Creamy Finnish Sausage Stew

Ingredients

• 500g (1.1 lb) Finnish sausages (lenkkimakkara or meetvursti) 500g (1.1 lb) Finnish sausages (lenkkimakkara or meetvursti)
• 1 tablespoon butter 1 tablespoon butter
• 1 onion, finely chopped 1 onion, finely chopped
• 2 cloves of garlic, minced 2 cloves of garlic, minced
• 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
• 2 cups (470ml) milk 2 cups (470ml) milk
• 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
• Salt and pepper, to taste Salt and pepper, to taste
• Fresh parsley, for garnish Fresh parsley, for garnish
• Mashed potatoes or boiled potatoes, for serving Mashed potatoes or boiled potatoes, for serving

Nutrition

• Calories (kcal / KJ): 450 kcal / 1880 KJ
• Fat (total, saturated): 30g, 12g
• Carbohydrates (total, sugars): 20g, 8g
• Protein: 25g
• Fiber: 2g
• Salt: 1.5g

Preparation

1. 1.
   In a large skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and minced garlic, and sauté until they become translucent and fragrant.
2. 2.
   Add the Finnish sausages to the skillet and cook until they are browned on all sides. Remove the sausages from the skillet and set them aside.
3. 3.
   In the same skillet, sprinkle the flour over the onions and garlic. Stir well to combine and cook for a minute to remove the raw flour taste.
4. 4.
   Gradually pour in the milk while stirring continuously to avoid lumps. Bring the mixture to a simmer and cook until the sauce thickens.
5. 5.
   Stir in the Dijon mustard and season with salt and pepper to taste.
6. 6.
   Return the sausages to the skillet and simmer for an additional 10-15 minutes, or until the sausages are cooked through and the flavors have melded together.
7. 7.
   Serve the creamy Finnish sausage stew over mashed potatoes or with boiled potatoes. Garnish with fresh parsley for a pop of color.

Treat your ingredients with care...

• Finnish sausages — Look for authentic Finnish sausages, such as lenkkimakkara or meetvursti, to achieve the true flavors of this dish. If you can't find Finnish sausages, you can use any high-quality sausages with a similar flavor profile.
• Dijon mustard — Use a good-quality Dijon mustard to add a tangy and slightly spicy kick to the creamy sauce. If you prefer a milder flavor, you can use a regular yellow mustard instead.

Tips & Tricks

• For a smoky flavor, you can grill or pan-fry the sausages before adding them to the stew.
• If you prefer a thicker sauce, you can increase the amount of flour used in the recipe.
• Feel free to customize the seasoning by adding herbs such as thyme or rosemary to the stew.
• Leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and reheated for a quick and delicious meal.
• Serve the stew with a side of pickles or lingonberry jam for a traditional Finnish touch.

Serving advice

Serve the Creamy Finnish Sausage Stew over a bed of creamy mashed potatoes or with boiled potatoes on the side. The potatoes will soak up the flavorful sauce, creating a perfect balance of textures. Garnish with fresh parsley for a pop of color and serve with a side of pickles or lingonberry jam for an authentic Finnish experience.

Presentation advice

To present the Creamy Finnish Sausage Stew, place a generous portion of mashed potatoes on a plate or in a bowl. Arrange the sausages on top of the potatoes and spoon the creamy sauce over them. Garnish with fresh parsley for a vibrant touch. Serve with a side of pickles or lingonberry jam to add a pop of color to the plate.