Beets, red wine, and juniper join venison, onions, beans, and sun-dried tomatoes to make a rich, satisfying stew. The recipe is reproduced, with permission, from Outlander Kitchen—the Official Outlander Companion Cookbook.
The Outlander book series
Hands up, who else sobbed their way through the Outlander Series 2 finale yesterday?
Not just me, eh?
I can’t even remember why I began watching Outlander – I think I was randomly flicking through the tv shows on Amazon Prime one night after finishing Black Sails and Turn, wanting something set in the same era to watch. It wasn’t until Series 2 was released that I began watching, but I was instantly hooked on the romantic tale of WW2, time travel, kilted Scotsmen and true love.
The first half of the first series was what I imagine a Mills & Boon novel to be like (I’ve never read one, true story!), but then it got dark really quickly.
I caught up on the episodes quickly and then had to wait one week for each new episode to be released. I have to confess; while I was bikepacking through the highlands of Scotland recently, it was still there in the back of my mind that I’d have a few episodes to catch up on when I returned!
Recipes from the Outlander series
The day after I began my epic bikepacking trip, the official Outlander companion cookbook was released, Outlander Kitchen, written by Canadian chef, food writer and unabashed fan of Diana Gabaldon’s Outlander book series.
Featuring more than one hundred recipes, Outlander Kitchen retells Claire and Jamie’s incredible story through the flavours of the Scottish Highlands, the French Revolution, and beyond. Theresa has drawn on the events and characters in Gabaldon’s novels’ pages to create mouthwatering and inspiring dishes highlighting local ingredients and traditional cooking techniques but updated for today’s modern kitchens.
There is a wide range of recipes, from breakfasts to appetizers, soups to preserves, meat and seafood dishes, sweets and desserts, and even drinks and cocktails.
Each recipe includes an excerpt from the original books that inspired it, plus a bit of historical background to bring it to life.
For my first meal from this book, I chose the venison stew with tomatoe-fruits served with Spoon Bread.
Succulent venison stew in the Highlands of Scotland
While bikepacking through the highlands of Scotland recently, the weather was mostly on our side. Except for one day, the heavens opened from early morning until late afternoon from John o’Groats to Thurso. We were soaked to the bone, with shrivelled toes and fingers like we’d spent too long in the bath.
We had intended on cycling all the way from John o’Groats to Bettyhill that day, following the north Scotland coastline (apparently it’s really picturesque if you can see the sea—we couldn’t). However, after passing a rather unusual split stone on the outskirts of Melvich and pausing for a break after cresting a rather steep hill, we spotted an inn with a tendril of smoke gently drifting from its chimney.
We were lured inside by the thought of getting warm and dry and possibly having a bite of food. It turns out that they had camping facilities: for only £5, we pitched our tents in the garden, grabbed a wonderful hot shower, and propped our soaking wet cycling shoes next to the coal fire in the inn to dry.
Dinner was ordered: a haggis starter and the most gorgeous, succulent venison stew for a main. For this reason, I chose to make venison stew from this cookery book, a recipe the author herself has very kindly given me permission to reproduce.
Did they eat venison in 18th-century Scotland?
In 18th-century Britain, venison was only found on the tables of the wealthy—the lords and lairds whose land holdings were significant enough to sustain a deer population. Highlanders themselves survived on boiled grains and vegetable stews until the clearances when they were forced from their homes. On our cycling travels through the highlands, we saw many information boards about these clearances. They then began to hunt in the North American forests filled with birds and game.
This recipe is a gorgeously rich, satisfying stew. Served with Spoon Bread (a favourite of George Washington), it made for a rather delicious dinner last night before I watched the Outlander series 2 finale.
I sobbed through the last half of the episode. I ordered the first three Outlander series books from Amazon as soon as it was finished. I can’t wait until series 3 comes out, I need to find out what happens!
You can buy a copy of Outlander Kitchen from Amazon for £25. It’s also available in Canada for $47 and the United States for $35. For more information (and a well-stocked recipe index!), visit the Outlander Kitchen website.
Are you an Outlander fan? Let me know in the comments below!
Venison Stew with Tomatoe-Fruits
Ingredients
- 0.5 cup dried kidney beans
- 0.5 cup sundried tomatoes
- 0.25 cup plain flour
- 1.5 tsp Shetland sea salt plus additional
- 0.5 tsp freshly ground black pepper plus additional
- 1.5 lbs venison stew meat cut into 2-inch cubes
- 2 tbsp olive oil plus additional
- 4 slices smoked back bacon cut crosswise into 1/4 inch strips
- 1 large onion cut into 1/2-inch wedges
- 1 cup red wine
- 2 cups good quality beef stock (see recipe in book)
- 1 lb beets peeled and cut into 1/2-inch wedges
- 2 bay leaves
- 2 fresh rosemary
- 12 juniper berries
- 2 garlic cloves halved
Affiliate Links
This recipe card may contain affiliate ingredient and equipment links. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.
Instructions
- In a small saucepan, cover 0.5 cup dried kidney beans with 2 inches of cold water. Bring to a boil over medium-high heat and boil for 2 minutes. Remove from the heat, cover, and soak for 1 hour. Drain.
- Soak 0.5 cup sundried tomatoes in 1 cup boiling water for 1 hour. Drain, reserving the soaking liquid. Chop the tomatoes roughly.
- Move a rack to the bottom rung and heat the oven to 325 F/ 160 C.
- Mix together 0.25 cup plain flour, 1.5 tsp Shetland sea salt, and 0.5 tsp freshly ground black pepper in a bowl. Pat 1.5 lbs venison stew meat dry with paper towels, then dredge the pieces in the flour to coat on all sides.
- In a Dutch oven or large saucepan, heat t2 tbsp olive oilover medium-high flame. In batches, brown the venison on all sides, about 2 minutes per side. Rest the browned meat on a plate and repeat with the remaining venison, using additional oil if required.
- When the last batch of venison is gone from the pan, reduce the heat to medium and fry 4 slices smoked back bacon pieces until golden brown. Add the bacon pieces to the venison and pour off all but 1 tablespoon of bacon fat from the pan.
- Add 1 large onion, chopped, to the pan and cook until slightly softened, scraping up the brown bits from the bottom of the pan, 3 to 5 minutes. Deglaze with 1 cup red wine and boil 1 minute, stirring constantly. Add 2 cups good quality beef stock, tomato soaking liquid, venison, bacon, beans, tomatoes and 1 lb beets, peeled and diced. Increase the heat to medium-high and bring to a rapid boil.
- Meanwhile, make a bouquet garni. Wrap 2 bay leaves, 2 fresh rosemary sprigs, 12 juniper berries and 2 garlic cloves in a square of cheesecloth and tie with string, or enclose the items in a large tea ball.
- When the stew is boiling, poke the bouquet garni under the surface and cover the pot. Cook in the oven until the meat, beans and beets are tender, about 90 minutes. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Serve hot with Spoon Bread (recipe in the book). Refrigerate leftovers for up to 3 days.
A Belgian Chocolate Experience
Just stumbled upon this recipe, what a fantastic autumn stew. Bookmarked and I’ll be making it as soon as the local butchers has fresh venison in. Shouldn’t be long!
i like a bit of game – venison is a personal favourite, sounds like a great book
Haven’t seen but heard great things xxx
I don’t know Outlander at all but the cook book looks great.
I’ve not seen it but have heard it is good
Sorry to say I’ve never watched it (yet) but the cookbook looks great and I now feel curious.
I haven’t actually watched it yet, but it is on my ‘to watch’ list as i have a few friends who love it!
I have never see it, but hope I will soon!
I haven’t seen it but I am definitely going to look out for it now as your recipes sound lovely
that dress!!
Looks great, but never tried.
I’ve not watched Outlander yet, but it’s been highly recommended to me. We have just got Amazon Prime so I’m hoping to start watching it next week.
What a fantastic prize.
I’d love to win.
Thanks for the chance.
I have never seen Outlander but it looks like something I will like, just catching up with all GOT and then I think I will watch this.
I’ve not seen it, but will try and look out for it.
I love this series, am a little behind have some still to watch. I just love the signature tune “over the sea to skye”
My favourite bit is when the Highlander Connor is rescued from the prison
I love historical dramas and would definately watch this if it was on free view.
Not heard of it but it looks great
I have never seen Outlander but the book looks great, I will add it to my must watch list
I’ve never heard of the Outlander books, but the recipe book looks fantastic, and I would take it with me when I spend two weeks in a cottage in the Scottish Highlands in September…. I have loads of time to cook there and it looks perfect
I am a huge fan of Outlander and the final episode of season two had me in tears when Claire said goodbye to Jamie at the memorial stone on the battlefield.Can’t wait for series 3!!!
I’ve not seen the outlander yet. I am waiting for a binge day!
I have to admit i haven’t seen Outlander although the cookbook looks amazing so i will have to make a point of listing it as a must see X x
I never watched it, or read it. Your recipe looks so delicious
Never seem Outlander but this type of food makes be very, very happy indeed. Will be taking a look at it.
I love the sound of the cook book but I wasn’t a big fan of the actual Outlander books; I haven’t seen any of the series yet!
Ive never seen it before but the book looks great!
Haven’t watched it yet! But I am Scottish so the recipes would be great to add to my own family cookbook!
I’ve got the book and the DVD but haven’t watched yet! Hoping to soon though
I’ve never seen it yet but it is on my list to watch.
I’ve never heard of it but I’ll be looking for it now!
I’ve read most of the books and just started Season 2 but hands down the wedding night scene was The Best. It was hot, funny and sentimental and it’s refreshing to see sex scenes on TV that are all about the female gaze, rather than male. Also, that dress. Amazing.
I’ve never watched Outlander but the cookbook looks great :}
I’ve never watched Outlander but the cookbook looks great
I haven’t read the books or seen the TV programme but it’s the type of genre I do enjoy
I have never seen it -but heard good things- however the cook book looks great and I collect cookery books!
I’ve never seen it so must try it. The cook book looks really good though!
Yes! I loved the books but don’t have Prime so haven’t seen the series – but the DVD boxsets are out so that’s definitely on my present list!
I have been dying to see the series, but haven’t had the time yet. I’ve heard really good things though.
i’m new to Outlander but would love the opportunity to learn more
to be honest nope I’ve not heard of it but I just been looking at all the pics on IG so I’m gonna try and find on line to watch …
I’ve never watch it but it looks good!
I really need to start watching this show, you always make it sound so exciting! I love that there’s a cookbook to go with it 🙂
I hadn’t heard of Outlander before, I was the one watching the football. I tried Venison for the first time last year and it was delicious so I’ll definitely be putting this in the dishes to try pile
I am not a fan of venison but my husband loves it! Will tell him about this. x
I have never seen this series but this meal looks amazing!! I have already printed it off to try soon as it just looks so good. Thanks for sharing
I’ve never watched Outlander but the cookbook looks really great.
Ooh this looks absolutely delicious, so homely and definitely something I’d enjoy xxx
I’m outlander obsessed according to my hubby, he’s started called me Sassenach! Having had my head buried in the books for years I persuaded him to watch the series and we both loved it. Such a shame the weather wasn’t kinder to you, the recipe looks great!
This makes me even more hungry than I am right now. I would really love to get this book and I hope I win it 🙂
Oh my days, I’m so hungry after reading this 🙂
Your photos are lovely and make it look very inviting!
Thanks for sharing this recipe x
Really hoping to get this book as a birthday present (I’ve dropped enough hints!) Love Outlander and used to read the books with my Granddad (a proud Fraser) they are a real family tradition xxx
What a fantastic recipe! I admit I have never had venison. I must try this 🙂 As for Outlander, yes I am an ardent fan of the books (am on book 3, purchased all 8) and of the show. I think the television series has done a masterful adaptation of the source material, from capturing the wild beauty of Scotland, to the intricate details of costume and language. The casting is superb! My favorite moment from the show has to be in the season 2 finale… The heartbreaking dance like sequence when Jamie sends Claire back through the stones. It was so beautifully acted, the longing and grief palpable. I was weeping. A close second is the wedding, both in the book and the show. Thank you for sharing your passion! Take care.
I must admit that I have not seen the series but from your article it seems that I have missed something I would have enjoyed watching
Honestly, I haven’t really watched outlander and not heard much about it! You seem to really like it though so I’ll have to check it out! Sounds like my kind of program! That stew sounds delicious!
This looks like a great dish for the winter, we love a stew!
Honestly this just looks and sounds so AMAZING! I wonder if it would taste good with beef – I don’t have venison in! H x
I’ve never seen Outlander so can’t say I’m a fan, but my mother in law is and she’s also a keen cook so this book would make a great gift for her.
Oh well I want this sounds absolutely delicious! I don’t watch outlander, but clearly I can see you’re very enthusiastic about it 🙂 xxx
Wow that looks incredible! I think I must have been living under a rock as not heard of the series or book. Where have I been?
Never seen it but looks really good. Would love to try some recipes.
This cookbook sounds like it is full of awesome hearty recipes. I love love love stew but have never thought to use venison! I will have to try this as we still have some venison leftover in our freezer that was given to us by a friend. I am sure venison will give this stew an awesome gamey flavor.
This looks so comforting. I do love venison, but never tried it in a stew before.
Whilst I love Haggis, I couldn’t face eating venison… sorry! That’s probably really hypocritical I know.
I’ve never heard of that show- but the cookbook looks interesting! What a great soup idea for cold dreary days
I just got into this series and the books. I love it! This cookbook sounds like so much fun and the stew looks delicious. xo, Catherine
It looks like a wonderful cookbook and delicious recipe
Sounds like a wonderful cookbook! I review a lot of cookbooks on my blog and I’m building a lovely library Haha
I love venison and this sounds like a delicious recipe 🙂 I have to try it!
i havent seen any but the book looks good x
Oh wow, now this looks just absolutely wonderful, ive never tried Venison in a stew x
I find it strange that there’s an Outlander cook book! This dish really yummy and warming and what great cuts of meat!
That looks like a winter-warmer and looks absolutely delicious. Also love your white pot 🙂
Unfortunately I haven’t been able to watch Outlander on TV as it was on Amazon Prime and sadly goes beyond my current budget but will hopefully catch it on DVD…it sounds great.
this looks so good! I haven’t seen the series but I think it would my right up my street! #triedtested
Wow your venison stew looks amazing. I bet the bacon gives it an added extra. Looks just the perfect comforting dish for after a long trek.
I really enjoy venison, as it’s such a rich meat. I am glad to see more venison recipes being featured on blogs too.
I’ve never seen Outlander – I barely watch any TV I’m afraid but the Venison stew with tomatoe-fruits sounds delicious.
Wow, my husband is the chef in the family and he would love this book,looks amazing
I’ve never seen Outlander but that stew looks delicious. I’m wondering if you could also do it with beef.
#triedtested
I’ve never had venison before. That stew does look nice!
I love the vension innovation here. Never heard the book but its cover is just interestingly yummy. 🙂
I haven’t seen it yet – but if its as good as it looks – I’m going to love it
This sounds really nice and comforting. I’m sure I’d love it! Outlander Kitchen would be fun to work though.
Can’t say I’ve seen Outlander. Being a non meat eater it’s not exactly up my alley but I like how thorough your post is x
I love Outlander! The finale was amazing, so amazing I need to go rewatch it! Will keep this spoiler free though 🙂
I have heard about the series, but I’ve never actually watched it.
This recipe looks nice, just a shame I don’t eat venison
What an interesting sounding cookbook – not sure I have ever tried Venison myself. x
Not heard of the book before but I am loving the look of this venison stew and I want to try it again.
Its amazing to see how different venison is now, it is becoming more mainstream than it was when it was the prime meat of the wealthy.
I’ve never heard of the series or the book, but Venison stew is a real favourite of mine.
I’m a fan of the books and the series – I love it when Claire shocks all he men by swearing.
For me, the best thing about Outlander is the chance to see familiar places in Scotland in a new light; it’s a reminder not to take this beautiful country for granted.
I hadn’t heard of the series but the book looks fantastic, it makes me want to watch the series.
haven’t seen it but this looks fab
i haven’t actually heard of it before but the recipes look fab
I’ve never heard of the series before today but the cook book looks fab
This looks delicious I’ve not had venison for some time
ive never watched Outlander but your cookbook looks great :-))
This looks scrummy – I love a bit of venison!
I have just got into Outlander, up to the wedding at the moment in the first season, love Jamie and Claire getting to know each other.
I love venison, this book would be perfect
Sorry i have never looked at an Outlander Book, but looking at the recipe above, i will make a point of looking
I am the biggest Outlander fan going, have read all 9 books and am totally in love with Jamie and Clare in the TV show, great casting!
My favourite book is still the first one as I love all things Scottish (men in kilts mainly) and the Wedding episode has to be my favourite still after 2 seasons of watching on Tv.
This looks delicious I’ve not had venison in awhile.
I love venison but haven’t really cooked with it other than as a steak – I love this idea of putting it in a nice warming stew x
I’ve never read the books or watched Outlander on TV but my best friend loves it and I know she would love the cook book too.
Have heard great things about the cookbook, would love to win one
It is new to me, but it is right up my street, so I will be a fan xx
I’ve never actually seen Outlander! But, this stew looks INCREDIBLE and definitely want to have a go at cooking it up myself!
I love the Outlander series but I think I would love this cookbook even more! 🙂
I’ve not watched yet but will keep an eye out! Love the cookbook <3
Huge fan of the books for many years. The cookbook is added to my ‘must get’ list!
Judging by the awesome recipes … I might have to watch Outlander!
This looks a really interesting cookbook. Loved both the Outlander series
I read the book a while back and completely fell in love with the story and the brilliant descriptions of the Highlands. I haven’t yet watched the programme, though I keep meaning to. Life is just so hectic with 3 kiddies.
Would love to win this looks like some interesting recipes!
Would love to win this
My favourite moment has been seeing the outfits whilst they were in paris
My sister & mum are big Outlander fans, so won’t be surprised to see a cookbook! I’ve just started watching on their recommendation☺
The herb and pumpkin seed oatcakes are lovely. Looking forward to using up my allotment produce using interesting recipes.
I haven’t watched any of it but i really should because I love costume dramas
To be honest, I have not heard of Outlander before. Your recipe sounds lovely though thank you!
I’ve never seen Outlander but the Venison Stew with Tomatoe-Fruits is right up my street 🙂