Venison Stew with Glazed Shallots

From EatingWell: January/February 1997 — Subscribe Now!

Glazed shallots and carrots provide a sweet counterpoint to earthy, rich venison in this full-flavored stew.

Venison Stew with Glazed Shallots Recipe

6 servings, 1 1/3 cups each

Active Time: 45 minutes

Total Time: 2 3/4 hours

Nutrition Profile

Ingredients

Stew

1/2 cup dried wild mushrooms, such as porcini
2 cups boiling water
2 strips bacon, very finely chopped (1 ounce)
2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon freshly ground pepper
1 1/2 pounds venison leg, or shoulder, trimmed, cut into 1-inch pieces
2 teaspoons extra-virgin olive oil, divided
1 large onion, very finely chopped (1 1/2 cups)
6 cloves garlic, minced (2 tablespoons)
1/2 cup dry red wine
2 cups reduced-sodium chicken broth
2 tablespoons tomato paste
1 large sprig fresh rosemary, or 1 teaspoon dried
2 bay leaves
2 cups sliced carrots, (3-5 carrots)

Glazed Shallots

16 large shallots
1 teaspoon extra-virgin olive oil
1/2 teaspoon sugar
1/4 teaspoon salt
3 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley, divided

Preparation

To make stew: Place dried mushrooms in a small bowl. Cover with boiling water and soak until mushrooms are soft, 20 to 30 minutes. Drain, reserving soaking liquid. Roughly chop mushrooms; set aside.
Preheat oven to 325°F.
Cook bacon in a small skillet over low heat, stirring, until crisp. Transfer to a plate lined with paper towels; set aside.
Combine flour, 1/2 teaspoon salt and pepper in a shallow bowl. Dredge venison pieces in flour mixture, shaking off excess. Heat 1/2 teaspoon oil in a Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Add half of the venison pieces and sear until browned on all sides, about 6 minutes. Transfer to a plate lined with paper towels. Repeat with 1/2 teaspoon oil and remaining venison; set aside.
Heat remaining 1 teaspoon oil in the pot over low heat. Add onion and garlic; cook, stirring often, until onion is golden, 15 to 20 minutes. Add wine and increase heat to medium. Cook until liquid has evaporated, about 5 minutes. Add broth, tomato paste, rosemary, bay leaves, reserved mushrooms and liquid, bacon and venison. Bring to a simmer. Cover, transfer to the oven and bake for 1 1/2 hours.
Add carrots and bake until venison and carrots are tender and sauce is thickened, about 30 minutes more. Remove rosemary sprig and bay leaves. Season with salt and pepper.
To make glazed shallots: Meanwhile, trim and peel shallots, breaking them into cloves. Place in a saucepan with water to cover. Bring to a simmer over medium heat, reduce heat and simmer until tender, 4 to 5 minutes. Drain.
Heat 1 teaspoon oil in a nonstick skillet over medium-low heat. Add the shallots, sugar and 1/4 teaspoon salt; cook, stirring occasionally, until the shallots are glazed and browned all over, 10 to 15 minutes.
Stir the glazed shallots and 2 tablespoons parsley into the stew. Garnish with the remaining 1 tablespoon parsley.

Nutrition

Per serving: 329 calories; 7 g fat (2 g sat, 3 g mono); 100 mg cholesterol; 29 g carbohydrates; 35 g protein; 4 g fiber; 481 mg sodium; 810 mg potassium.

Nutrition Bonus: Vitamin A (157% daily value), Iron (44% dv), Vitamin C & Potassium (23% dv), Zinc & Selenium (20% dv).

2 Carbohydrate Serving

Exchanges: 3 vegetable, 4 lean meat, 1/2 fat