Venison Chili con Carne: A Hearty Wild Game Delight

Introduction:

Embark on a culinary adventure with this tantalizing Venison Chili con Carne recipe, crafted by Chef Rikki Folger. Bursting with robust flavors and rich textures, this dish is perfect for chilly evenings or gathering around a cozy dinner table. Whether you’re a seasoned hunter or a culinary enthusiast, this recipe promises to delight your taste buds with every savory spoonful.

Ingredients:

• 2 lbs venison stew meat, cubed
• 1 tbsp Harvesting Nature Big Game Seasoning
• 1 tbsp kosher salt
• 1 yellow onion, diced
• 2 tbsp avocado oil
• 3 cloves garlic, roughly chopped
• 1 can diced tomatoes (14.5 oz)
• 2 tsp cumin
• 2 tsp dried oregano
• 2 tsp chili powder
• 2 tsp dried basil
• 2 cans black beans (14.5 oz each)
• 1 tsp ground black pepper
• 3 dried chipotle peppers, smashed
• 4 cups venison stock (can substitute beef stock)
• Kosher salt, to taste

Toppings:

• Cilantro
• Serrano pepper, sliced
• Avocado, sliced
• Lime wedges
• White Rice

Instructions:

1. Preheat your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit.
2. In a Dutch oven, heat avocado oil over medium heat. Season the venison meat with Big Game Seasoning and kosher salt, then sear until browned. Note: The meat will not be fully cooked or tender at this stage. Set aside once browned.
3. Add diced onions to the Dutch oven and cook until soft, approximately 5 minutes. Add more avocado oil if necessary.
4. Stir in the chopped garlic and cook for an additional minute.
5. Incorporate the diced tomatoes, black beans, cumin, oregano, chili powder, basil, black pepper, and smashed chipotle peppers into the pot. Mix well and let it cook for 2 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.
6. Pour in the venison stock and stir thoroughly to combine.
7. Cover the Dutch oven with its lid and transfer it to the preheated oven. Allow the chili to cook for 3 hours.
8. After 3 hours, check the tenderness of the meat. If it’s not yet tender, continue cooking for an additional 30 minutes and check again.
9. Once the meat is fully tender, remove the Dutch oven from the oven.

Serving Suggestions:

• Serve the Venison Chili con Carne over white rice for a satisfying meal.
• Garnish with sliced avocado, cilantro, and Serrano pepper for an extra burst of flavor.
• Accompany each serving with lime wedges for a hint of acidity.
• Pair with tortilla chips, salsa, or sliced jalapenos for added zest.

Variations:

• Adjust the spiciness of the chili by reducing the amount of chili powder according to your preference.
• For those using different types of wild game, such as elk, antelope, or beef, simply substitute venison with the desired meat. Use chicken or vegetable stock if opting for game birds or pork.

Conclusion:

Indulge in the warmth and depth of flavors offered by this rustic Venison Chili con Carne. With its versatile nature and simple preparation, it’s sure to become a staple in your culinary repertoire. Whether shared with loved ones or savored alone, this dish embodies the essence of comfort and satisfaction. So, gather your ingredients, fire up the oven, and treat yourself to a bowl of homemade goodness.