Venison Barbacoa Tamales

The hunting heritage runs deep in our family, and has always provided such a staple component to dinner. Venison can be tricky to tackle in the flavor arena but @huntgathercook ’s venison barbacoa tamale recipe really celebrates that flavor. The main player is the barbacoa which is braised and shredded venison - if you only take that step, you’re winning. 

At first glance, this may seem like an intimidating recipe and tamales are a production… even I have to break it into steps. Make the venison one day, freeze it for a week or even months.

Dried chiles and masa? Available at literally any grocery store -even walmart. Find this recipe easily by visiting Hank Shaw’s @huntgathercook’s instagram page or googling ‘Hank Shaw Venison Tamales’. The tamales freeze perfectly and work as an easy weeknight meal.

Serve with tomatillo salsa verde and pickled onions.