With an elk population half the size of Denver’s human population, it’s clear why Colorado is the top state to elk hunt. Mild and semi-sweet, this exotic meat transforms basic burgers into mind-blowing meals. Plus, elk is leaner than traditional meats and packs a whopping 26 grams of protein per serving. Iron deficiency is one of the most common nutrient deficiencies. Luckily, elk contains 15% of your daily-recommended iron intake. And having a low iron concentration can result in glossitis (inflamed tongue) and mouth sores.
Adventure awaits your appetite! Send beef to the sidelines, and get game for this slow-cooked elk stew:
Ingredients:
- 3 lbs elk shoulder
- 8 cups broth (vegetable, beef or chicken)
- 2 tablespoons balsamic vinegar
- 4 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 2 ½ tablespoons Worcestershire sauce
- 3 large white onions
- 10 medium carrots
- 6 large russet potatoes
- 1 teaspoon oregano
- 2 bay leaves
- 1 ½ tablespoon all purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- Salt and pepper to taste
Directions
- Cut elk it into 1-inch cubes. Continue by rinsing and chopping your potatoes, onions, and carrots into 1-inch chunks.
- Heat 2 tablespoons olive oil in large skillet over high heat. Once the skillet is hot, sear elk until brown. Once all cubes are seared, reduce heat and add half of your chopped onions. When the onions become translucent, remove the skillet from heat.
- Add elk and onions into your slow cooker. Add the balsamic vinegar, broth, and the Worcestershire sauce. Let the elk marinate in the cooker on high heat for 2-3 hours.
- After marinating, add the rest of your olive oil into the slow cooker along with the chopped carrots, potatoes, oregano, bay leaves, salt, pepper, and paprika. Let it cook on low heat for 5 hours.
- After 5 hours, add the remaining onion and let cook for another hour.
- Once the sixth hour is near completion, melt your butter and mix in the flour to create medium-thick gravy. Add to slow cooker and let it cook for one more hour on high heat.
- Serve with wholegrain bread or on top of wild rice.
Love elk but not in your tummy? Check out annual Elk Fest celebrations in Estes Park. There you’ll be able to purchase elk memorabilia and see the majestic creatures up close and personal.