How to Make Braised Venison with Rosemary and Shiitake - A Step-by-Step Guide

One of the main benefits of cooking wild game meat like venison is the lean, tender and flavorful result it produces. Braising is a slow-cooking method that works exceptionally well with venison, as it helps to tenderize the meat and infuse it with rich, savory flavors. When paired with earthy shiitake mushrooms and aromatic rosemary, this dish becomes a comforting and delicious meal that is perfect for the colder months.

Venison, while often associated with hunting and foraging, can ...

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Ingredients

  • 2 tablespoons bacon drippings
  • 1 ½ pounds venison, cut into 2 inch cubes
  • 2 cups fresh shiitake mushrooms, stemmed and sliced
  • 2 medium onions, chopped
  • 4 cloves garlic, minced
  • 2 tablespoons cognac or brandy (Optional)
  • 2 cups dry red wine
  • 1 cube beef bouillon
  • ¼ teaspoon black pepper
  • ½ teaspoon dried thyme leaves
  • 1 ¼ teaspoons dried rosemary
  • 2 bay leaves
  • 1 (8 ounce) package baby carrots (Optional)
  • 1 tablespoon cornstarch (Optional)
  • 2 tablespoons water (Optional)

Information

  • Prep Time: 25 mins
  • Cook Time: 2 hrs
  • Total Time: 2 hrs 25 mins
  • Servings: 4
  • Yield: 4 servings

  • Melt the bacon drippings in a large Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Sear the venison in two batches until nicely browned and remove. Stir in the shiitake, onions, and garlic; cook until softened, 1 to 2 minutes. Pour in the cognac, wine, and bouillon cube, simmer for 30 seconds to remove the alcohol flavor and dissolve the bouillon.
  • Stir in the venison, pepper, thyme, rosemary, and bay leaves. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to low and simmer gently until the venison is tender, about two hours or more; adding water as needed.
  • If using baby carrots, add them during the last half hour of cooking. When the venison is tender, you may wish to thicken the sauce by dissolving the cornstarch in 2 tablespoons of water and stirring it into the sauce.
  • Nutrition

    412 cal.

    • Total Fat: 4g
    • Saturated Fat: 2g
    • Cholesterol: 145mg
    • Sodium: 371mg
    • Total Carbohydrate: 20g
    • Dietary Fiber: 4g
    • Total Sugars: 7g
    • Protein: 42g
    • Vitamin C: 9mg
    • Calcium: 64mg
    • Iron: 9mg
    • Potassium: 925mg