Nitrate & Nitrite Free Rosemary-Garlic Venison Stew
Rich, slow-braised venison stew is exactly the kind of cold-weather comfort food that deserves a permanent spot in your rotation, and this version delivers deep, layered flavor without a single processed ingredient in sight. Venison is naturally free of the curing agents and preservatives found in many conventional meats, so you're starting from a clean slate before you even reach for a spice jar. The aromatics here do serious heavy lifting — rosemary, thyme, garlic, and a surprising splash of pomegranate juice build a braising liquid that's complex, slightly tangy, and absolutely nothing like a can of soup. Turmeric and ginger add warmth and a subtle earthiness that plays beautifully against the sweetness of the parsnips and sweet potatoes. A long, low simmer transforms the venison into fork-tender, pull-apart pieces that drink up every bit of that herb-scented broth, while an arrowroot slurry at the end pulls everything together into a glossy, satisfying sauce. Ladled into a bowl with a scatter of fresh parsley, this is hearty, wholesome cooking that happens to check every box without feeling like it's trying to.
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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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