Mary Berry, a doyenne of British cooking, is celebrated for her straightforward yet elegant approach to traditional dishes.
Her Venison Casserole is a testament to her ability to elevate classic comfort food into something truly special.
This dish features tender venison stewed with a variety of vegetables and herbs, creating a rich, flavorful, and hearty meal perfect for cold evenings.
What is Mary Berry Venison Casserole
Mary Berry’s Venison Casserole is a luxurious stew that combines succulent pieces of venison with a robust blend of root vegetables, red wine, and aromatic herbs.
The venison is slow-cooked until it becomes wonderfully tender, absorbing the flavors of the sauce, which is enriched with the addition of bacon and possibly a hint of dark chocolate, giving the dish depth and complexity.
What Goes Best with Mary Berry Venison Casserole
This casserole pairs beautifully with sides that can soak up the rich sauce. Creamy mashed potatoes, buttery polenta, or simply boiled potatoes are excellent choices.
For a lighter option, serve with steamed green vegetables like green beans or Brussels sprouts. A side of crusty bread is also perfect for ensuring not a drop of the delicious sauce goes to waste.
Ingredients
– 2 lbs venison, cut into chunks
– 3 tablespoons olive oil
– 4 slices of bacon, chopped
– 2 onions, chopped
– 2 carrots, chopped
– 2 celery stalks, chopped
– 2 garlic cloves, minced
– 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
– 1 bottle of red wine (or enough to cover the meat)
– 2 cups beef or venison stock
– 1 tablespoon tomato paste
– A few sprigs of fresh thyme
– 2 bay leaves
– Salt and freshly ground black pepper
– Optional: 1 tablespoon dark chocolate, grated
How to Prepare Mary Berry Venison Casserole
- Brown the Venison: Heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a large casserole dish or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Add the venison in batches, browning on all sides. Transfer the browned venison to a plate.
- Sauté the Vegetables: In the same dish, add the remaining olive oil, bacon, onions, carrots, and celery. Cook until the vegetables are softened and the bacon is crispy.
- Combine and Cook: Return the venison to the dish. Stir in the flour until the meat and vegetables are well-coated. Add the garlic, then pour in the red wine and stock. Add the tomato paste, thyme, bay leaves, and dark chocolate (if using). Season with salt and pepper.
- Simmer: Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat, cover, and simmer gently for about 2-2.5 hours, or until the venison is tender. Adjust seasoning to taste.
Mary Berry Venison Casserole
Ingredients
- - 2 lbs venison cut into chunks
- - 3 tablespoons olive oil
- - 4 slices of bacon chopped
- - 2 onions chopped
- - 2 carrots chopped
- - 2 celery stalks chopped
- - 2 garlic cloves minced
- - 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- - 1 bottle of red wine or enough to cover the meat
- - 2 cups beef or venison stock
- - 1 tablespoon tomato paste
- - A few sprigs of fresh thyme
- - 2 bay leaves
- - Salt and freshly ground black pepper
- - Optional: 1 tablespoon dark chocolate grated
Instructions
- Brown the Venison: Heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a large casserole dish or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Add the venison in batches, browning on all sides. Transfer the browned venison to a plate.
- Sauté the Vegetables: In the same dish, add the remaining olive oil, bacon, onions, carrots, and celery. Cook until the vegetables are softened and the bacon is crispy.
- Combine and Cook: Return the venison to the dish. Stir in the flour until the meat and vegetables are well-coated. Add the garlic, then pour in the red wine and stock. Add the tomato paste, thyme, bay leaves, and dark chocolate (if using). Season with salt and pepper.
- Simmer: Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat, cover, and simmer gently for about 2-2.5 hours, or until the venison is tender. Adjust seasoning to taste.
- How to Serve Mary Berry Venison Casserole
Notes
How to Serve Mary Berry Venison Casserole
Ladle the casserole into warm bowls, making sure each serving gets a generous portion of meat, vegetables, and sauce. Serve with your chosen side dish, allowing the richness of the casserole to shine through.
How to Reheat Mary Berry Venison Casserole
Microwave: Place a serving in a microwave-safe container, cover, and heat on medium power, stirring occasionally until heated through.
Oven: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Transfer the casserole to an oven-safe dish, cover with foil, and heat for 20-25 minutes, or until hot.
Stovetop: Reheat in a pot over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until the casserole is hot. Add a little water or stock if necessary to prevent sticking.
How to Store Leftovers of Mary Berry Venison Casserole
Cool the casserole completely, then transfer to airtight containers. Refrigerate for up to 3 days or freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator if frozen before reheating.
Frequently Asked Questions Regarding Mary Berry Venison Casserole
Can I substitute the venison?
Yes, beef or lamb can be used, but the unique flavor of venison makes this dish special.
Is red wine necessary?
The red wine adds depth and richness to the sauce, but it can be substituted with additional stock if preferred.
Can I add other vegetables?
Absolutely. Feel free to include other root vegetables like parsnips or turnips.
Nutritional Information
The nutritional content of Mary Berry Venison Casserole can vary depending on specific ingredients and portion sizes. However, here’s an approximate breakdown for a serving:
Calories: 500-600 kcal
Protein: 40-50 g
Fat: 20-30 g
– Saturated Fat: 6-9 g
Carbohydrates: 20-30 g
– Dietary Fiber: 3-5 g
– Sugars: 5-10 g (largely dependent on the type of wine and vegetables used)
Sodium: 500-800 mg (varies based on the stock and added salt)
Venison is a great source of high-quality protein and is generally lower in fat than beef, making it a healthier option for those looking to reduce their intake of saturated fats.
Additionally, venison is rich in iron and B vitamins, particularly vitamin B12, which is essential for healthy nerve function and blood formation.
Mary Berry’s Venison Casserole is a sumptuous dish that combines the rustic charm of traditional cooking with the finesse of gourmet cuisine.
It’s a perfect meal for special occasions or a cozy winter dinner, offering a comforting warmth and depth of flavor that is sure to impress.
By following Mary Berry’s recipe, you can create a memorable dining experience that celebrates the best of British cooking.
