Karjalanpaisti

Karjalanpaisti (Karelian Stew) is a traditional Finnish dish from the Karelia region. It's a simple yet flavorful stew, ideal for warming up on a cold day. Here's how to make it:

Ingredients

Serves 4-6:

• 500 g (1.1 lbs) beef stew meat (e.g., chuck or brisket), cut into chunks
• 500 g (1.1 lbs) pork stew meat (e.g., shoulder or belly), cut into chunks
• 1-2 large onions, coarsely chopped
• 3-4 carrots, sliced into thick rounds
• 4-6 potatoes (optional), cut into large pieces
• 3-4 bay leaves
• 5-6 black peppercorns
• 2-3 tsp salt
• Water (enough to just cover the meat)

Optional Seasonings

• Allspice berries (for a deeper flavor)
• Fresh herbs like thyme or parsley (for garnish)

Equipment

• A heavy cast iron pot or Dutch oven with a lid
• Cutting board and knife

Instructions

1. Prepare the Meat

   • Cut the beef and pork into evenly sized chunks to ensure even cooking.

2. Layer the Ingredients

   • Arrange the meat in layers in the pot, alternating with onions, carrots, and optionally, potatoes.

3. Add Seasonings

   • Add bay leaves, peppercorns, and salt.

4. Add Water

   • Pour in enough water to just cover the ingredients.

5. Simmer the Stew

   • Bring the pot to a boil over medium heat. Once boiling, reduce the heat to low. Cover the pot and let it simmer gently for 2-3 hours.

6. Check and Stir

   • Occasionally stir the stew gently and add more water if needed to prevent it from drying out.

7. Serve

   • Serve Karjalanpaisti warm, garnished with fresh herbs. Traditionally, it’s paired with boiled potatoes, rye bread, and pickled vegetables like cucumbers or beets.

Tips

• For extra flavor, you can brown the meat briefly in a bit of butter or oil before layering it in the pot.
• This stew tastes even better the next day, as the flavors have more time to meld.

Karjalanpaisti is a hearty and straightforward dish that showcases the essence of Finnish cuisine: pure, honest, and delicious! 😊