Game Stock

Game Stock Recipe: A Rich and Flavorful Base for Soups and Stews

Preparation time: 30 minutes | Cooking time: 4 hours | Servings: 6

Introduction

Game stock is a rich and flavorful broth made from a combination of venison, beef, and vegetables. This stock is perfect for adding depth and complexity to soups, stews, and sauces.

History

Game stock has been a staple in European cuisine for centuries, particularly in regions where hunting is a common practice. The combination of venison and beef creates a unique flavor profile that is both hearty and robust.

Ingredients

1 kg cubed venison with chopped bones
500 g beef shin or neck, diced and boned
85 g diced bacon
2 peeled and diced carrots
1 large diced turnip
1 diced onion
2 diced stalks of celery
3 sliced tomatoes
3 thinly sliced mushrooms
3.75 liters of water
bouquet garni (3 sprigs of parsley, 1 sprig of thyme, 1 bay leaf)
6 peppercorns
4 cloves
1 tbsp of salt

How to prepare

Chop the bones into smaller pieces.
Sauté the diced bacon in a large, heavy-bottomed saucepan over low heat until the fat begins to melt.
Add the venison, beef, and bones to the saucepan and sauté in the bacon fat until lightly browned.
Add the water and slowly bring it to a boil.
Add the salt, skim off any impurities, and simmer for 1 hour, occasionally skimming.
Add the vegetables, peppercorns, cloves, and bouquet garni, and simmer for an additional 3 hours.
Strain the stock through a fine sieve.
Cool the stock and store it in the refrigerator until needed.

Variations

Add herbs like thyme, rosemary, or sage for additional flavor.
Use different vegetables like leeks, parsnips, or potatoes for a unique twist on the recipe.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

Be sure to brown the meat and bones before adding the water to enhance the flavor of the stock.

- Skim off any impurities that rise to the surface while simmering to ensure a clear and clean stock.

- Allow the stock to cool completely before storing it in the refrigerator to prevent bacteria growth.

Serving Suggestions

Game stock can be used as a base for soups, stews, and sauces, or enjoyed on its own as a warm and comforting drink.

Cooking Techniques

Sautéing the meat and bones before simmering helps to develop a rich and complex flavor.

- Slowly simmering the stock for several hours allows the flavors to meld together and create a delicious broth.

Ingredient Substitutions

If venison is not available, you can use lamb or pork as a substitute.

- Any type of beef bones can be used in place of beef shin or neck.

Make Ahead Tips

Game stock can be made ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days, or frozen for longer storage.

Presentation Ideas

Serve game stock in a rustic bowl with a sprinkle of fresh herbs on top for a simple and elegant presentation.

Pairing Recommendations

Game stock pairs well with hearty dishes like beef stew, venison chili, or wild mushroom risotto.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Store leftover game stock in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days, or freeze for longer storage. Reheat gently on the stovetop before serving.

Nutrition Information

Calories per serving

Each serving of game stock contains approximately 150 calories, making it a low-calorie option for adding flavor to your dishes.

Carbohydrates

Game stock is low in carbohydrates, making it a suitable option for those following a low-carb diet.

Fats

The diced bacon in this recipe adds a small amount of fat to the stock, which helps to enhance the overall flavor and richness.

Proteins

Venison and beef are both excellent sources of protein, making this game stock a nutritious addition to your diet.

Vitamins and minerals

The vegetables in this recipe, such as carrots, turnips, and celery, provide essential vitamins and minerals like vitamin A, vitamin C, and potassium.

Alergens

This recipe contains bacon, which may be a potential allergen for some individuals. Be sure to check for any allergies before serving.

Summary

Game stock is a nutrient-rich broth that is low in carbohydrates and calories, making it a healthy addition to your cooking repertoire.

Summary

Game stock is a versatile and flavorful broth that can elevate your cooking to the next level. With a rich combination of venison, beef, and vegetables, this stock is perfect for adding depth and complexity to a wide range of dishes.

How did I get this recipe?

I vividly remember the moment I discovered this recipe for Game Stock. It was a crisp autumn evening, and I was visiting my dear friend Margaret in her cozy cabin nestled in the woods. Margaret was an avid hunter and had just returned from a successful hunting trip, bringing back a bounty of game meat.

As we sat by the crackling fire, Margaret began to prepare a delicious game stock using the bones and leftover meat from her hunt. I watched in awe as she expertly simmered the bones with aromatic vegetables and herbs, creating a rich and flavorful broth that would serve as the base for many hearty meals to come.

I had always been intrigued by the idea of making my own stock, but had never ventured beyond the basic chicken or beef varieties. Margaret’s game stock was a revelation – a deep, complex broth that added a whole new dimension to soups, stews, and sauces.

I begged Margaret to share her recipe with me, and she graciously agreed. She explained that game stock was a versatile base that could be customized to suit a variety of dishes, depending on the type of game meat used and the herbs and seasonings added.

Over the years, I have refined and adapted Margaret’s recipe to suit my own tastes and preferences. I have experimented with different combinations of game meat, from venison and rabbit to duck and pheasant. Each variation brings its own unique flavor profile to the stock, adding depth and complexity to my cooking.

One of my favorite memories of making game stock is the time I visited my cousin’s farm and helped him butcher a wild boar. As we worked together to process the meat, I carefully saved the bones and scraps to make a batch of boar stock. The rich, smoky flavor of the boar meat infused the stock, creating a robust broth that was perfect for braising meats and making hearty stews.

I have shared my recipe for game stock with friends and family, passing on the tradition of homemade broth to the next generation. I take pride in knowing that my grandmother’s recipe lives on, bringing warmth and comfort to those who gather around my table.

As I sit here in my kitchen, surrounded by the comforting aroma of simmering stock, I am filled with gratitude for the friends and mentors who have inspired me along the way. Margaret’s game stock will always hold a special place in my heart, a reminder of the joy and connection that come from sharing good food with loved ones.

And so, I continue to simmer my stock, stirring in memories of hunts and gatherings, of laughter and stories shared around the table. Each batch is a tribute to the traditions that have shaped me, a testament to the power of food to nourish not only the body, but the soul. And as I ladle out a steaming bowl of soup or spoonful of gravy, I know that I am carrying on a legacy that stretches back through generations, a legacy of love, of sharing, of the simple, joyful act of cooking together.