Sami-Inspired Arctic Chaat

Ingredients

In this Sami-inspired adaptation of chaat, reindeer meat replaces the traditional ingredients like chickpeas or potatoes. The reindeer meat adds a unique flavor profile and reflects the culinary traditions of the Sami people. Lingonberries, a staple in Sami cuisine, are used for pickling to provide a tangy and slightly sweet element to the dish. The yogurt sauce is also infused with Sami herbs and spices, giving it a distinct Arctic twist. We alse have the original recipe for Chaat, so you can check it out.

• 250g (8.8 oz) reindeer meat, thinly sliced 250g (8.8 oz) reindeer meat, thinly sliced
• 1 tablespoon vegetable oil 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
• 1 teaspoon ground coriander 1 teaspoon ground coriander
• 1 teaspoon ground cumin 1 teaspoon ground cumin
• 1/2 teaspoon ground turmeric 1/2 teaspoon ground turmeric
• 1/2 teaspoon chili powder 1/2 teaspoon chili powder
• Salt, to taste Salt, to taste
• 250g (8.8 oz) potatoes, boiled and diced 250g (8.8 oz) potatoes, boiled and diced
• 1/4 cup pickled lingonberries 1/4 cup pickled lingonberries
• 1/2 cup plain yogurt 1/2 cup plain yogurt
• 1 tablespoon fresh dill, chopped 1 tablespoon fresh dill, chopped
• 1 tablespoon fresh mint, chopped 1 tablespoon fresh mint, chopped
• 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped
• 1 tablespoon lemon juice 1 tablespoon lemon juice
• Flatbread, for serving Flatbread, for serving

Nutrition

• Calories (kcal / KJ): 250 kcal / 1046 KJ
• Fat (total, saturated): 10g, 3g
• Carbohydrates (total, sugars): 20g, 5g
• Protein: 20g
• Fiber: 3g
• Salt: 1g

Preparation

1. 1.
   In a bowl, combine the sliced reindeer meat, vegetable oil, ground coriander, ground cumin, ground turmeric, chili powder, and salt. Mix well to coat the meat evenly with the spices. Let it marinate for 30 minutes.
2. 2.
   Heat a pan over medium heat and add the marinated reindeer meat. Cook for 5-7 minutes, or until the meat is cooked through and slightly browned. Remove from heat and set aside.
3. 3.
   In a separate bowl, combine the boiled and diced potatoes with the pickled lingonberries. Mix well to combine.
4. 4.
   In another bowl, whisk together the plain yogurt, fresh dill, fresh mint, fresh parsley, and lemon juice to make the yogurt sauce.
5. 5.
   To serve, place a portion of the reindeer meat on a plate. Top it with the potato and lingonberry mixture. Drizzle the yogurt sauce over the top. Garnish with fresh herbs. Serve with flatbread on the side.

Treat your ingredients with care...

• Reindeer meat — Ensure that the meat is thinly sliced for even cooking and marinate it for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to penetrate.
• Pickled lingonberries — If you can't find pickled lingonberries, you can substitute them with cranberries or lingonberry jam.
• Flatbread — You can use traditional Sami flatbread or any other flatbread of your choice.

Tips & Tricks

• For an extra burst of flavor, you can add a sprinkle of Sami herbs such as thyme or rosemary to the reindeer meat while cooking.
• If you prefer a spicier chaat, you can increase the amount of chili powder or add a pinch of cayenne pepper.
• Serve the Arctic Chaat immediately after assembling to enjoy the contrasting textures of the crispy reindeer meat, soft potatoes, and creamy yogurt sauce.

Serving advice

Serve the Arctic Chaat as a main course for lunch or dinner. It can also be served as an appetizer or a unique addition to a buffet spread. Accompany it with a side of fresh salad or roasted vegetables to complete the meal.

Presentation advice

Arrange the reindeer meat, potato and lingonberry mixture, and yogurt sauce in an aesthetically pleasing manner on the plate. Garnish with a sprig of fresh herbs for a pop of color. Serve the flatbread on the side or neatly folded on a separate plate.