Venison Stew with Glazed Shallots

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 degrees 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.