Elenia with a Northern Twist

Ingredients

In this Inuit adaptation, the traditional Sicilian Elenia is transformed by replacing the original pork with reindeer meat, a staple in Inuit cuisine. The spices used in the marinade are also modified to incorporate traditional Inuit flavors, adding a smoky and earthy taste to the dish. Additionally, the original recipe's use of tomatoes is replaced with cloudberries, a fruit commonly found in the Arctic region, to provide a tangy and refreshing element to the dish. We alse have the original recipe for Elenia, so you can check it out.

• 500g (1.1 lb) reindeer meat, thinly sliced 500g (1.1 lb) reindeer meat, thinly sliced
• 2 tablespoons Inuit spice blend (a mixture of dried herbs and spices such as juniper berries, dried seaweed, and smoked salt) 2 tablespoons Inuit spice blend (a mixture of dried herbs and spices such as juniper berries, dried seaweed, and smoked salt)
• 2 tablespoons vegetable oil 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
• 2 turnips, peeled and diced 2 turnips, peeled and diced
• 2 carrots, peeled and diced 2 carrots, peeled and diced
• 1 onion, finely chopped 1 onion, finely chopped
• 2 cloves of garlic, minced 2 cloves of garlic, minced
• 500g (1.1 lb) cloudberries, for serving 500g (1.1 lb) cloudberries, for serving

Nutrition

• Calories (kcal / KJ): 350 kcal / 1465 KJ
• Fat (total, saturated): 12g, 3g
• Carbohydrates (total, sugars): 15g, 8g
• Protein: 45g
• Fiber: 5g
• Salt: 2g

Preparation

1. 1.
   In a bowl, combine the thinly sliced reindeer meat with the Inuit spice blend. Allow it to marinate for at least 1 hour.
2. 2.
   Heat the vegetable oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add the marinated reindeer meat and cook until browned on all sides.
3. 3.
   Add the diced turnips, carrots, onion, and minced garlic to the pot. Stir well to combine.
4. 4.
   Reduce the heat to low, cover the pot, and let the dish simmer for 2-3 hours, or until the reindeer meat is tender and the vegetables are cooked through.
5. 5.
   Serve the Inuit-inspired Elenia on a bed of cloudberries for a delightful burst of flavor.

Treat your ingredients with care...

• Reindeer meat — Ensure that the reindeer meat is thinly sliced to ensure tenderness. If reindeer meat is not available, you can substitute it with lean venison or bison.
• Inuit spice blend — If you cannot find a pre-made Inuit spice blend, you can create your own by combining equal parts dried juniper berries, dried seaweed flakes, and smoked salt.

Tips & Tricks

• For an extra smoky flavor, you can grill the marinated reindeer meat before adding it to the pot.
• If cloudberries are not available, lingonberries or cranberries can be used as a substitute.
• Serve the Inuit-inspired Elenia with a side of traditional Inuit bannock bread for a complete Arctic meal.
• Adjust the cooking time based on the thickness of the reindeer meat slices to ensure it is cooked to perfection.
• Garnish the dish with fresh herbs like thyme or rosemary for added aroma and visual appeal.

Serving advice

Serve the Inuit-inspired Elenia hot, allowing the flavors to meld together. Accompany it with a side of bannock bread and a simple arugula salad dressed with a light vinaigrette to balance the richness of the dish.

Presentation advice

Present the Inuit-inspired Elenia in a rustic and earthy manner, using wooden serving platters or plates. Garnish the dish with a sprig of fresh thyme or rosemary for a pop of color.