Slow Cooker Caribou Stew is a hearty, comforting dish that brings the rich flavors of the wilderness to your table. This recipe uses tender pieces of caribou, a lean and flavorful game meat, which are slow-cooked with a medley of root vegetables, aromatic herbs, and spices in a savory broth. The long cooking time allows the caribou to become incredibly tender while the vegetables absorb the delicious flavors of the meat and spices, creating a thick, satisfying stew. Perfect for cold days or when you want a meal that can simmer away while you go about your day, this stew is both nourishing and filling. Serve it with crusty bread or over a bed of mashed potatoes for a complete, rustic meal that celebrates the natural bounty of the wild.
Ingredients:
- 2 lbs caribou stew meat, cut into 1-inch cubes
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 large onion, chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 4 carrots, peeled and sliced
- 3 potatoes, peeled and cubed
- 2 stalks celery, sliced
- 1 cup mushrooms, sliced
- 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes, undrained
- 4 cups beef or game broth
- 1 cup red wine (optional)
- 2 tbsp tomato paste
- 1 tsp dried thyme
- 1 tsp dried rosemary
- 2 bay leaves
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- 2 tbsp all-purpose flour
- 1/4 cup water
Instructions:
- Prepare the Ingredients:
- Season the caribou stew meat with salt and black pepper. Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Brown the caribou meat in batches, searing each side for about 2-3 minutes until browned. Transfer the browned meat to the slow cooker.
- Add the Vegetables and Aromatics:
- In the same skillet, add the chopped onion and garlic. Sauté for about 2-3 minutes until softened. Transfer the onions and garlic to the slow cooker. Add the carrots, potatoes, celery, and mushrooms to the slow cooker.
- Combine the Liquids and Seasonings:
- Add the diced tomatoes (with their juice), beef or game broth, red wine (if using), tomato paste, thyme, rosemary, and bay leaves to the slow cooker. Stir to combine all the ingredients.
- Slow Cook the Stew:
- Cover the slow cooker and cook on low for 7-8 hours or on high for 4-5 hours, until the caribou is tender and the vegetables are cooked through.
- Thicken the Stew:
- In a small bowl, whisk together the flour and water to make a slurry. Stir the slurry into the stew and cook on high for an additional 30 minutes, or until the stew has thickened to your desired consistency.
- Serve:
- Remove the bay leaves from the stew before serving. Ladle the stew into bowls and garnish with fresh herbs if desired. Serve with crusty bread, mashed potatoes, or a side salad for a complete meal.
Slow Cooker Caribou Stew is a delicious and easy way to enjoy the rich flavors of caribou, combined with hearty vegetables and a savory broth. This stew is perfect for cold weather or when you’re looking for a nourishing, flavorful meal that can cook while you go about your day.
