Serves
6
Prep
Time: 15 minutes
Cook
Time: 2.5-3 hours
Ingredients
·
1
kg (2.2 lb) meat (equal parts beef, pork and lamb, cut into chunks)
·
2
medium onions, peeled and quartered
·
2-3
carrots, peeled and cut into large chunks
·
1
teaspoon salt (or to taste)
·
6-8
whole black peppercorns
·
3-4
bay leaves
·
Water
(enough to cover the meat and vegetables)
Optional Additions:
·
2-3
cloves garlic, peeled and crushed
· A few juniper berries (for a Nordic touch)
Instructions
Prepare the Ingredients:
Cut
the meat into medium-sized chunks (about 3-4 cm). Use a mixture of cuts with a
little fat for best flavor.
Layering
Ingredients:
In a
large ovenproof pot or Dutch oven, layer meat, onions, and carrots. Start with
the meat on the bottom.
Seasoning:
Sprinkle
salt evenly over layers. Add black peppercorns, bay leaves, and optional
seasonings like juniper berries or garlic.
Add
Water:
Pour
enough water into pot to cover meat and vegetables.
Slow
Cook:
Oven
Method: Cover pot with lid and cook in a preheated 300°F (150°C) oven for 2.5
to 3 hours.
Stovetop
Method: Simmer over low heat for 2.5 to 3 hours, checking occasionally to make
sure too much liquid is evaporating.
Serving:
Remove the bay leaves and serve the stew hot with boiled potatoes, mashed potatoes or rye bread.
Tips:
Karjalanpaisti
is best eaten the next day, as the flavours intensify. For a more authentic
taste, opt for simple seasonings and let the natural flavours of the meat shine
through.
This hearty Finnish stew is a comforting dish with deep roots in Karelian cuisine. Enjoy!
