fresh parsley over the top before serving is optional, but it adds a clean, herby pop that ties everything together beautifully.
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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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