Authentic Karelian Meat Stew
Experience the rich flavors of Finland with this Authentic Karelian Meat Stew. This hearty dish, also known as 'Karjalanpaisti,' features a delightful combination of chuck steak, succulent pork shoulder, and tender stewing lamb or mutton. Slow-cooked with aromatic onions and a blend of salt and allspice, this traditional recipe is perfect for sharing with family and friends. Complete your meal with creamy mashed potatoes, sweet boiled swedes, and a touch of lingonberry purée for a truly authentic taste of Karelian cuisine.
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
7
Ingredients
Ingredients
Chuck steaks
300 g (cut into 4x4 cm cubes)
Pork shoulder
300 g (cut into 4x4 cm cubes)
Stewing lamb or mutton
300 g (cut into 4x4 cm cubes)
Onions
2-3 (coarsely chopped)
Salt
1.5 teaspoons (for seasoning)
Allspice
8 (whole)
Water
as needed (to cover meat)
Instructions
1
Begin by prepping the meats: Cut the chuck steaks, pork shoulder, and stewing lamb or mutton into 4x4 cm cubes. There's no need to remove small bones, as they will add flavor during cooking.
2
In a large casserole dish, layer the meats and coarsely chopped onions. Season each meat layer generously with salt and allspice to ensure an even distribution of flavor.
3
Pour in just enough water to almost cover the meat, allowing the flavors to meld beautifully while it cooks.
4
Preheat your oven to 175°C (moderate temperature). Once heated, place the covered casserole in the oven and bake for approximately 2.5 to 3 hours. This slow cooking process will tenderize the meat and develop a rich, savory broth.
5
Near the end of the cooking time, remove the cover to allow the top to brown slightly and intensify flavors.
6
Once fully cooked, serve the stew hot, accompanied by creamy mashed potatoes, sweet boiled swedes, and a dollop of lingonberry purée for a deliciously balanced meal.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Authentic Karelian Meat Stew?
Authentic Karelian Meat Stew, also known as 'Karjalanpaisti,' is a hearty traditional Finnish dish featuring a mix of beef, pork, and lamb slow-cooked with onions.
What is the Finnish name for this dish?
The Finnish name for this authentic recipe is 'Karjalanpaisti'.
What types of meat are used in this recipe?
The recipe calls for a combination of chuck steak, pork shoulder, and stewing lamb or mutton.
How much chuck steak is required?
You will need 300 grams of chuck steak for this stew.
How much pork shoulder is needed?
The recipe requires 300 grams of pork shoulder.
How much lamb or mutton should be used?
You should use 300 grams of stewing lamb or mutton.
What size should the meat cubes be?
The meat should be cut into 4x4 cm cubes.
Should I remove the bones from the meat?
No, you do not need to remove small bones as they add significant flavor during the slow-cooking process.
How many onions are used in this recipe?
The recipe uses 2 to 3 onions.
How should the onions be prepared?
The onions should be coarsely chopped before being added to the casserole.
How do I layer the ingredients?
Layer the cubed meats and coarsely chopped onions in a large casserole dish, seasoning each meat layer with salt and allspice.
How much salt is used for seasoning?
The recipe specifies 1.5 teaspoons of salt.
What specific spice is used in this stew?
Whole allspice is used to provide the traditional aromatic flavor.
How many allspice berries are needed?
You should use 8 whole allspice berries.
How much water should I add to the casserole?
Add just enough water to almost cover the meat layers.
What is the recommended oven temperature?
The oven should be preheated to 175°C (moderate temperature).
How long does the stew need to cook?
The stew should bake for approximately 2.5 to 3 hours.
Should the casserole be covered while baking?
Yes, the casserole should be covered for the majority of the cooking time to tenderize the meat.
When should I remove the cover from the casserole?
Remove the cover near the end of the cooking time to allow the top to brown slightly.
What are the traditional side dishes for this stew?
Traditional sides include creamy mashed potatoes, sweet boiled swedes, and lingonberry purée.
Why is this dish cooked slowly?
Slow cooking tenderizes the different types of meat and allows a rich, savory broth to develop.
Is lingonberry purée necessary?
While not mandatory, lingonberry purée provides a balanced tartness that is authentic to Karelian cuisine.
What makes this stew 'hearty'?
The combination of three different protein-rich meats and slow-cooked onions creates a very filling and substantial meal.
How many total ingredients are in this recipe?
There are 7 main ingredients: chuck steak, pork shoulder, lamb/mutton, onions, salt, allspice, and water.
Is this recipe considered Finnish comfort food?
Yes, Karjalanpaisti is a quintessential Finnish comfort food and a staple of traditional home cooking.
Can I use mutton instead of lamb?
Yes, the recipe specifically allows for either stewing lamb or mutton.
What is the main flavor profile of this dish?
The flavor profile is savory and aromatic, driven by the natural juices of the meats and the allspice.
Can I prepare this in a different type of dish?
A large casserole dish is recommended to ensure even layering and heat distribution.
Is the lamb preparation different from the pork?
No, all meats (chuck steak, pork, and lamb) are cut into the same 4x4 cm cubes.
What is the final step before serving?
The final step is to ensure the meat is hot and served with traditional sides like mashed potatoes and swedes.