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A Hearty Recipe for Deer Hunters
Fall is here, and for many, that means it's time to get back into the woods and embrace the thrill of deer hunting season. While the hunt is exciting, one of the best parts of the entire experience is enjoying the fruits of your labor. For hunters, there’s nothing quite like preparing a hearty meal using freshly harvested venison. Today, we're sharing a simple and delicious recipe that’s perfect for warming up after a long day in the cold – Venison Chili. This recipe is packed with flavor and is guaranteed to be a hit around the campfire or dinner table.
Ingredients:
- 1.5 lbs ground venison
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 1 green bell pepper, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 can (15 oz) kidney beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 can (15 oz) black beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 can (15 oz) diced tomatoes
- 1 can (6 oz) tomato paste
- 1 cup beef broth
- 2 tbsp chili powder
- 1 tsp ground cumin
- 1 tsp smoked paprika
- 1 tsp cayenne pepper (optional, for extra heat)
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Shredded cheese, sour cream, and chopped green onions for topping
Instructions:
- Sauté the Vegetables: In a large pot or Dutch oven, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the diced onion, green bell pepper, and garlic. Cook for about 5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the vegetables become soft and fragrant.
- Brown the Venison: Add the ground venison to the pot and break it up with a spatula. Cook until the meat is browned and no longer pink, about 7-10 minutes. Venison is naturally lean, so if you want a little extra richness, feel free to add a tablespoon of butter or a bit more olive oil at this stage.
- Season the Chili: Once the venison is browned, stir in the chili powder, cumin, smoked paprika, cayenne (if using), salt, and pepper. Let the spices cook with the meat and veggies for 2 minutes to bring out their flavors.
- Add the Beans and Tomatoes: Next, add the kidney beans, black beans, diced tomatoes, and tomato paste to the pot. Stir everything together, ensuring the tomato paste is well incorporated.
- Simmer: Pour in the beef broth and stir to combine. Bring the chili to a boil, then reduce the heat to low and cover. Let it simmer for at least 30 minutes, but the longer you let it simmer, the better the flavors will meld together. If the chili becomes too thick, you can add more broth or water to reach your desired consistency.
- Serve: Once your venison chili is ready, serve it up hot with your favorite toppings, such as shredded cheese, sour cream, and chopped green onions. It pairs perfectly with crusty bread or a side of cornbread for a complete meal.
Why Venison?
Venison is a lean, protein-rich meat that offers a unique flavor perfect for stews and chilis. For hunters, it’s a satisfying way to enjoy the bounty of the season. Plus, using venison in this chili adds a rustic, earthy touch that sets it apart from traditional beef chili.
Tips for Cooking Venison:
- Don’t overcook: Since venison is lean, it can become tough if overcooked. In this recipe, simmering the chili helps keep the meat tender while allowing the flavors to develop.
- Add fat: If you find venison too lean for your taste, add a bit of bacon or use butter to add richness to your dish.
- Spice it up: Venison pairs well with bold spices like chili powder, cumin, and smoked paprika, which bring out its natural gamey flavor.
Whether you’re just back from the hunt or looking for a hearty meal to celebrate the season, this venison chili is the perfect dish for a cozy, comforting meal. It’s easy to make, packed with protein, and full of robust flavors. Enjoy it around the fire with friends and family after a successful day in the field.
Happy hunting and even happier eating! For hunting information or additional recipes, contact the Results Realty and Auction team at (573) 341-8200.