Luxembourgish Game Stew
A rich and hearty game stew, typical of Luxembourg's Ardennes region, featuring tender chunks of game meat slow-cooked with root vegetables, red wine, and a hint of gingerbread for depth.
🧂 Ingredients
- 1 kg Game meat (venison, wild boar, or rabbit)(cut into 4cm chunks)
- 100 g Smoked streaky bacon(rolled up)
- 25 g Butter
- 8 pieces Small onions or shallots(trimmed and peeled)
- 2 cloves Garlic(minced)
- 2 sprigs Fresh thyme
- 1 Bay leaf
- 6 Juniper berries(roughly crushed)
- 2 tbsp Flour
- 1 tsp Salt
- 0.5 tsp Black pepper
- 200 ml Full-bodied red wine
- 400 ml Chicken or game stock
- 75 g Redcurrant jelly
- 2 Carrots(cut into 1cm chunks)
- 200 g Mushrooms(sliced)
- 1 slice Gingerbread cake(crumbled)
- 1 tsp Mustard(coarse)
👨🍳 Instructions
- 1
Preheat oven to 150°C (300°F).
💡 Tip: This low temperature is key for tender game meat. - 2
In a casserole dish, heat the butter over medium-high heat. Fry the rolled bacon until golden and the fat renders out. Remove bacon and set aside.
- 3
Add the onions and garlic to the same dish and sauté until softened. Add thyme, bay leaf, and juniper berries, and cook for another minute until fragrant.
- 4
Dust the game meat with flour, salt, and pepper. Brown the meat in batches in the same dish, adding more butter or oil if needed. Deglaze the pot with red wine, scraping up any browned bits.
- 5
Return the meat, onions, and herbs to the casserole dish. Add the chicken or game stock, redcurrant jelly, and crumbled gingerbread cake. Stir to combine.
💡 Tip: The gingerbread adds a subtle sweetness and depth of flavor. - 6
Cover the dish and place in the preheated oven. Simmer for 2 hours.
- 7
Add the carrots and mushrooms to the stew. Stir, cover, and continue to cook for another 45 minutes, or until the meat is very tender.
- 8
Stir in the coarse mustard. Taste and adjust seasoning if necessary. Serve hot, garnished with the reserved bacon.
💡 Tip: Serve with mashed potatoes, crusty bread, or noodles.
💡 Pro Tips
- ✓Ensure the game meat is well-browned for maximum flavor.
- ✓Don't skip the gingerbread; it adds a unique Luxembourgish touch.
- ✓Adjust cooking time based on the type and cut of game meat used.
✨ Twist Ideas
Inspiration for your own version of this recipe
- Add other root vegetables like parsnips or celeriac.
- A splash of brandy or cognac can be added for extra richness.