Veluwe Hunter's Stew: An Authentic Experience with The Windmill Cast Iron
There’s something magical about the winter Veluwe in Gelderland, especially when you’re out looking for wild boar for an authentic hunter’s stew. Together with Leendert Houweling from Ede, we went on an adventure into the Dutch wilderness. And what better way to prepare this dish than with the Dutch Oven from The Windmill Cast Iron over a crackling wood fire?
Honest Meat from the Veluwe
“I think it’s important that people know where their food comes from,” says Leendert Houweling. For Leendert, hunting is the most honest way to eat meat. He emphasizes how important it is to be conscious of our food, especially when it comes to meat.
A Thriving Boar Population
Thanks to the many beech and oak trees planted after World War II, the wild boar population in the Veluwe has grown. Every spring, counts are carried out to determine how many animals need to be culled to maintain a healthy balance. This approach ensures proper management of the wildlife population.
Active Hunting in the Veluwe
Leendert prefers active hunting over waiting in a high stand. We trekked into the snowy woods together. Although we didn’t spot any boars that day, the experience itself was already special. “It takes an average of forty hours to shoot a boar,” Leendert explained.
Preparation of the Veluwe Hunter's Stew
Luckily, Leendert had already made some preparations and pulled the ingredients for a delicious wild boar stew from the back of his car. Using The Windmill Cast Iron Dutch Oven and a tripod, we prepared the dish over a wood fire, just as it should be.
Ingredients:
- 1 kg wild boar
- 2 white onions
- 2 bay leaves
- 2 cloves
- 250 ml red wine
- 250 ml wild game stock
- 100 g streaky bacon
- 2 tablespoons flour
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
Can’t find wild boar or game stock? Don’t worry—pork shoulder and beef stock are excellent substitutes that will do a good job of replicating the rich, hearty flavors of the Veluwe hunter's stew. Just add some extra herbs like juniper berries and rosemary to capture the authentic taste of nature.
Kitchen Supplies:
- The Windmill Cast Iron Dutch Oven
- The Windmill Cast Iron Trivet (to keep the Dutch Oven stable over the fire)
- The Windmill Cast Iron Lid Lifter (for safe use of the lid during cooking)
- The Windmill Cast Iron Coal Tongs
Preparation:
Day 1: Cut the wild boar into 3x3 cm cubes and marinate it overnight in a mixture of red wine, bay leaves, and cloves.
Day 2: Heat the Dutch Oven on the trivet over the wood fire and fry the streaky bacon until crispy. Add the chopped onions and sauté until translucent. Sprinkle the marinated meat with flour, add it to the Dutch Oven, and brown on all sides.
Add the marinade, game stock, salt, and pepper. Bring it to a boil, then place the Dutch Oven on the trivet and let it simmer slowly until the meat is tender (about 3 hours).
Cooking this Veluwe hunter’s stew in The Windmill Cast Iron Dutch Oven over a wood fire is a unique experience. Invite friends and family for this special meal and enjoy a piece of authentic Dutch heritage together. The Windmill Cast Iron ensures the ideal cooking experience, so you can fully focus on the moment and the dish. Try it yourself and discover the magic of cooking in the great outdoors.
Would you like to experience the pure taste of the Veluwe? Try our recipe for Veluwe hunter’s stew with The Windmill Cast Iron Dutch Oven. Share your cooking experiences with us on social media and inspire others to enjoy traditional outdoor cooking as well. Visit our website for more information about our products and accessories. Cook, share, and enjoy with The Windmill Cast Iron!
