Karelian Hot Pot
Experience the heartwarming flavors of Finland with a traditional Karelian Hot Pot, a rustic stew that brings together tender beef, pork, and lamb (optional) slow-cooked to perfection with onions, carrots, and aromatic spices like bay leaves and allspice. Known locally as "Karjalanpaisti," this iconic Finnish dish is a testament to simple yet bold flavors, using just a handful of wholesome ingredients to create a deeply satisfying meal. With minimal prep and a long, slow bake in the oven, the hot pot develops rich, savory flavors, making it perfect for cozy family dinners or special occasions. Serve it alongside fluffy boiled potatoes to complete the meal, and let this hearty, traditional stew transport your taste buds to the serene landscapes of Karelia.
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Recipe Information
Ingredients
- 400 grams Beef (stew meat, cubed)
- 400 grams Pork (stew meat, cubed)
- 200 grams Lamb (stew meat, cubed, optional)
- 2 medium Yellow onion
- 3 medium Carrots
- 3 pieces Bay leaves
- 10 pieces Whole allspice berries
- 1.5 teaspoons Salt
- 600 milliliters Water (or beef broth)
- 4 medium Potatoes (optional, to serve)
Instructions
Preheat your oven to 160°C (320°F).
Trim any excess fat from the meats and cut them into equal-sized cubes, approximately 2-3 cm in size.
Peel the onions and carrots. Chop the onions into thick wedges and slice the carrots into large chunks.
In a large, oven-safe pot or casserole dish with a lid, begin layering the ingredients. Start by placing some of the meat cubes on the bottom. Alternate layers of meat with onions and carrots until all ingredients are used.
Add the bay leaves and whole allspice berries evenly throughout the layers.
Sprinkle the salt evenly over the ingredients.
Pour the water or beef broth into the pot, ensuring that the liquid comes about halfway up the layers. Do not fully submerge the ingredients.
Cover the pot with a tight-fitting lid and place it in the preheated oven.
Cook for 2.5 to 3 hours, stirring gently once or twice during cooking to ensure even distribution of flavors.
If adding potatoes, boil or steam them separately during the last 30 minutes of cooking time.
Once the meat is tender and the flavors have melded beautifully, remove the hot pot from the oven.
Serve the Karelian Hot Pot hot, along with the boiled or steamed potatoes, if desired.
Nutrition Facts
Calories |
513 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 32.3 g | 41% | |
| Saturated Fat | 12.2 g | 61% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 0.0 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 121 mg | 40% | |
| Sodium | 619 mg | 27% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 24.0 g | 9% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 3.1 g | 11% | |
| Total Sugars | 3.9 g | ||
| Protein | 35.0 g | 70% | |
| Vitamin D | 0.0 mcg | 0% | |
| Calcium | 47 mg | 4% | |
| Iron | 3.5 mg | 19% | |
| Potassium | 1012 mg | 22% | |
*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.
