Bear Necessities: Savory Bear Stew Recipe

Bear Necessities: Savory Bear Stew Recipe

Bear stew is a hearty dish that showcases the rich flavors of bear meat. This recipe is not only packed with nutrition but also provides a unique culinary experience for adventurous cooks. Follow along to discover how to create this savory bear stew that will warm you up from the inside out!

How-to Cook Bear Stew

Bear meat, often regarded as a delicacy, has a slightly sweet and gamey flavor. Savory bear stew is perfect for a cozy evening with friends or family. This dish combines tender chunks of bear meat with vegetables and spices for a comforting meal that’s deeply satisfying.

Ingredients List for Bear Stew

To create this delightful bear stew, you will need the following ingredients:

• • 2 lbs bear meat (cut into 1-inch cubes)

• • 1 large onion (chopped)

• • 2 cloves garlic (minced)

• • 3 carrots (sliced)

• • 2 stalks celery (chopped)

• • 4 medium potatoes (diced)

• • 4 cups beef or venison broth

• • 1 cup red wine (optional for extra flavor)

• • 3 tablespoons tomato paste

• • 2 tablespoons olive oil

• • 1 teaspoon thyme (dried or fresh)

• • 1 teaspoon rosemary (dried or fresh)

• • Salt and pepper (to taste)

• • Bay leaf (1)

• • 1 cup frozen peas (added near the end of cooking)

Cooking Instructions for Savory Bear Stew

Follow these detailed steps to prepare your delicious bear stew:

Step 1: Prepare the Bear Meat

Start by trimming any excess fat off the bear meat. Cut the meat into 1-inch cubes and season generously with salt and pepper.

Step 2: Sear the Meat

In a large Dutch oven or heavy pot, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat. Once hot, add the bear meat in batches, searing it until browned on all sides. Remove the meat and set aside.

Step 3: Sauté the Vegetables

In the same pot, add the chopped onion and garlic. Sauté for about 3-4 minutes until the onion becomes translucent. Add the carrots, celery, and potatoes and continue to sauté for another 5 minutes.

Step 4: Deglaze the Pot

If using, pour in the red wine to deglaze the pot, scraping up any browned bits. This adds depth of flavor to your stew. Let it simmer for a few minutes to reduce.

Step 5: Combine Ingredients

Return the seared bear meat to the pot, and stir in the tomato paste, thyme, rosemary, and bay leaf. Pour in the beef or venison broth, ensuring all ingredients are covered. Stir well.

Step 6: Simmer the Stew

Bring the stew to a rolling boil, then reduce the heat to low. Cover the pot and let it simmer for 2-3 hours, or until the bear meat is tender and the flavors meld beautifully. Stir occasionally.

Step 7: Add Frozen Peas

About 10 minutes before serving, stir in the frozen peas to add a pop of color and sweetness to your stew.

Step 8: Taste and Serve

Before serving, taste the stew and adjust seasoning with more salt and pepper, if needed. Serve hot, and enjoy the comforting flavors of your savory bear stew.

Tips for Preparation and Serving

• • Pairing: This stew pairs beautifully with crusty bread or over a bed of rice for a complete meal.

• • Cooking Tools: Use a heavy pot or Dutch oven to ensure even cooking and prevent burning.

• • Storing Leftovers: Leftover stew can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days or frozen for up to 3 months. Simply reheat before serving.

Recipe Notes

• • Bear Meat Alternatives: If bear meat is not available, consider using lean cuts of beef, venison, or bison as an alternative.

• • Vegetarian Option: For a vegetarian variant, replace bear meat with hearty vegetables like mushrooms, jackfruit, or lentils.

• • Spice Variations: Feel free to experiment with spices like smoked paprika or cayenne pepper for an extra kick.

• • Additional Cooking: For a thicker stew, you can stir in a cornstarch slurry (1 tablespoon corn starch mixed with 2 tablespoons water) towards the end of the cooking process.

Enjoy your delicious bear stew, a truly unique dish that will impress anyone at your dinner table!