Veluwe Hunter's Stove: An Authentic Experience with The Windmill Cast Iron

There's something magical about the wintry Veluwe region of Gelderland, especially if you're looking for wild boar for an authentic hunter's stew. We went on an adventure into the Dutch wilderness with Leendert Houweling from Ede. And what better way to prepare this dish than with The Windmill Cast Iron Dutch Oven 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 emphasized the importance of consciously consuming our food, especially when it comes to meat.

A Thriving Wild 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 conducted to determine how many animals need to be culled to maintain a healthy population. This approach ensures that the wild boar population is well-managed.

Active Hunting in the Veluwe

Leendert prefers active hunting to waiting in a high seat. Together, we ventured into the snowy woods. Although we didn't see any wild boar that day, the experience itself was remarkable. "It takes an average of forty hours to shoot a wild boar," Leendert explained.

Preparation of the Veluwe Hunter's Stew

Luckily, Leendert had already made some preparations and conjured the ingredients for a delicious wild boar stew from the trunk 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 game stock
• 100 g bacon
• 2 tablespoons flour
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• Salt and pepper to taste

Can't find wild boar or venison stock? No worries, pork shoulder and beef stock are excellent substitutes that can perfectly replicate the deep, hearty flavors of Veluwe hunter's stew. Just add some extra herbs like juniper and rosemary to capture the authentic taste of nature.

Kitchen utensils:

• 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 while cooking)
• The Windmill Cast Iron Coal Tongs

Preparation:

1. Day 1: Cut the wild boar into 3x3 cm cubes and marinate overnight in a mixture of red wine, bay leaves and cloves.
2. Day 2: Heat the Dutch oven on the trivet over a wood fire and fry the bacon until crispy. Add the diced onions and cook until translucent. Dust the marinated meat with flour, add it to the Dutch oven, and brown all over.
3. **Add the marinade, venison stock, salt, and pepper. Bring to a boil, place the Dutch oven on the trivet, and simmer gently until the meat is deliciously tender (about 3 hours).

Preparing this Veluwe hunter's stew in The Windmill Cast Iron Dutch Oven over a wood fire is a unique experience. Invite friends and family over for this special meal and enjoy a taste of authentic Dutch cuisine together. The Windmill Cast Iron provides the ideal cooking experience, allowing you to fully focus on the moment and the dish. Try it yourself and discover cooking in nature.

Want to experience the pure flavor of the Veluwe? Then try our recipe for Veluwe hunter's stew using the Dutch Oven from The Windmill Cast Iron. Share your cooking experiences with us on social media and inspire others to enjoy traditional cooking in nature. Visit our website for more information about our products and accessories. Cook, share, and enjoy with The Windmill Cast Iron!