2poundsof boneless reindeer meatcut into bite-size pieces
2tablespoonsof vegetable oil
2onionschopped
3carrotspeeled and chopped
3celery stalkschopped
3garlic clovesminced
4cupsof beef or reindeer broth
1cupof red wine
1tablespoonof tomato paste
2bay leaves
2teaspoonsof dried thyme
Salt and black pepperto taste
4potatoespeeled and cut into bite-size pieces
1cupof frozen peas
Instructions
Heat the vegetable oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium-high heat.
Add the reindeer meat to the pot and cook until browned on all sides, about 5-7 minutes.
Remove the meat from the pot and set aside.
Add the onions, carrots, celery, and garlic to the pot and cook until the vegetables are soft, about 5 minutes.
Add the broth, red wine, tomato paste, bay leaves, thyme, salt, and pepper to the pot and stir well.
Return the reindeer meat to the pot and bring the stew to a boil.
Reduce the heat to low, cover the pot, and let the stew simmer for 1-2 hours or until the meat is tender.
Add the potatoes to the pot and let the stew simmer for another 30 minutes or until the potatoes are cooked through.
Add the frozen peas to the pot and let the stew simmer for another 5 minutes or until the peas are heated through.
Remove the bay leaves from the pot and serve the reindeer stew hot with crusty bread.
Notes
Tips and Tricks
You can brown the meat in batches to avoid overcrowding the pot.To save time, you can prepare the stew a day ahead of time and refrigerate it. This will also allow the flavors to meld together.You can use a slow cooker to make the stew. Brown the meat and sauté the vegetables before transferring them to the slow cooker along with the rest of the ingredients. Cook on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 3-4 hours.