Western Style Stew
A hearty Western-style stew featuring tender moose meat, flavorful vegetables, and a savory tomato-based broth, perfect for comforting family dinners and special occasions.
Ingredients
- 2 sliced onions ⓘ
- 2 chopped green peppers ⓘ
- 1 cup diced celery ⓘ
- 3 tablespoons shortening ⓘ
- 2 pounds moose stew meat (1-inch cubes) ⓘ
- 1 clove garlic minced ⓘ
- 1 teaspoon salt ⓘ
- 16 ounces tomato sauce
- 1 bay leaf ⓘ
- 2 teaspoons chopped green chilies ⓘ
- 2 cups water ⓘ
- 3 diced potatoes ⓘ
- 1 small turnip diced ⓘ
Instructions
- Saute sliced onions, chopped green peppers, and diced celery in shortening until vegetables are tender.
- Add the moose stew meat and salt; brown the meat on all sides, stirring frequently.
- Pour in tomato sauce, add bay leaf, chopped green chilies, and water; bring to a boil.
- Reduce heat and simmer uncovered for 3 to 4 hours, stirring occasionally.
- Add diced potatoes, diced turnip, and carrots; continue simmering until vegetables are tender, about 1 hour.
- Thicken the stew to desired consistency with a flour and water paste before serving.
Tips & Substitutions
For a richer flavor, consider marinating the moose meat in a mixture of vinegar and spices for a few hours before cooking. If you don't have moose, beef or venison can be a great substitute. Adjust the seasoning based on your taste; feel free to add herbs like thyme or rosemary for an extra layer of flavor. For a thicker stew, add more flour to your paste.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the stew hot, garnished with fresh herbs like parsley for a pop of color. It pairs wonderfully with crusty bread or biscuits to soak up the sauce. For a complete meal, consider serving alongside a side of coleslaw or a light salad. This hearty dish is perfect for cozy gatherings or family dinners.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftover stew in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. To reheat, warm it gently on the stovetop over low heat, stirring occasionally. You may need to add a splash of water or broth to loosen it up. For longer storage, freeze in portions for up to three months.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Western Style Stew contains roughly 478 calories, with 9g protein, 77g carbohydrates, and 21g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (153% of the Daily Value), iron (131% of the Daily Value), and dietary fiber (63% of the Daily Value), and a good source of protein. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1393mg per serving (61% 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 stew?
Absolutely! While moose meat gives this stew a unique flavor, you can substitute it with beef, venison, or even lamb. Just be sure to adjust the cooking time based on the meat you choose, as some cuts may require longer or shorter simmering.
How can I make this stew vegetarian?
To create a vegetarian version, replace the moose meat with cubed firm tofu or a medley of hearty vegetables like mushrooms and eggplant. Use vegetable broth instead of water and add beans for protein. You can browse more vegan recipes for ideas on enhancing the flavors without meat.
What can I serve with this stew?
This Western Style Stew pairs beautifully with crusty bread or fluffy dumplings. A side of roasted vegetables or a fresh garden salad can also complement the dish well. For a unique twist, consider serving it with a side of Sweet Barbecue Sauce for Ribs or Chicken as a dipping option.
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).