RECIPE: Venison Ragu
Chef Mark Noguchi, a.k.a. “Gooch,” is a respected chef and part of our Maui Nui ʻOhana. Having worked at some of the leading restaurants in Hawaiʻi, including Town and Chef Mavro, Gooch has been a constant reminder that "cooking our heritage" can be as expansive as it is ʻono (delicious). His hearty venison ragu makes a satisfying dinner for the whole family (and makes delicious leftovers, too!). Aloha nui Gooch!
Mark Noguchi
Ingredients
- 1 lb venison stew chunks
- 1 onion, diced
- 2 carrot, diced
- 4 celery stalk, diced
- 2 clove garlic, minced
- 1 cup red wine
- 1 small can tomato sauce
- 3 quarts chicken stock
- 1 bay leaf
- 1 big sprig of thyme
- 2 tbsp Italian parsley, chopped
- 1 tsp thyme, chopped
- 2 tbsp butter, cold
- Dash sherry vinegar
DIRECTIONS
Heat a heavy pot until it’s ripping hot. Add a little neutral oil to cover the bottom of the pot.
Brown the meat, then add the onion.
Once the onion is cooked, deglaze with wine.
Add everything else and add enough stock to cover, simmer (you’re looking for a lazy bubble.)
Stir periodically, adding more stock to keep barely covered.
Let cook 3-4 hours. Remove bay and thyme when deer is tender.
Let cool slightly, then run through a food mill or paddle in a Kitchen Aid.
Return to pot, heat. Season with chopped herbs, butter and sherry vinegar.