Wild Game Stew
A hearty wild game stew featuring tender duck or chicken, savory vegetables, aromatic spices, and rich flavors, perfect for comforting family dinners or special gatherings.
Ingredients
- 4 ducks or large stewing chicken ⓘ
- 1 head celery ⓘ
- 2 carrots ⓘ
- 1 onion ⓘ
- 1 small clove garlic ⓘ
- 5 red peppers, chopped very fine ⓘ
- 1/2 lb pickled pork ⓘ
- 1 medium can tomatoes ⓘ
- 2 cans mushrooms ⓘ
- 1/2 tsp cinnamon ⓘ
- 1/2 tsp cloves ⓘ
- 1/2 tsp allspice ⓘ
- 1/2 tsp mace ⓘ
- 1/2 tsp nutmeg ⓘ
- 1/2 tsp thyme ⓘ
- 1/2 tsp savory ⓘ
Instructions
- Cut ducks into small pieces and soak in salt water for 5 hours. Do not soak chicken if used.
- Put ducks on to boil and add vegetables and the pickled pork at the same time.
- Cook for 1 hour.
- Add the tomatoes and mushrooms and cook for 30 minutes longer.
- Add the spices and bay leaves.
- Stir in and mix well.
- Peel and cut potatoes into small pieces and add when the stew is nearly done.
- Add olives, Worcestershire sauce, and ketchup.
- Thicken the stew with a little flour.
- Let the stew stand for 30 minutes after cooking to allow flavors to blend.
Tips & Substitutions
For a richer flavor, consider using a mix of wild game meats, like rabbit or venison, along with the ducks or chicken. If you're short on time, pre-cut vegetables can save you prep time. Experiment with the spices; adding a pinch of cayenne can elevate the heat. For a vegetarian option, substitute the meat with hearty mushrooms and vegetable broth while using the same spice blend.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the stew hot, garnished with fresh herbs like parsley for added freshness. It pairs wonderfully with crusty bread or over a bed of rice or mashed potatoes. For a delightful twist, try serving it alongside Kathy'S Cranberry Party Chicken for a feast of flavors. A crisp green salad can complement the meal perfectly.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, gently warm the stew on the stovetop over low heat, stirring occasionally. If the stew has thickened too much, add a splash of broth or water to reach the desired consistency. This stew can also be frozen for up to 3 months; just thaw in the refrigerator before reheating.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Wild Game Stew contains roughly 447 calories, with 19g protein, 43g carbohydrates, and 22g fat. It is an excellent source of protein (39% of the Daily Value), vitamin D (25% of the Daily Value), and vitamin C (23% of the Daily Value), and a good source of dietary fiber and iron. It also contributes 4g of dietary fiber toward your daily target.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use other meats in this stew?
Absolutely! While the recipe calls for ducks or chicken, you can substitute with other meats like rabbit, venison, or beef. Just adjust cooking times accordingly, as different meats may require varying amounts of cooking to become tender.
What can I add to make the stew thicker?
To thicken the stew, you can mix a tablespoon of flour or cornstarch with a little cold water to create a slurry, then stir it into the stew during the last few minutes of cooking. Alternatively, mashing some of the potatoes added at the end can also give the stew a thicker consistency.
How can I make this stew spicier?
For added heat, consider incorporating fresh chopped chilies or a dash of hot sauce to the stew. You could also add a pinch of cayenne pepper with the other spices. Just start with a small amount and adjust according to your heat preference for the best results.
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).