Southern Style Squirrel Stew
Southern Style Squirrel Stew offers hearty comfort with tender squirrel meat, savory vegetables, and thickened broth, perfect for hearty family dinners and outdoor gatherings.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Wash and dry the squirrel pieces.
- Place 2 quarts of boiling water with onions, celery, salt, and pepper.
- Simmer, covered, for 2 hours or until the squirrels are nearly tender.
- Add carrots, potatoes, and corn.
- Simmer, covered, for 30 minutes or until all are tender.
- Blend flour with cold water to make a paste.
- Stir the flour paste into the stew.
- Cook until thickened.
Tips & Substitutions
For best results, ensure the squirrels are thoroughly cleaned and trimmed before cooking. If you prefer a thicker stew, you can increase the flour paste. For a lighter variation, try using chicken or rabbit instead of squirrel. Fresh herbs like thyme or bay leaves can enhance the flavor, and adding a splash of white wine can elevate the dish.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the stew hot, garnished with fresh parsley for a pop of color. It pairs beautifully with crusty bread or a side of Dutch Oven Cabbage for a hearty meal. For added flavor, consider serving it with a side of Baked Carrots With Apples And Raisins, which complements the stew's richness.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, warm the stew gently on the stovetop over low heat, adding a splash of water or broth if it thickens too much. Alternatively, you can microwave it in short intervals, stirring in between.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Southern Style Squirrel Stew contains roughly 874 calories, with 24g protein, 152g carbohydrates, and 20g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (150% of the Daily Value), dietary fiber (70% of the Daily Value), and protein (48% of the Daily Value), and a good source of calcium. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1784mg per serving (78% of the Daily Value).
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use frozen squirrels for this stew?
Yes, you can use frozen squirrels, but be sure to thaw them completely in the refrigerator before cooking. This ensures even cooking and better flavor absorption during the simmering process.
What if I can't find squirrels?
If squirrels are not available, you can substitute with another type of game meat like rabbit or even chicken. Adjust cooking times as needed based on the meat's tenderness to ensure everything cooks evenly.
How can I make this stew spicier?
To add some heat, consider incorporating chopped jalapeños or a dash of cayenne pepper into the stew. You can also serve it with hot sauce on the side for those who prefer to spice up their bowl.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).