Cajun Rice and Gravy with Venison Neck | Wild Table

This Cajun venison neck gravy on rice was inspired by the Cajun rice and gravy dish commonly eaten in Louisiana and the South. Whole shoulder or shank can be used instead of the neck, but you may need to alter cooking times. Serve with coleslaw in order to provide some sharpness and crunch as a counterpoint to the rich and tender meat gravy. 

• Prep Time: 30 min
• Cook Time: 5 hr
• Yield: 4 servings

 Ingredients

•  2 tablespoons vegetable oil or lard
• 1.5lb venison neck roast, boneless
• Kosher salt
• Black pepper
• 2 stalks celery, finely chopped
• 1 large onion, finely chopped
• 1 green pepper, finely chopped
• 3 cloves garlic, finely chopped
• 1 tablespoon Cajun seasoning blend
• 1/4 cup red wine
• 2 teaspoons Worcestershire sauce
• 1/4 cup butter
• 1/2 cup flour
• Chopped fresh parsley to garnish
• Louisiana-style hot sauce to garnish
• White rice to serve

 Preparation

1. Heat the oil in a Dutch oven over high heat. Season the venison neck generously with salt and pepper. Add it to the hot oil and sear on all sides until very browned. Remove the roast and set it aside. 
2. Reduce heat to medium and add the celery, onion, and green pepper. Cook for 10 minutes, or until browned. Add the garlic, cook for another 2 minutes. 
3. Add the red wine to the pot and deglaze, scraping the bottom for any stuck-on pieces. Add the neck back to the pot, add the Cajun seasoning, then just cover with water. Bring to a boil, lower to a simmer. Cover and simmer for 4-6 hours, or until very tender. 
4. Meanwhile, make a dark roux by melting the butter in a skillet over medium low heat. Add the flour and stir it into the butter to form a paste. Cook, stirring often, for about 30 minutes, or until your paste has become dark brown. Add 1 cup of cold water and whisk to thicken it. Set aside.
5. Uncover and remove the roast from the pot. As the roast is cooling, add the roux and the Worcestershire sauce to the liquid in the pot. Shred the neck meat, discarding any bones (if there were any) and add the meat back to the gravy. 
6. Simmer over medium heat until very thick, 20-30 minutes. Taste for seasoning; add salt, pepper, or Cajun seasoning if needed. 
7. To serve, spoon over rice, add hot sauce and shower with chopped parsley. Serve with coleslaw for acid and textural contrast. Enjoy! 

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