In the days before refrigeration and supermarkets, family meals were based on whatever ingredients were available that day. This time of year, those ingredients might include okra, tomatoes, and corn from the garden, and maybe a squirrel or two from the woods around the house. To stretch the meal, these ingredients would often be turned into a stew.

Image: squirrel_okra_4

Back in the day, meals were planned around wild game and whatever was ripe in the garden that day. Stews like this were easy to customize to fit the larder. Images by author

Squirrel season is in here in Kentucky, and the gardens are cranking out the late summer produce in abundance. This stew is the perfect way to use older, sometimes tougher, squirrels, since they simmer for a while until they are nice and tender.

Image: squirrel_okra_2

Squirrel season in the upper south often coincides with an abundance of garden produce.

The okra not only adds flavor to the dish but helps to thicken the stew without the use of a roux.

Image: squirrel_okra_5

Fresh from the garden okra adds flavor and helps to thicken the stew without the use of flour.

We serve this stew with white rice, cornbread, and plenty of hot sauce at the table for those who like a bit more spice.

Start by heating the oil in a Dutch oven or large, heavy pot over medium heat. Brown the squirrel in batches. You aren’t cooking it through at this point, just getting a nice brown on the surface to add flavor.

Image: squirrel_okra_1

Brown the squirrel well in a dutch oven.

Slice the corn kernels from the cob, slice the okra, and cut the tomatoes into pieces.

Don’t Miss: HOW TO MAKE SALSA FROM GARDEN TO JAR

Once all of the squirrel has been browned, remove it from the pot. Add the onion and garlic. Cook for 6 to 8 minutes or until the onion is translucent and soft. Add the stock. Scrape the bottom of the pan to release any cooked-on bits. Add the tomatoes. Stir in the paprika, onion powder, salt, black pepper, red pepper flakes, and sugar.

Image: squirrel_okra_3

Sauté the vegetables, then return the squirrel to the pot to simmer until tender.

Bring the mixture to a boil. Return the browned squirrel to the pot and reduce the heat to a simmer. Cover the pot and simmer for 2 to 2 1/2 hours or until the squirrel is tender.

Add the okra, corn, and Worcestershire sauce. Check for seasoning and add more salt, if needed. Simmer for an additional 10 to 15 minutes or until the okra is soft but not mushy. Serve in a bowl with cooked white rice. Offer hot sauce at the table for diners who want to add a bit more spice.

Don’t Miss: THE CARNIVORE'S GUIDE TO PLANTING A GARDEN