Easy Venison Stew: A Culinary Masterpiece

Venison stew is a hearty and flavorful dish that is perfect for a cold winter night. It is relatively easy to make and requires only a few simple ingredients.

Ingredients:

* 1 pound venison stew meat, cut into 1-inch cubes
* 1 tablespoon olive oil
* 1 onion, chopped
* 2 carrots, chopped
* 2 celery stalks, chopped
* 3 cloves garlic, minced
* 1 teaspoon dried thyme
* 1 teaspoon dried oregano
* 1/2 teaspoon salt
* 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
* 2 cups beef broth
* 1 cup red wine (optional)
* 1 tablespoon cornstarch (optional)

Instructions:

1. Heat the olive oil in a large pot over medium heat.
2. Brown the venison stew meat in the hot oil, working in batches if necessary.
3. Remove the venison from the pot and set aside.
4. Add the onion, carrots, and celery to the pot and cook until softened, about 5 minutes.
5. Add the garlic, thyme, oregano, salt, and pepper and cook for 1 minute more.
6. Stir in the beef broth and red wine, if using.
7. Return the venison to the pot and bring to a boil.
8. Reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 1 hour, or until the venison is tender.
9. If desired, dissolve the cornstarch in a little water and add it to the stew to thicken.
10. Serve hot with your favorite sides.

Tips:

* For a richer flavor, use a dark red wine, such as Cabernet Sauvignon or Merlot.
* If you don't have red wine, you can substitute additional beef broth.
* If you don't have cornstarch, you can thicken the stew by mashing some of the vegetables with a fork.
* Venison stew can be made ahead of time and reheated when ready to serve.

Variations:

* Add other vegetables to the stew, such as potatoes, mushrooms, or peas.
* Use different spices to create different flavor profiles.
* Top the stew with a dollop of sour cream or yogurt.

Venison stew is a delicious and versatile dish that is sure to please everyone at the table. With its simple ingredients and easy-to-follow instructions, it is a perfect choice for any home cook.