Karjalanpaisti – Traditional Finnish Meat Stew

Karjalanpaisti – Traditional Finnish Meat Stew

Karjalanpaisti, also known as Karelian Stew, is a beloved traditional Finnish dish with a rich heritage. This hearty meat stew originated from the historical region of Karelia, which is known for its simple yet flavorful cuisine. Blending a variety of meats, usually including beef and pork, with root vegetables, this stew is slow-cooked to perfection, ensuring the tenderness of the meat and the infusion of flavors.

Ingredients:
– 500g (1.1 lbs) pork shoulder
– 500g (1.1 lbs) beef chuck
– 2 large carrots, peeled and sliced
– 1 large onion, peeled and quartered
– 4-5 potatoes, peeled and quartered
– 5-6 cups of water or beef broth
– 2 bay leaves
– 10 whole black peppercorns
– 1 tsp salt (adjust to taste)
– Fresh parsley for garnish (optional)

Instructions:
1. Preheat your oven to 150°C (300°F).

2. Cut the pork shoulder and beef chuck into large chunks, about 2-inch pieces.

3. In a large ovenproof pot or Dutch oven, layer the meat chunks with the prepared vegetables. Start with a layer of meat, followed by a layer of vegetables, and continue to alternate.

4. Once all the meat and vegetables are layered in the pot, pour in enough water or beef broth to barely cover the ingredients.

5. Add the bay leaves, whole peppercorns, and salt to the pot.

6. Bring the mixture to a simmer on the stovetop.

7. Once simmering, cover the pot with a tight-fitting lid and transfer it to the preheated oven. Allow the stew to cook low and slow for about 3-4 hours. This slow-cooking process is crucial to achieve the tender and flavorful result characteristic of Karjalanpaisti.

8. Check occasionally to ensure there’s enough liquid, adding more water or broth if necessary.

9. Once the meat is tender and the flavors have melded together, carefully remove the pot from the oven.

10. Serve the Karjalanpaisti hot, garnished with fresh parsley if desired. This stew pairs wonderfully with rustic bread, steamed vegetables, or even mashed potatoes.

Enjoy your hearty and comforting Karjalanpaisti!