Gáhkku with a Pittsburgh Twist

Ingredients

In the Pittsburgh adaptation of Gáhkku, reindeer meat is substituted with locally sourced beef or venison, reflecting the availability of ingredients in the region. Additionally, the traditional Sami spices are enhanced with a touch of Pittsburgh's iconic seasoning blend, giving the dish a distinct flavor profile that pays homage to the city's culinary heritage. We alse have the original recipe for Gáhkku, so you can check it out.

• 500g (1.1 lb) beef or venison, cubed 500g (1.1 lb) beef or venison, cubed
• 4 medium potatoes, peeled and thinly sliced 4 medium potatoes, peeled and thinly sliced
• 1 large onion, thinly sliced 1 large onion, thinly sliced
• 2 carrots, peeled and thinly sliced 2 carrots, peeled and thinly sliced
• 2 parsnips, peeled and thinly sliced 2 parsnips, peeled and thinly sliced
• 2 tablespoons vegetable oil 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
• 1 teaspoon smoked paprika 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon onion powder 1 teaspoon onion powder
• 1 teaspoon dried thyme 1 teaspoon dried thyme
• 1 teaspoon dried rosemary 1 teaspoon dried rosemary
• Salt and pepper, to taste Salt and pepper, to taste
• 500ml (2 cups) beef or vegetable broth 500ml (2 cups) beef or vegetable broth
• Fresh parsley, for garnish Fresh parsley, for garnish

Nutrition

• Calories (kcal / KJ): 350 kcal / 1465 KJ
• Fat (total, saturated): 15g, 4g
• Carbohydrates (total, sugars): 25g, 4g
• Protein: 30g
• Fiber: 5g
• Salt: 1.5g

Preparation

1. 1.
   Preheat the oven to 180°C (350°F).
2. 2.
   In a large skillet, heat the vegetable oil over medium heat. Add the sliced onions and cook until caramelized, about 10 minutes. Remove the onions from the skillet and set aside.
3. 3.
   In the same skillet, add the cubed beef or venison and cook until browned on all sides. Season with smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, dried thyme, dried rosemary, salt, and pepper.
4. 4.
   In a greased baking dish, layer half of the sliced potatoes, carrots, parsnips, caramelized onions, and seasoned meat. Repeat the layers with the remaining ingredients.
5. 5.
   Pour the beef or vegetable broth over the layered ingredients in the baking dish.
6. 6.
   Cover the dish with aluminum foil and bake for 1 hour. Then, remove the foil and bake for an additional 30 minutes, or until the potatoes are tender and the top is golden brown.
7. 7.
   Garnish with fresh parsley before serving.

Treat your ingredients with care...

• Beef or venison — For a tender and flavorful result, choose cuts of meat that are suitable for slow cooking, such as chuck roast or stewing beef. Trim any excess fat before cubing.
• Smoked paprika — Opt for a high-quality smoked paprika to add a distinct smoky flavor to the dish.
• Fresh parsley — Finely chop the parsley just before garnishing to preserve its vibrant color and fresh taste.

Tips & Tricks

• For a spicier kick, add a pinch of cayenne pepper to the seasoning blend.
• If you can't find parsnips, you can substitute them with turnips or rutabagas for a similar flavor.
• Serve Pittsburgh Gáhkku with a side of sautéed greens, such as Swiss chard or kale, to add freshness and balance to the meal.
• Leftovers can be refrigerated and reheated the next day for an equally delicious meal.
• Experiment with different root vegetables, such as sweet potatoes or celery root, to add your own twist to the dish.

Serving advice

Serve Pittsburgh Gáhkku hot, straight from the oven, as the flavors are at their best when enjoyed immediately. Accompany it with a dollop of sour cream or a side of lingonberry jam for a touch of tanginess.

Presentation advice

To showcase the layers of this dish, serve Pittsburgh Gáhkku in individual baking dishes or ramekins. Garnish each serving with a sprig of fresh parsley for a pop of color.