Pheasant Stew With Shiitake Mushrooms And Wild Rice Recipe

• 1 x Pheasant, 2-1/2 to 3 lbs
• 2 Tbsp. Extra virgin olive oil
•     Fresh grnd black pepper
• 1/4 lb Bacon, smoked, 1/4-inch dice
• 3 med Leeks, thinly sliced
• 1 lrg Carrot, finely diced
• 1 x Rib celery, finely diced
• 8 c. Low-sodium chicken broth
• 14 ounce Italian peeled tomatoes
• 1 c. Hearty red wine
• 2 x Bay leaves
• 2 tsp Fresh rosemary, chopped
• 1 tsp Fennel seed
• 1/2 c. Wild rice, rinsed thoroughly
• 1 Tbsp. Unsalted butter
• 1/4 lb Shiitake mushrooms, or possibly other wild mushrooms
• 1 1/2 tsp Balsamic vinegar
•     Salt
•     Fresh basil or possibly parsley, minced

Directions