Mishka na Severe - Russian Arctic Bear Stew

Ingredients

• 1 kg (2.2 lbs) bear meat, cubed 1 kg (2.2 lbs) bear meat, cubed
• 2 onions, finely chopped 2 onions, finely chopped
• 3 carrots, sliced 3 carrots, sliced
• 3 potatoes, cubed 3 potatoes, cubed
• 4 cloves of garlic, minced 4 cloves of garlic, minced
• 2 bay leaves 2 bay leaves
• 1 tsp thyme 1 tsp thyme
• 1 tsp black pepper 1 tsp black pepper
• 1 tsp salt 1 tsp salt
• 2 tbsp vegetable oil 2 tbsp vegetable oil
• 4 cups (950 ml) beef broth 4 cups (950 ml) beef broth
• 1 cup (240 ml) red wine 1 cup (240 ml) red wine
• Fresh parsley, for garnish Fresh parsley, for garnish

Nutrition

• Calories (kcal / KJ): 450 kcal / 1884 KJ
• Fat: 15g (Saturated Fat: 4g)
• Carbohydrates: 20g (Sugars: 4g)
• Protein: 55g
• Fiber: 4g
• Salt: 2g

Preparation

1. 1.
   In a large bowl, combine the bear meat, minced garlic, red wine, salt, and black pepper. Mix well, ensuring the meat is coated in the marinade. Cover the bowl and refrigerate for at least 4 hours or overnight.
2. 2.
   Heat the vegetable oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add the marinated bear meat and cook until browned on all sides.
3. 3.
   Add the chopped onions and sliced carrots to the pot. Sauté for 5 minutes, until the vegetables begin to soften.
4. 4.
   Stir in the cubed potatoes, bay leaves, thyme, and beef broth. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to low. Cover the pot and simmer for 2-3 hours, or until the bear meat is tender.
5. 5.
   Remove the bay leaves from the stew. Taste and adjust the seasoning if needed.
6. 6.
   Serve the Mishka na Severe hot, garnished with fresh parsley. Enjoy with crusty bread or steamed rice.

Treat your ingredients with care...

• Bear meat — Ensure the bear meat is sourced from a reputable supplier and properly handled to maintain freshness and safety. If bear meat is not available, you can substitute it with lean beef or venison for a similar hearty flavor.

Tips & Tricks

• Marinating the bear meat overnight will enhance its tenderness and infuse it with flavors.
• For a richer flavor, use homemade beef broth instead of store-bought.
• Allow the stew to simmer on low heat for a longer time to ensure the bear meat becomes tender and the flavors meld together.
• Serve the Mishka na Severe with a dollop of sour cream for added creaminess.
• Leftovers can be refrigerated and enjoyed the next day, as the flavors tend to deepen and intensify.

Serving advice

Serve the Mishka na Severe in deep bowls, allowing the aromatic steam to entice your senses. Accompany it with a slice of crusty bread or a side of steamed rice to soak up the flavorful broth.

Presentation advice

Garnish the Mishka na Severe with a sprinkle of fresh parsley on top to add a pop of color. Serve it in rustic earthenware bowls to evoke the traditional Russian charm.