Preparation Time: 20 minutes Cooking Time: 6-8 hours Servings: 6-8
Ingredients:
- 3-4 pounds elk roast (shoulder or loin)
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 onion, chopped
- 2 carrots, chopped
- 2 celery stalks, chopped
- 1 cup beef or elk broth
- 1 cup red wine (optional)
- 2 sprigs fresh rosemary
- 2 sprigs fresh thyme
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
- Preparing the Elk Roast:
- Start by patting the elk roast dry with paper towels. Season generously with salt and pepper on all sides.
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Sear the elk roast on all sides until browned, about 3-4 minutes per side. Transfer the roast to the slow cooker.
- Sautéing the Aromatics:
- In the same skillet used for searing the roast, add minced garlic, chopped onion, carrots, and celery. Sauté for 3-4 minutes until the vegetables are softened and fragrant.
- Deglaze the skillet with beef or elk broth, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the pan. Pour the mixture over the elk roast in the slow cooker.
- Slow Cooking the Elk Roast:
- Add red wine (if using) to the slow cooker for added flavor. Place fresh rosemary and thyme sprigs on top of the roast.
- Cover the slow cooker and cook on low heat for 6-8 hours, or until the elk roast is fork-tender and easily pulls apart.
- Serving the Slow-Cooked Elk Roast:
- Once the elk roast is cooked to perfection, remove it from the slow cooker and transfer to a cutting board. Allow the roast to rest for 10-15 minutes before slicing.
- Slice the elk roast against the grain into thick slices. Arrange the slices on a serving platter.
- Strain the cooking liquid from the slow cooker to remove any solids and skim off excess fat. Pour the flavorful jus over the sliced elk roast.
- Serve the slow-cooked elk roast hot, accompanied by your favorite side dishes such as mashed potatoes, roasted vegetables, or a green salad.
- Enjoying the Culinary Delight:
- As you savor each tender bite of the slow-cooked elk roast, appreciate the rich flavors and succulent texture that only wild game meat can offer.
- Pair this hearty dish with a glass of robust red wine or your favorite craft beer for a truly satisfying dining experience.
- Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days or frozen for future enjoyment.
With this slow-cooked elk roast recipe, you can transform a simple cut of meat into a gourmet masterpiece that will impress your family and friends. Embrace the flavors of the wild and indulge in the rustic elegance of this mouthwatering dish.