Squirrel Stew
Squirrel stew is a hearty and rustic dish that brings together tender squirrel meat with a medley of savory vegetables. The rich flavors of onion, celery, and carrots meld beautifully with the gamey taste of squirrel, creating a comforting meal perfect for those who enjoy traditional, wild-game cooking.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Boil squirrels.
- Leave standing in water cooked in.
- Cook onion, celery, carrots, salt, and pepper.
- Take squirrel off bone while vegetables are cooking.
- When vegetables are cooked, put potatoes in squirrel water and cook.
- Put potatoes and vegetables in a bowl together with squirrel meat and add cornstarch to squirrel water and thicken to make gravy.
- Pour gravy over meat and vegetables and serve.
Tips & Substitutions
To enhance the flavor of your squirrel stew, consider marinating the squirrels in a mixture of garlic and herbs before cooking. If squirrel meat isn't available, rabbit or chicken can be good substitutes. For a richer flavor, add a splash of white wine to the vegetable mixture while cooking.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the squirrel stew hot, garnished with fresh herbs like parsley. It pairs wonderfully with crusty bread or a fresh Lettuce Salad for a balanced meal. For a comforting side, try serving it alongside Scalloped Sweet Potatoes for a delightful contrast.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, gently warm the stew on the stovetop over low heat, adding a splash of water or broth to prevent drying out. Alternatively, you can microwave it in short intervals, stirring in between.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Squirrel Stew contains roughly 1122 calories, with 22g protein, 210g carbohydrates, and 26g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin A (333% of the Daily Value), dietary fiber (167% of the Daily Value), and potassium (106% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1034mg per serving (45% 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 recipe?
Yes, frozen squirrels can be used. Thaw them completely in the refrigerator before cooking to ensure even cooking. This may take about 24 hours, so plan ahead.
What can I substitute for cornstarch in the gravy?
If you don't have cornstarch, you can use flour as a thickener. Simply make a roux by cooking equal parts flour and fat before adding to the squirrel water, or mix flour with cold water to make a slurry.
How do I adjust the recipe for a larger crowd?
To serve more people, simply increase the number of squirrels and adjust the vegetables proportionally. Ensure you have a large enough pot to accommodate the increased volume, and extend the cooking times as needed.
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).