Reindeer Meat Stew

Ingredients

• Vegetable oil (2 tablespoons)
• All-purpose flour (2 tablespoons)
• Salt (1 teaspoon)
• Black pepper (1/2 teaspoon)
• Dried thyme (1 teaspoon)
• Bay leaves (2)
• Tomato paste (2 tablespoons)
• Red wine (1 cup)
• Beef broth (4 cups)
• Garlic (3 cloves, minced)
• Celery (2 stalks, chopped)
• Potatoes (3 medium, diced)
• Carrots (2 large, sliced)
• Onion (1 large, chopped)
• Reindeer meat (2 pounds, cut into 1-inch pieces)

Instructions

1. In a large pot, heat the vegetable oil over medium heat. Once hot, add the reindeer meat, seasoning it with salt and pepper, and cook until browned on all sides. Remove the meat from the pot and set aside.
2. In the same pot, add the chopped onion, carrots, celery, and minced garlic. Sauté the vegetables until they are softened and fragrant, about 5-7 minutes.
3. Sprinkle the flour over the sautéed vegetables, stirring well to coat them and cook for another minute to eliminate the raw flour taste.
4. Return the browned reindeer meat to the pot, mixing it with the vegetables.
5. Pour in the beef broth and red wine, stirring to combine. Add the tomato paste, bay leaves, thyme, and more salt and pepper to taste.
6. Bring the stew to a boil, then reduce the heat to low. Cover and let it simmer for 2 hours, stirring occasionally, until the meat is fork-tender.
7. Add the diced potatoes to the pot and continue to simmer for an additional 30 minutes, or until the potatoes are cooked through and tender.
8. Before serving, remove the bay leaves. Serve the reindeer meat stew hot, garnished with fresh herbs if desired, and enjoy the warmth and flavors of this comforting dish.