Karjalanpaisti

Karjalanpaisti, also known as Karelian Stew, is a comforting Finnish classic that celebrates the simplicity of slow-cooking and the rich flavors of tender, hearty meats. This traditional dish features an irresistible trio of pork, beef, and lamb, gently simmered with onions, whole allspice berries, and bay leaves for three hours until melt-in-your-mouth perfection. The secret to its deep, savory flavor lies in the balance of minimal seasonings—just salt and black pepper—and the natural juices of the meat. Perfect for cozy gatherings, Karjalanpaisti is traditionally served with boiled or mashed potatoes and tangy pickled sides like beets or cucumbers, making it a wholesome and satisfying meal. Experience a taste of Finland with this timeless stew that warms both body and soul.

Nutriscore Rating: 70/100

Prep Time:20 mins

Cook Time:180 mins

Total Time:200 mins

Servings: 6

Ingredients

• 500 g pork shoulder
• 500 g beef chuck
• 500 g lamb shoulder
• 2 large onions
• 1.5 liters water
• 1 tbsp whole allspice berries
• 2 pieces bay leaves
• 2 tsp salt
• 1 tsp black pepper

Directions

Step 1

Preheat the oven to 325°F (165°C).

Step 2

Cut the pork, beef, and lamb into large cubes, roughly 2 inches each.

Step 3

Peel the onions and cut them into thick slices.

Step 4

In a large ovenproof pot, layer the meat cubes, alternating types, with onions. Start with some meat at the bottom.

Step 5

Add 1.5 liters of water to the pot, ensuring the meat and onions are mostly submerged.

Step 6

Add whole allspice berries, bay leaves, salt, and black pepper into the pot.

Step 7

Cover the pot with a lid and place it in the preheated oven.

Step 8

Allow the stew to cook for about 3 hours, or until the meat is very tender. Check occasionally to ensure there's enough liquid; add a bit more water if necessary.

Step 9

Once cooked, remove the pot from the oven and discard the bay leaves.

Step 10

Serve the Karjalanpaisti warm, traditionally with boiled or mashed potatoes and pickled beets or cucumbers.

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	(3404.0g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	3743.1

Total Fat 232.4g	0%
Saturated Fat 96.1g	0%
Polyunsaturated Fat 4.0g
Cholesterol 1401.2mg	0%
Sodium 7455.3mg	0%
Total Carbohydrate 38.6g	0%
Dietary Fiber 8.5g	0%
Total Sugars 20.9g
Protein 357.2g	0%

Vitamin D 20IU	0%
Calcium 468.0mg	0%
Iron 31.3mg	0%
Potassium 5372.6mg	0%

*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.

Source of Calories

Fat: 56.9%

Protein: 38.9%

Carbs: 4.2%