Venison Sauce Pequante
Venison Sauce Pequante is a hearty, flavorful stew featuring tender venison, rich tomato sauce, and aromatic seasonings—perfect for those who enjoy robust, rustic dishes served over rice.
Ingredients
- 4 lb. venison, cut in cubes ⓘ
- 8 medium onions ⓘ
- 2 bunches green onions ⓘ
- 1 bell pepper ⓘ
- 1 cup celery ⓘ
- 2 (8 oz.) cans Ro-Tel tomato sauce ⓘ
- 1 can tomato paste ⓘ
- 1 cup olive oil ⓘ
- 2 cloves garlic ⓘ
- 2 Tbsp. Lea & Perrins Worcestershire sauce ⓘ
- 2 lemons (juice)
- 1 cup flour ⓘ
- salt and pepper to taste ⓘ
- 10 cups water ⓘ
Instructions
- Wash the venison cubes.
- Season the venison and fry in bacon drippings until browned, then remove.
- Make a roux by combining olive oil and flour in the pan.
- Add the tomato sauce and tomato paste to the roux.
- Add all seasonings except garlic to the mixture.
- Simmer the sauce for 1 hour.
- Add the cooked venison to the soup and seasonings, then simmer for an additional 30 minutes.
- Add water and garlic to the pot.
- Cook the mixture for 4 hours, stirring occasionally.
- Serve the venison sauce over rice.
Tips & Substitutions
For a richer flavor, consider marinating the venison overnight in the Worcestershire sauce and lemon juice. If you prefer a thicker sauce, let it simmer longer to reduce, or add a bit more flour to the roux. You can substitute the venison with beef if needed. Ensure to stir frequently during the last cooking phase to prevent sticking.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the venison sauce over fluffy rice to soak up the delicious flavors. It pairs beautifully with a side of cornbread or garlic bread. For a refreshing contrast, consider a light salad or steamed vegetables. This dish also goes well with a robust red wine to complement the rich sauce.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. To reheat, gently warm the sauce on the stovetop over low heat, adding a splash of water if it thickens too much. This dish also freezes well; just make sure to cool it completely before transferring to freezer-safe containers.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Venison Sauce Pequante contains roughly 203 calories, with 7g protein, 39g carbohydrates, and 4g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (178% of the Daily Value), vitamin A (26% of the Daily Value), and iron (23% of the Daily Value), and a good source of protein. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 694mg per serving (30% 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 a different type of meat for this recipe?
Yes, you can substitute venison with beef or even chicken. Just adjust cooking times as needed—chicken will typically require less cooking time than venison.
How can I make this dish spicier?
To add more heat, consider incorporating diced jalapeños or a pinch of cayenne pepper to the sauce. You can also serve with hot sauce on the side to allow guests to adjust the spice level to their liking.
Is this recipe suitable for meal prep?
Absolutely! The flavors of the Venison Sauce Pequante develop beautifully over time, making it ideal for meal prep. Just portion it out and store in the fridge or freezer for quick, hearty meals throughout the week.
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).