Karjalanpaisti, or Karelian Stew, is a traditional Finnish dish that hails from the Karelia region. It is a hearty and comforting meal, perfect for the cold Finnish winters. The stew features a delightful combination of beef and pork, slow-cooked with root vegetables to create a rich and flavorful dish. Here’s how to make it:
Ingredients:
- 500g beef chuck, cut into large chunks
- 500g pork shoulder, cut into large chunks
- 4 large carrots, peeled and chopped
- 4 large potatoes, peeled and chopped
- 2 large onions, peeled and quartered
- 4-5 whole black peppercorns
- 2 bay leaves
- Salt, to taste
- Fresh dill, for garnish
- Dark rye bread, for serving
- Lingonberry juice, for serving
Instructions:
- Prepare the Ingredients:
- Begin by cutting the beef and pork into large chunks. Ensure they are of similar size for even cooking.
- Peel and chop the carrots and potatoes into large pieces.
- Peel and quarter the onions.
- Layer the Ingredients:
- In a large, oven-safe pot or Dutch oven, layer the meat and vegetables. Start with a layer of beef and pork at the bottom.
- Add a layer of carrots, potatoes, and onions on top of the meat.
- Season the Stew:
- Sprinkle whole black peppercorns and bay leaves over the layers.
- Season with salt to taste.
- Add Liquid:
- Pour enough water into the pot to cover the meat and vegetables. This will ensure the stew remains moist and cooks evenly.
- Cook the Stew:
- Preheat your oven to 150°C (300°F).
- Cover the pot with a lid and place it in the preheated oven.
- Allow the stew to cook slowly for about 4 hours. The low and slow cooking method will make the meat tender and flavorful.
- Check and Serve:
- After 4 hours, check the tenderness of the meat. It should be soft and easy to pull apart.
- Remove the pot from the oven and let it rest for a few minutes.
- Garnish and Serve:
- Garnish the stew with freshly chopped dill for a burst of color and flavor.
- Serve the Karjalanpaisti hot with slices of dark rye bread and a glass of lingonberry juice on the side.
Enjoy this traditional Finnish meal, bringing a taste of Karelia to your table!