Stew > European > Finnish

Karelian Stew Recipe

Ingredients with Measurements:
- 1 lb beef chuck, cut into 1-inch cubes
- 1 onion, chopped
- 2 carrots, peeled and chopped
- 2 potatoes, peeled and chopped
- 1 cup pearl barley
- 4 cups beef broth
- 2 bay leaves
- 1 tsp dried thyme
- Salt and pepper to taste

Special equipment needed:
- Large pot with lid

Step-by-step instructions:
1. In a large pot, brown the beef over medium-high heat until browned on all sides.
2. Add the onion, carrots, and potatoes to the pot and sauté for 5 minutes until the vegetables are slightly softened.
3. Add the pearl barley, beef broth, bay leaves, thyme, salt, and pepper to the pot and stir to combine.
4. Bring the stew to a boil, then reduce the heat to low and cover the pot with a lid.
5. Simmer the stew for 1 1/2 to 2 hours, stirring occasionally, until the beef is tender and the barley is cooked through.
6. Remove the bay leaves and discard.
7. Serve hot and enjoy!


- Time:
Preparation time: 15 minutes
- Cooking time: 1 1/2 to 2 hours
Temperature:
- Medium-high heat to brown the beef
- Low heat to simmer the stew
Serving size:
- 4 to 6 servings

Nutritional information:
- Calories per serving: 350
- Fat per serving: 10g
- Carbohydrates per serving: 40g
- Protein per serving: 25g

Substitutions for ingredients:
- Beef chuck can be substituted with beef stew meat or lamb.
- Pearl barley can be substituted with rice or quinoa.
- Beef broth can be substituted with chicken or vegetable broth.

Variations:
- Add chopped mushrooms for a richer flavor.
- Use different herbs such as rosemary or oregano.
- Add a can of diced tomatoes for a more tomato-based stew.

Tips and tricks:
- Brown the beef in batches to avoid overcrowding the pot.
- Use a wooden spoon to scrape up any browned bits from the bottom of the pot to add flavor to the stew.
- Add more broth if the stew becomes too thick.

Storage instructions:
- Store leftover stew in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

Reheating instructions:
- Reheat the stew in a pot over low heat until heated through.

Presentation ideas:
- Serve the stew in individual bowls with a sprig of fresh thyme on top.

Garnishes:
- Chopped fresh parsley or cilantro.

Pairings:
- Crusty bread or rolls.

Suggested side dishes:
- Roasted vegetables such as carrots, Brussels sprouts, or green beans.

Troubleshooting advice:
- If the stew is too thick, add more broth or water to thin it out.
- If the beef is tough, simmer the stew for a longer period of time until the beef is tender.

Food safety advice:
- Make sure to cook the beef to an internal temperature of 145°F to ensure it is safe to eat.

Food history:
- Karelian stew is a traditional Finnish dish that originated in the region of Karelia.

Flavor profiles:
- Hearty, savory, and comforting.

Serving suggestions:
- Serve the stew with a side of roasted vegetables and crusty bread for a complete meal.

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Region: Finnish

Taste: Savory, Tangy, Herbal, Earthy, Spicy, Aromatic