Venison Vegetable Medley
A hearty venison vegetable medley combining tender deer meat, smoky bacon, and fresh vegetables in a savory broth, perfect for comforting family dinners and special occasions.
Ingredients
- 2 Tbsp. olive oil ⓘ
- 10 slices bacon, cut into 1-inch pieces ⓘ
- 2 lb. cubed deer meat ⓘ
- black pepper to taste ⓘ
- 4 small onions ⓘ
- 6 carrots, 1/2-inch pieces
- 4 stalks celery, peeled and cut into 1/2-inch pieces ⓘ
- 2 Tbsp. granulated sugar ⓘ
- 2 c. beef broth ⓘ
- 2 c. wine ⓘ
- 2 Tbsp. margarine ⓘ
- 2 Tbsp. jelly ⓘ
- 2 tsp. thyme ⓘ
- 4 or 5 potatoes, peeled and cubed ⓘ
- 1 tsp. crushed garlic ⓘ
- 9 plum tomatoes, cut up or 1 large can whole tomatoes, cut up ⓘ
- 4 Tbsp. parsley ⓘ
Instructions
- Heat olive oil in a skillet.
- Cook bacon pieces in the skillet until crispy, then transfer to a large Dutch oven or soup pot.
- Brown the deer meat in the skillet in small batches, sprinkling with black pepper, and add to the soup pot.
- In the skillet, sauté onions, carrots, and celery, sprinkling with sugar to caramelize slightly.
- Add beef broth and wine to the skillet, bring to a boil, scraping up browned bits, then pour into the soup pot.
- Reduce heat; swirl in butter, jelly, and thyme. Cook for a minute more.
- Pour the mixture over the meat and vegetables in the soup pot and simmer gently on low heat.
- Add garlic, potatoes, and parsley to the pot.
- When the vegetables and meat are nearly done, add chopped or canned tomatoes and simmer.
- Do not thicken the broth.
- Serve with hearty bread or garlic bread.
Tips & Substitutions
For a richer flavor, consider marinating the venison in red wine overnight. If you don't have beef broth, chicken broth can be a substitute. Adjust the sugar based on your preference for sweetness and the natural flavors of the vegetables. For a quicker cooking time, you can use pre-cooked bacon or omit it entirely for a lighter version.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the Venison Vegetable Medley with hearty bread or garlic bread to soak up the flavorful broth. A side salad or roasted vegetables would complement this dish nicely. For a complete meal, consider pairing it with a glass of red wine, which enhances the flavors of the venison and vegetables.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, warm gently on the stove over low heat, adding a splash of broth or water if needed to prevent drying out. This dish also freezes well; just be sure to cool it completely before freezing.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Venison Vegetable Medley contains roughly 1895 calories, with 54g protein, 201g carbohydrates, and 115g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (317% of the Daily Value), iron (222% of the Daily Value), and dietary fiber (220% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1963mg per serving (85% 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 types of meat instead of venison?
Yes, you can substitute venison with beef or pork. If using beef, choose a cut suitable for slow cooking, like chuck roast, to achieve similar tenderness and flavor. Adjust cooking times as necessary based on the meat you choose.
What can I do if I don't have fresh thyme?
If fresh thyme is unavailable, dried thyme can be used instead. Use about one-third of the amount, as dried herbs are more concentrated. You might also try substituting with Italian seasoning for a different flavor profile.
How can I make this dish spicier?
To add some heat, consider including red pepper flakes or diced jalapeños during the sautéing process. Additionally, you could serve it with a side of hot sauce for those who prefer an extra kick. Adjust the spice level to your liking!
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).