Tim'S Stew
A hearty, slow-cooked elk or deer stew infused with savory flavors, perfect for cold days and those who enjoy rich, meaty comfort food.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Dredge the meat in flour, salt, and coarsely ground pepper.
- Brown the meat in a pan with 3 tablespoons of lard or beef fat.
- Add diced onions and celery to the browned meat.
- Cover with water and simmer slowly for 3 to 4 hours, preferably on top of a wood stove in winter.
- One and one-half hours before serving, add diced carrots and potatoes.
- Serve the stew with biscuits and salad.
Tips & Substitutions
For a richer flavor, consider adding herbs such as thyme or bay leaves while simmering. If you don't have lard or beef fat, olive oil or butter can be used as substitutes. Dredging the meat in seasoned flour helps to thicken the stew and creates a nice crust. If you prefer a thicker stew, add a slurry of flour and water towards the end of cooking.
Serving Suggestions
Serve Tim's Stew alongside warm biscuits for a comforting meal. A fresh salad pairs well to balance the richness of the stew. For a heartier experience, consider serving with mashed potatoes or crusty bread. This dish also goes wonderfully with a glass of red wine for an elevated dining experience.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, gently warm on the stove over low heat, adding a splash of water or broth if it thickens too much. You can also reheat in the microwave, but ensure it's heated through evenly.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Tim'S Stew contains roughly 1428 calories, with 23g protein, 219g carbohydrates, and 53g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin A (254% of the Daily Value), dietary fiber (108% of the Daily Value), and potassium (106% of the Daily Value), and a good source of calcium. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 648mg per serving (28% 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 other meats instead of elk or deer?
Yes, you can substitute elk or deer with other game meats like moose or bison, or even beef or lamb if you prefer. Just adjust the cooking time based on the type of meat used, as some may require less or more time to become tender.
Is it necessary to simmer the stew for 3 to 4 hours?
While longer simmering develops richer flavors and tenderizes the meat, you can reduce the time to 2 hours if you're short on time. Just ensure that the meat is cooked through and tender before serving. Using a pressure cooker can also significantly cut down the cooking time.
What can I do with leftover stew?
Leftover Tim's Stew can be repurposed into a delicious shepherd's pie. Simply layer the stew in a baking dish, top with mashed potatoes, and bake until golden. You can also freeze the stew for later use, allowing for quick meals on busy days.
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).