Traditional Finnish Beef Stew with Root Vegetables

Ingredients

• 1.5 kg (3.3 lbs) beef chuck, cut into chunks 1.5 kg (3.3 lbs) beef chuck, cut into chunks
• 2 onions, sliced 2 onions, sliced
• 4 carrots, peeled and cut into thick slices 4 carrots, peeled and cut into thick slices
• 3 potatoes, peeled and cut into chunks 3 potatoes, peeled and cut into chunks
• 2 parsnips, peeled and cut into thick slices 2 parsnips, peeled and cut into thick slices
• 1 small rutabaga, peeled and cut into chunks 1 small rutabaga, peeled and cut into chunks
• 4 garlic cloves, minced 4 garlic cloves, minced
• 2 bay leaves 2 bay leaves
• 6 allspice berries 6 allspice berries
• 1 teaspoon black peppercorns 1 teaspoon black peppercorns
• 2 teaspoons salt 2 teaspoons salt
• 2 tablespoons vegetable oil 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
• 750 ml (3 cups) beef broth 750 ml (3 cups) beef broth
• Fresh parsley, for garnish Fresh parsley, for garnish

Nutrition

• Calories (kcal / KJ): 450 kcal / 1880 KJ
• Fat (total, saturated): 18g, 6g
• Carbohydrates (total, sugars): 30g, 8g
• Protein: 40g
• Fiber: 6g
• Salt: 2g

Preparation

1. 1.
   Preheat the oven to 160°C (320°F).
2. 2.
   In a large oven-safe pot, heat the vegetable oil over medium-high heat.
3. 3.
   Add the beef chunks and brown them on all sides. Remove the beef from the pot and set aside.
4. 4.
   In the same pot, add the sliced onions and minced garlic. Sauté until the onions are translucent and fragrant.
5. 5.
   Return the beef to the pot and add the carrots, potatoes, parsnips, rutabaga, bay leaves, allspice berries, black peppercorns, and salt.
6. 6.
   Pour the beef broth over the ingredients, ensuring they are fully submerged.
7. 7.
   Cover the pot with a lid and transfer it to the preheated oven.
8. 8.
   Let the stew cook for approximately 3 hours, or until the beef is tender and the flavors have melded together.
9. 9.
   Once cooked, remove the pot from the oven and discard the bay leaves.
10. 10.
    Serve the Karjalanpaisti hot, garnished with fresh parsley.

Treat your ingredients with care...

• Beef chuck — Choose a well-marbled cut of beef chuck for maximum tenderness and flavor.
• Allspice berries — Crush the allspice berries slightly before adding them to the stew to release their aromatic oils.

Tips & Tricks

• For a richer flavor, marinate the beef chunks in the refrigerator overnight with a mixture of red wine, garlic, and herbs before proceeding with the recipe.
• If you prefer a thicker gravy, you can mix a tablespoon of cornstarch with a little water and add it to the stew during the last 30 minutes of cooking.

Serving advice

Karjalanpaisti is traditionally served with lingonberry jam on the side. The tartness of the lingonberries complements the richness of the stew. Serve the stew with a side of boiled potatoes or crusty bread to soak up the delicious gravy.

Presentation advice

Garnish the Karjalanpaisti with a sprinkle of fresh parsley to add a pop of color to the dish. Serve it in a deep bowl or on a large platter, allowing the vibrant colors of the root vegetables to shine through.