Hilary's Wild Venison Casserole

I am lucky to be able to get venison at my local Farmers' Market. I invented this dish - as far as I am aware, this is an original created by me. The black beluga lentils go really well with the venison as they are both quite earthy flavored. If black beluga lentils are not available, Puy lentils can be used.

• Preparation Time: 20 mins
• Cooking Time: 1 hr 30 mins
• Total Time: 1 hr 50 mins
• Calories: 625 Calories

Ingredients

• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 ½ cups chopped carrots
• 1 ½ teaspoons seasoned salt
• 2 pounds venison, cut into cubes
• 1 teaspoon allspice berries
• 4 cloves pickled garlic
• 4 red onions, chopped
• 1 cup beluga lentils, soaked in water
• 8 ounces pearl onions, peeled

Recipe Instructions

Step 1

Preheat the oven to 325 degrees F (165 degrees C).

Step 2

Place the venison cubes into a large resealable bag. Add the red wine, 2 tablespoons of olive oil, seasoned salt, allspice berries and pickled garlic. Seal the bag and turn to distribute the ingredients. Refrigerate overnight to marinate.

Step 3

Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Add the red onions; cook and stir for a few minutes. Add the venison and continue cooking until it is browned. Pour in the marinade from the bag and allow to simmer over low heat while you prepare the lentils.

Step 4

Rinse the lentils and place in a saucepan. Fill with enough water to cover the lentils by at least 1 inch. Cook until almost tender, about 20 minutes. Drain and transfer the lentils to the Dutch oven. Add the pearl onions and carrot chunks and cover with a lid.

Step 5

Bake in the preheated oven until the venison is very tender, about 1 hour.