Venison Ragu
Venison Ragu is a hearty and deeply flavorful dish that pays homage to traditional Italian slow-cooked sauces while incorporating the unique richness of venison. The robust flavors of the gamey meat are perfectly balanced with aromatic herbs and vegetables, creating a warming dish perfect for cooler weather.
Ingredients
- 1 lb venison shoulder cut into 1-inch cubes
- 2 tbsp olive oil extra virgin
- 1 cup yellow onion finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic minced
- 1 cup carrot diced
- 1 cup celery diced
- 1 cup red wine preferably Italian
- 2 cups tomato puree preferably San Marzano
- 1 tsp thyme fresh, chopped
- 1 tsp rosemary fresh, chopped
- 1 cup beef stock low sodium
- 1 pinch salt to taste
- 1 pinch black pepper
Instructions
- Heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a large pot over medium-high heat. Add the venison cubes and brown on all sides, about 5-7 minutes. Transfer browned venison to a plate.
- In the same pot, add the yellow onion, garlic, carrot, and celery. Sauté until the vegetables are softened and beginning to caramelize, around 8-10 minutes.
- Pour in the red wine, using a wooden spoon to scrape up any flavorful browned bits stuck to the bottom of the pot. Let the wine reduce by half, about 5 minutes.
- Return the venison to the pot and add the tomato puree, fresh thyme, rosemary, and beef stock. Stir well to combine.
- Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer. Cover the pot and reduce heat to low. Allow to simmer for 2 to 2.5 hours, stirring occasionally, until the venison is tender and the flavors have melded beautifully.
- Season with salt and pepper to taste before serving, correcting the balance of flavors.
Notes
For an extra layer of flavor, consider adding a strip of pancetta or bacon along with the vegetables. This will contribute a subtle smoky quality to the ragu.
Nutrition
Calories: 433kcalCarbohydrates: 25gProtein: 46gFat: 12gSaturated Fat: 3gPolyunsaturated Fat: 1gMonounsaturated Fat: 6gCholesterol: 128mgSodium: 288mgPotassium: 1423mgFiber: 4gSugar: 11gVitamin A: 12091IUVitamin C: 24mgCalcium: 79mgIron: 9mg
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