Wild Game Gumbo
Wild game gumbo features tender venison, poultry, and smoked sausage in a flavorful roux, perfect for hearty gatherings and lovers of rich, smoky Southern flavors.
Ingredients
- 2 qt. water
- 1 whole fryer (3 lb.) ⓘ
- 1 1/2 tsp. salt ⓘ
- 8 dove breasts ⓘ
- 1 lb. venison roast, cut into cubes ⓘ
- 1 squirrel, cut into pieces ⓘ
- 1 lb. rabbit, dressed and quartered ⓘ
- 2 quail, dressed ⓘ
- 1 onion ⓘ
- 1 stalk celery ⓘ
- 1 bay leaf ⓘ
- 1 Tbsp. salt ⓘ
- 1/2 tsp. red pepper ⓘ
- 1 1/2 lb. smoked link sausage, sliced into 1/2-inch pieces ⓘ
- 1 lb. chopped okra ⓘ
- 1/4 c. bacon drippings ⓘ
- 1/2 c. all-purpose flour
- 1 c. chopped onion ⓘ
Instructions
- Combine water, whole fryer, and 1 1/2 teaspoons salt in a large Dutch oven; bring to a boil and cover.
- Reduce heat and simmer 1 hour or until tender. Remove from broth and chill broth.
- Remove fat from broth.
- Remove chicken from bones and chop into bite-sized pieces; set aside.
- In a large Dutch oven, combine dove breasts, venison, squirrel, rabbit, and quail with 1 tablespoon salt and 1/2 teaspoon red pepper; add water to cover.
- Bring to a boil; reduce heat and simmer 2 hours.
- Remove meat from broth.
- Strain broth and set aside.
- Brown sausage slices in a large heavy skillet over medium heat.
- Remove sausage to paper towels, leaving drippings in skillet.
- Add bacon drippings to skillet; heat over medium heat until hot.
- Add flour and cook, stirring constantly, for 15 to 20 minutes until roux is a caramel color.
Tips & Substitutions
For a richer flavor, consider adding a few sprigs of fresh thyme or a dash of Worcestershire sauce to the broth. If you can't find dove or quail, substitute with more chicken or other game meats. For a thicker gumbo, increase the amount of okra or use a bit more flour in the roux. Always keep stirring the roux to avoid burning.
Serving Suggestions
Serve your Wild Game Gumbo over a bed of steamed white rice for a hearty meal. A sprinkle of fresh parsley or green onions adds a nice touch. This dish pairs beautifully with Ham Hocks And Greens or a simple side salad. For a complete experience, serve with crusty bread for dipping.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, gently warm it on the stove over low heat, adding a splash of water or broth to maintain moisture. For longer storage, freeze portions for up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator before reheating.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Wild Game Gumbo contains roughly 608 calories, with 39g protein, 93g carbohydrates, and 19g fat. It is an excellent source of dietary fiber (106% of the Daily Value), iron (104% of the Daily Value), and protein (77% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1509mg per serving (66% 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 different types of meat in this gumbo?
Absolutely! This Wild Game Gumbo is versatile. You can substitute any similar game meats you have on hand, such as pheasant or wild boar. Just ensure the cooking times are adjusted according to the type of meat used.
What can I do if my gumbo is too thick?
If your gumbo turns out too thick, simply add a bit of water or chicken broth while reheating to reach your desired consistency. Stir well to incorporate and let it simmer for a few minutes to meld the flavors.
Can I make this gumbo ahead of time?
Yes, this gumbo can be made ahead of time and actually tastes better the next day as the flavors meld. Just follow the recipe, let it cool, and store it in the refrigerator. Reheat thoroughly before serving.
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).