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Growing up, I always loved the smell of a stew simmering on the stove. It brought a sense of warmth and comfort that still resonates with me today. The essence of a good Instant Potstovetop Venison Stew lies in its rich, hearty flavors that remind me of those cozy family dinners. The process of preparing the ingredients and letting them meld together is an experience that never fails to bring people closer.
When I first started exploring the art of making an Instant Potstovetop Venison Stew, I discovered the joy of combining traditional techniques with modern conveniences. Using the Instant Pot made it easier to capture the depth of flavor I craved, while still respecting the time-honored methods my family taught me. This stew isn’t just a meal; it’s a story told through ingredients, each one playing a critical part in the overall symphony of taste.
The beauty of an Instant Potstovetop Venison Stew is in its adaptability. Whether you’re using beef, moose, or elk, this recipe welcomes any red meat you have on hand. It’s a celebration of simplicity and flavor, with each ingredient contributing to a rich, delicious result. The Instant Pot allows you to enjoy this comfort food in less time, but the essence of the dish remains timeless.
As we dive into the details of crafting this Instant Potstovetop Venison Stew, you’ll find that it’s not just about following a recipe. It’s about creating something beautiful and satisfying. So, let’s explore how to transform a few simple ingredients into a heartwarming stew that brings both comfort and joy.
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Instant Potstovetop Venison Stew
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 1 hour 45 minutes
- Total Time: 2 hours 5 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Pressure Cooking, Baking
- Cuisine: Various
Description
Learn how to make a delicious Instant Pot stovetop venison stew with this easy recipe. Perfect for a hearty and comforting meal!
Ingredients
- 2 lb (907 g) s beef stew meat or moose, elk, bison, beef…any red meat really
- Salt and pepper
- 1 onion chopped up
- Beef fat, butter, vegetable oil
- 2 teaspoon (10 ml) s dried thyme
- 2 teaspoon (10 ml) s dried rosemary
- 1 bay leaf
- 2 cup (480 ml) s beef broth or water
- 1/2 cup (120 ml) fruit juice (white or red)
- 3–4 garlic cloves chopped (or sub 2 teaspoon (10 ml) dried garlic)
- 1 cup (240 ml) chopped celery
- 2 cup (480 ml) s chopped carrots
- 1–2 cup (360 ml) s chopped parsnips or beets optional , but adds a lovely sweetness
- 4 cup (960 ml) s chopped potatoes
- 2 tablespoon (30 ml) s flour
- 1/4 cup (60 ml) water
- 1–2 oz (43 g) frozen chopped kale, spinach, or other greens
- A couple cups frozen corn
- A couple cups frozen peas
Instructions
- Season the red meat generously with salt and pepper to ensure it flavors the entire dish.
- Turn on the sauté function on your Instant Pot, add your choice of cooking fat, and sear the meat in portions, avoiding overcrowding. Take out each batch as it browns.
- Toss in the chopped onion and cook it until it develops a nice color.
- Combine the thyme, rosemary, bay leaf, broth or water, fruit juice, garlic, and browned meat with the onions. Secure the lid, set the pressure to high, and cook for half an hour. Allow the pressure to release naturally for at least 20 minutes; avoid quick release to prevent toughening the meat.
- Once the time is up, test the meat for tenderness. If it still feels tough, consider cooking it a bit longer by itself.
- Introduce the celery, carrots, potatoes, and optional parsnips or beets to the pot.
- Pressure cook on high for another 15 minutes followed by a natural release.
- Check the vegetables to ensure they are soft enough to mash against the pot with a fork.
- Now, add the frozen greens, corn, and peas if desired, as doing so at this stage helps retain their texture.
- For a thicker stew, mix flour and water in a jar, shake well, and incorporate into the stew. Use the sauté function to reach the preferred thickness and serve.
- To cook on the stovetop, brown the meat in portions in a Dutch oven, allowing the onions to color as well.
- Add all ingredients including thyme, rosemary, bay leaf, broth or water, fruit juice, and garlic. Cover and bake at 300°F for 2-3 hours.
- After baking, ensure the meat is tender. If it remains tough, additional cooking time may be needed.
- Add celery, carrots, potatoes, and optional parsnips or beets.
- Return to the oven for 60-90 more minutes.
- Check the vegetables for tenderness; they should mash easily against the pot side with a fork.
- Introduce frozen vegetables now to keep their crispness.
- For a thick gravy, shake flour and water in a jar and mix into the stew. Cook over medium heat until the stew thickens to your liking before serving.
Notes
- Consider using beef fat for a richer flavor when searing the meat.
- Don’t skip parsnips or beets to enhance the stew’s sweetness.
- Maintain texture and color by adding frozen greens, corn, and peas towards the end.
Crafting the Perfect Instant Potstovetop Venison Stew
Fundamentals
To create a memorable Instant Potstovetop Venison Stew, begin with selecting high-quality red meat. Whether you opt for beef, bison, or venison, the freshness and cut of the meat will significantly impact the stew’s flavor and texture. Season the meat generously with salt and pepper to enhance its natural taste.
The choice of herbs and spices plays a pivotal role in the stew’s depth. Dried thyme, rosemary, and a bay leaf provide an aromatic base, while garlic adds a hint of pungency that elevates the overall profile. These ingredients, when combined, create a well-rounded flavor that brings out the best in your stew.
Preparation/Setup
Begin by setting your Instant Pot to the sauté function. Add a cooking fat of your choice, whether it be beef fat, butter, or vegetable oil, to sear the meat in batches. This step is crucial to develop a rich, caramelized exterior on the meat, which will enhance the stew’s flavor.
After browning, remove the meat and sauté the chopped onion until it gains a golden hue. Reintroduce the meat to the pot, along with the herbs, garlic, and your choice of beef broth or water, and fruit juice. Secure the lid and pressure cook on high for 30 minutes before allowing a natural release.
Mastering the Technique
Technique
Cooking the meat under pressure allows for tender, flavorful results. Once the initial cooking phase is complete, check the meat’s tenderness. If necessary, continue cooking until the desired texture is achieved. The natural release of pressure helps keep the meat moist and succulent.
Add the vegetables, such as carrots, celery, potatoes, and optional parsnips or beets, to the pot. Pressure cook these on high for an additional 15 minutes, followed by another natural release. This method ensures the vegetables are perfectly cooked and full of flavor.
Instant Potstovetop Venison Stew
Tips/Tricks
For a thicker stew, create a slurry by mixing flour and water in a jar and shaking well. Add this mixture to the stew and use the sauté function to reach your preferred consistency. This step adds a luscious, hearty texture that’s perfect for a cozy meal.
Incorporate frozen greens, corn, and peas towards the end of cooking to retain their vibrant color and crisp texture. This final touch brings a pop of freshness to your Instant Potstovetop Venison Stew.
Perfecting Your Stew
Perfecting Results
Once the stew is complete, take a moment to taste and adjust seasonings as needed. The balance of salt, herbs, and the natural sweetness from the fruit juice should meld together seamlessly, resulting in a harmonious dish.
If you find that the stew lacks flavor, consider adding a splash more broth or a pinch of salt. The goal is to enhance the natural flavors of the ingredients without overpowering them.
Troubleshooting/Variations
Should the meat turn out tough, return it to the Instant Pot and pressure cook for a few more minutes. This can help break down any remaining connective tissue, giving you a tender, melt-in-your-mouth result.
For a creative twist, consider using different root vegetables or adding a touch of spice with cayenne pepper. These variations allow you to customize the stew to your personal taste preferences.
Serving Your Instant Potstovetop Venison Stew
Serving/Presentation
Serve your Instant Potstovetop Venison Stew in deep bowls, garnished with a sprinkle of fresh herbs like parsley or thyme. This simple addition not only enhances the visual appeal but also adds a hint of freshness to the dish.
Pair the stew with crusty bread or a simple side salad for a complete meal. The bread is perfect for soaking up the rich, savory broth, making each bite an indulgent experience.
Pairings/Storage
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. The flavors will continue to meld, often resulting in an even more delicious stew the next day. Reheat gently on the stove or in the microwave before serving.
Instant Potstovetop Venison Stew
If you’re interested in trying more recipes that capture hearty, comforting flavors, check out this Venison and Pumpkin Stew Recipe or explore more delicious options in our Soups, Stews, and Salads section.
Conclusion
Crafting an Instant Potstovetop Venison Stew is an experience that brings together simplicity and depth of flavor. This dish, with its tender meat and perfectly cooked vegetables, is a testament to the power of combining traditional and modern cooking methods.
The ability to customize the stew with different meats and vegetables makes it a versatile option for any occasion. Its rich, hearty taste is sure to become a staple in your culinary repertoire.
Whether you’re new to making stews or a seasoned pro, this recipe offers a delightful blend of flavors and textures that will satisfy any craving. Embrace the process, enjoy the result, and savor every bite of this comforting dish.
