Finnish-style Pericana

Ingredients

In the Finnish-style Pericana, we adapt the original Spanish recipe by incorporating traditional Finnish ingredients and flavors. Instead of using traditional Spanish meats like chorizo or pork, we substitute reindeer meat, which is a popular ingredient in Finnish cuisine. Additionally, we introduce lingonberries, a staple in Finnish cooking, to add a touch of tartness and sweetness to the dish. These adaptations infuse the Pericana with a unique Nordic twist while still maintaining the essence of the original Spanish flavors. We alse have the original recipe for Pericana, so you can check it out.

• 500g (1.1 lb) reindeer meat, diced 500g (1.1 lb) reindeer meat, diced
• 2 tablespoons vegetable oil 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
• 1 onion, finely chopped 1 onion, finely chopped
• 2 garlic cloves, minced 2 garlic cloves, minced
• 1 red bell pepper, diced 1 red bell pepper, diced
• 1 green bell pepper, diced 1 green bell pepper, diced
• 1 teaspoon paprika 1 teaspoon paprika
• 1/2 teaspoon cumin 1/2 teaspoon cumin
• 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
• 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional, for heat) 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional, for heat)
• 200g (7 oz) canned crushed tomatoes 200g (7 oz) canned crushed tomatoes
• 2 tablespoons lingonberry jam 2 tablespoons lingonberry jam
• Salt and pepper, to taste Salt and pepper, to taste
• Fresh parsley, for garnish Fresh parsley, for garnish

Nutrition

• Calories (kcal / KJ): 320 kcal / 1340 KJ
• Fat (total, saturated): 12g, 3g
• Carbohydrates (total, sugars): 12g, 8g
• Protein: 40g
• Fiber: 3g
• Salt: 1.5g

Preparation

1. 1.
   Heat the vegetable oil in a large pot over medium heat.
2. 2.
   Add the diced reindeer meat and cook until browned on all sides. Remove the meat from the pot and set aside.
3. 3.
   In the same pot, add the chopped onion and minced garlic. Sauté until the onion becomes translucent.
4. 4.
   Add the diced bell peppers and continue to cook for a few minutes until they soften.
5. 5.
   Return the browned reindeer meat to the pot and stir in the paprika, cumin, dried thyme, and cayenne pepper (if using).
6. 6.
   Pour in the crushed tomatoes and lingonberry jam. Stir well to combine all the ingredients.
7. 7.
   Season with salt and pepper to taste.
8. 8.
   Reduce the heat to low, cover the pot, and simmer for about 45 minutes to 1 hour, or until the meat is tender and the flavors have melded together.
9. 9.
   Serve the Finnish-style Pericana hot, garnished with fresh parsley.

Treat your ingredients with care...

• Reindeer meat — If reindeer meat is not available, you can substitute it with lean beef or venison for a similar flavor and texture.
• Lingonberry jam — Lingonberry jam can be found in specialty stores or online. If you can't find it, cranberry sauce can be used as a substitute.

Tips & Tricks

• For an extra smoky flavor, you can add a small amount of liquid smoke to the dish.
• Serve the Finnish-style Pericana with a side of mashed potatoes or crusty bread to soak up the delicious sauce.
• Adjust the spiciness of the dish by adding more or less cayenne pepper according to your preference.
• Make a larger batch of Finnish-style Pericana and freeze the leftovers for a quick and satisfying meal on busy days.
• Experiment with different herbs and spices to personalize the flavor profile of the dish.

Serving advice

Serve the Finnish-style Pericana in deep bowls, allowing the rich sauce to mingle with the meat and vegetables. Garnish each serving with fresh parsley for a pop of color and added freshness.

Presentation advice

To enhance the presentation of the Finnish-style Pericana, you can sprinkle some paprika or dried thyme on top of each serving. Serve the dish alongside a simple green salad or pickled vegetables for a visually appealing and well-balanced plate.