Byzantine Shoulder of Venison a la Mirepoix
Description
              A delicious way to prepare a venison roast. This meal takes about 1/2 hour to prepare and 2+1/2 hours to cook; and serves 4.
Source
              Ryan M. of Winnipeg, Manitoba.
Yield
    4 Servings
  Preparation time
              
  30 minutes
          Cooking time
              
  2 hours, 30 minutes
          Total time
    
  3 hours
  Ingredients
          3 tablespoons butter (unsalted)
          1⁄4 cup flour (seasoned with 1 tablespoon black pepper and 2 teaspoons cumin)
          1 1⁄2 teaspoons black pepper
          3 teaspoons cumin
          3 pounds venison shoulder (bone-in)
          1⁄2 cup carrots (coarsely-chopped)
          1 1⁄5 cups celery (coarsely-chopped)
          1 white onion (finely-diced)
          2 cups red wine (merlot ideal)
          1⁄4 cup goat breast (chopped, fatty (or bacon))
          6 potatoes (small, halved)
          3⁄4 cup red lentils
          1 cup chicken broth (or beef broth)
          1 1⁄2 teaspoons coriander
          1 1⁄2 teaspoons paprika
          1 teaspoon cayenne pepper
            salt (to taste)
              Instructions
              - Coat the venison with the flour mixture
 - In the pot, heat 2 tbsp butter and brown the venison on all sides
 - Remove the venison and add the carrots, celery, goat or bacon and 1 cup of wine
 - Let simmer for 10 minutes
 - Stir in the onion and the other cup of wine
 - Let simmer for an additional 10 minutes
 - Add the broth. Submerge the venison into the stock and heat it to boiling on the stove top.
 - Cover and braise the meat in a 300˚F (150˚C) for 1.5 hours, turning and re-submerging the meat every half-hour.
 - Remove the pot from the oven and heat the oven to 375˚F (190˚C).
 - Heat 1 tbsp butter in a small skillet and add spices. Cook for 5 minutes until aromatic, then add to pot.
 - Add salt to taste
 - Add the potatoes and lentils to the pot.
 - Continue to braise (covered) at 375˚F (190˚C) until the potatoes and lentils are soft (about 1 hour)
 
Notes
              You'll also need:
- a 6-8 quart dutch oven (ideal) or a stew pot with a tight-fitting lid
 - small skillet
 
Occasions