Rössypottu - Finnish Potato and Meat Casserole

Ingredients

• 1 kg (2.2 lbs) potatoes, peeled and thinly sliced 1 kg (2.2 lbs) potatoes, peeled and thinly sliced
• 500g (1.1 lbs) beef, cubed 500g (1.1 lbs) beef, cubed
• 500g (1.1 lbs) pork, cubed 500g (1.1 lbs) pork, cubed
• 1 onion, finely chopped 1 onion, finely chopped
• 2 cloves of garlic, minced 2 cloves of garlic, minced
• 2 bay leaves 2 bay leaves
• 1 teaspoon allspice 1 teaspoon allspice
• 1 liter (4 cups) beef or vegetable broth 1 liter (4 cups) beef or vegetable broth
• 2 tablespoons butter 2 tablespoons butter
• Salt and pepper to taste Salt and pepper to taste

Nutrition

• Calories (kcal / KJ): 450 kcal / 1884 KJ
• Fat (total, saturated): 18g, 7g
• Carbohydrates (total, sugars): 40g, 3g
• Protein: 32g
• Fiber: 5g
• Salt: 1.5g

Preparation

1. 1.
   Preheat the oven to 180°C (350°F).
2. 2.
   In a large skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and minced garlic, and sauté until translucent.
3. 3.
   Add the beef and pork cubes to the skillet and cook until browned on all sides.
4. 4.
   Season the meat with salt, pepper, allspice, and bay leaves. Stir well to coat the meat evenly.
5. 5.
   In a greased baking dish, layer half of the sliced potatoes. Top with the cooked meat mixture, spreading it evenly.
6. 6.
   Arrange the remaining sliced potatoes on top of the meat layer.
7. 7.
   Pour the beef or vegetable broth over the potatoes, ensuring that it covers the entire dish.
8. 8.
   Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil and bake for 1.5 to 2 hours, or until the potatoes are tender and the flavors have melded together.
9. 9.
   Remove the foil and bake for an additional 15 minutes to allow the top layer of potatoes to brown slightly.
10. 10.
    Once cooked, let the Rössypottu rest for a few minutes before serving. This allows the flavors to further develop and the casserole to set.

Treat your ingredients with care...

• Potatoes — Ensure that the potatoes are thinly sliced to ensure even cooking throughout the casserole.
• Beef and pork — Opt for lean cuts of meat to reduce excess fat in the dish.
• Allspice — If you don't have allspice, you can substitute it with a combination of ground cinnamon, cloves, and nutmeg.

Tips & Tricks

• For a richer flavor, you can marinate the meat in the spices overnight before cooking.
• Serve Rössypottu with a dollop of lingonberry jam for a traditional Finnish touch.
• Leftovers can be refrigerated and reheated the next day, allowing the flavors to further develop.

Serving advice

Serve Rössypottu hot, straight from the oven, as the casserole is at its best when enjoyed immediately. Accompany it with a fresh green salad or steamed vegetables to add a refreshing element to the meal.

Presentation advice

To present Rössypottu beautifully, garnish it with a sprinkle of fresh parsley or dill on top. This adds a pop of color and freshness to the dish, making it visually appealing.