Karelian stew Recipe – European Special
Karelian Stew, or Karjalanpaisti, is a traditional Finnish dish that combines tender chunks of beef, pork, and root vegetables, slow-cooked to perfection in a flavorful broth. This hearty and comforting stew is infused with simple, rustic flavors from the slow cooking process, making it a beloved dish in Finnish cuisine. Served with mashed potatoes or rye bread, Karelian Stew is the perfect meal for cold weather, offering warmth and satisfaction with every bite.
- Prep Time10 min
- Cook Time6 hr
- Total Time6 hr 10 min
Karelian stew Recipe Ingredients:
- 1 lb (450g) beef stew meat, cut into chunks
- 1 lb (450g) pork shoulder, cut into chunks
- 2 large carrots, peeled and sliced
- 2 medium potatoes, peeled and diced
- 1 onion, chopped
- 4 cups beef or chicken broth
- 2-3 bay leaves
- 1 teaspoon whole black peppercorns
- Salt to taste
- 1 tablespoon butter (optional, for browning)
Brown the Meat:
In a large pot or Dutch oven, heat the butter (optional) over medium heat.
Add the beef and pork chunks and brown them on all sides for about 5-7 minutes. Remove the meat and set aside.
Cook the Vegetables:
In the same pot, add the chopped onion and cook for 3-4 minutes until softened.
Combine Everything:
Return the browned meat to the pot.
Add the sliced carrots, diced potatoes, bay leaves, peppercorns, and enough broth to cover the ingredients.
Simmer:
Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to low.
Cover the pot and simmer for 2-2.5 hours, or until the meat is tender and the vegetables are cooked through.
Season and Serve:
Remove the bay leaves and adjust the seasoning with salt if needed.
Serve hot with mashed potatoes or rye bread.
Recipe Notes:
You can cook this stew in a slow cooker if you prefer. Just brown the meat first, then transfer everything to the slow cooker and cook on low for 6-8 hours.
Feel free to add other root vegetables, such as turnips or parsnips, for added flavor.
This stew is even better the next day, as the flavors have more time to develop.
