Recipe Idea: Venison Stew with Red Wine and Cranberries

The Venison Stew With Red Wine And Cranberries is a classic and traditional recipe from German cuisine. The venison is simmered in a delicate sauce of red wine, venison stock, and cranberries until it is tender and juicy. The aroma of cranberries and paprika gives the stew a special note. Served with mashed potatoes or noodles, it becomes an unforgettable meal. This recipe is ideal for a cozy dinner with friends or family.

Ingredients:

• 1.5 kg venison, cut into cubes
• 2 onions, finely chopped
• 2 carrots, diced
• 2 celery stalks, diced
• 4 garlic cloves, finely chopped
• 1/2 cup red wine
• 1/2 cup venison stock or beef broth
• 1 cup cranberries
• 2 tbsp tomato paste
• 2 tbsp oil
• 1 tbsp sweet paprika
• 1 tsp dried thyme
• 1/2 tsp freshly ground pepper
• Salt to taste

Instructions:

1. Heat the oil in a large pot and brown the venison on all sides until it is browned. Remove and set aside.
2. Sauté the onions, carrots, celery, and garlic in the same pot until soft. Add tomato paste, paprika, thyme, pepper, and salt, and briefly roast.
3. Return the venison to the pot and deglaze with red wine and venison stock. Cover and simmer over low heat for 1.5-2 hours until the meat is tender.
4. Add the cranberries and simmer for another 10 minutes.

Additional Tips & Ideas

• You can also add fresh mushrooms or bay leaves for more flavor.
• If you can't find venison stock, you can use beef broth or game stock instead.
• Add the paprika and tomato paste only after the onions and carrots are soft, as it can burn otherwise.

Pairs Well With:

Venison stew pairs well with mashed potatoes, potatoes, or noodles. Crispy potato dumplings or potato pancakes can also be a delicious side dish. The same goes for crispy potato sticks, hash browns, or potato gratin. A mixed salad or a cabbage side dish, such as red cabbage, kale, or Brussels sprouts, also pairs well.

As a drink, we recommend a robust red wine that supports the flavors of the venison stew. A Côtes du Rhône, a Syrah, or a Zweigelt would be a good choice.