Native American Bison Stew

Ingredients

While the original Maltese dish, Laħam taż-żiemel, features lamb as the main protein, this Native American adaptation replaces it with bison meat, which was a staple in the diet of many Native American tribes. Additionally, the spices and herbs used in the original dish are substituted with Native American flavors such as smoked paprika, cayenne pepper, and wild herbs, giving the stew a distinctively indigenous taste. We alse have the original recipe for Laħam taż-żiemel, so you can check it out.

• 1.5 lbs (680g) bison meat, cubed 1.5 lbs (680g) bison meat, cubed
• 2 tablespoons (30ml) vegetable oil 2 tablespoons (30ml) vegetable oil
• 1 onion, diced 1 onion, diced
• 2 cloves of garlic, minced 2 cloves of garlic, minced
• 2 carrots, peeled and sliced 2 carrots, peeled and sliced
• 2 potatoes, peeled and cubed 2 potatoes, peeled and cubed
• 1 cup (240ml) corn kernels 1 cup (240ml) corn kernels
• 1 cup (240ml) green beans, trimmed and cut into bite-sized pieces 1 cup (240ml) green beans, trimmed and cut into bite-sized pieces
• 4 cups (950ml) bison or vegetable broth 4 cups (950ml) bison or vegetable broth
• 1 teaspoon (5g) smoked paprika 1 teaspoon (5g) smoked paprika
• 1/2 teaspoon (2.5g) cayenne pepper 1/2 teaspoon (2.5g) cayenne pepper
• 1 teaspoon (5g) dried thyme 1 teaspoon (5g) dried thyme
• Salt and pepper to taste Salt and pepper to taste
• Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish) Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

Nutrition

• Calories (kcal / KJ): 350 kcal / 1465 KJ
• Fat (total, saturated): 12g, 3g
• Carbohydrates (total, sugars): 20g, 5g
• Protein: 40g
• Fiber: 4g
• Salt: 1.5g

Preparation

1. 1.
   Heat the vegetable oil in a large pot over medium heat.
2. 2.
   Add the bison meat and cook until browned on all sides. Remove the meat from the pot and set aside.
3. 3.
   In the same pot, add the diced onion and minced garlic. Sauté until the onion becomes translucent.
4. 4.
   Add the carrots, potatoes, corn, and green beans to the pot. Stir well to combine.
5. 5.
   Return the browned bison meat to the pot.
6. 6.
   Pour in the bison or vegetable broth, ensuring that the ingredients are fully submerged.
7. 7.
   Add the smoked paprika, cayenne pepper, dried thyme, salt, and pepper. Stir to distribute the spices evenly.
8. 8.
   Bring the stew to a boil, then reduce the heat to low. Cover the pot and simmer for 1.5 to 2 hours, or until the bison meat is tender.
9. 9.
   Adjust the seasoning if needed.
10. 10.
    Serve the Native American Bison Stew hot, garnished with fresh parsley.

Treat your ingredients with care...

• Bison meat — Bison meat is lean and flavorful. To ensure tenderness, it is important to cook it slowly over low heat. If bison meat is not available, you can substitute it with lean beef or venison.
• Smoked paprika — Smoked paprika adds a distinct smoky flavor to the stew. If you prefer a milder taste, you can use regular paprika instead.
• Wild herbs — Native American cuisine often incorporates wild herbs such as sage, juniper berries, and wild onions. If you have access to these ingredients, feel free to add them to the stew for an authentic touch.

Tips & Tricks

• For a richer flavor, marinate the bison meat in a mixture of olive oil, garlic, and herbs for a few hours before cooking.
• If you prefer a thicker stew, you can mix a tablespoon of cornstarch with a little water and add it to the stew during the last 15 minutes of cooking.
• Serve the stew with traditional Native American frybread or cornbread for a complete meal.

Serving advice

Serve the Native American Bison Stew in deep bowls, allowing the flavors to meld together. Accompany it with a side of warm frybread or cornbread to soak up the delicious broth.

Presentation advice

Garnish the stew with a sprinkle of fresh parsley to add a pop of color. Serve it in rustic earthenware bowls to enhance the Native American aesthetic.