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Norwegian Finnbiff Recipe (Reindeer Stew)

Norwegian Finnbiff Recipe (Reindeer Stew)

The reindeer, also called caribou in North America, is a species of deer typically found in the Arctic, Subarctic, Tundra, Boreal and the mountainous regions of northern Europe, Siberia, and North America. Reinskav (shredded reindeer meat) is the chief ingredient used in preparing traditional Norwegian Finn biff or Reindeer Stew.

Reindeer meat is one of the healthiest meats as it is extremely lean, and packed with vitamins and fatty acids. For this specific recipe of reindeer, the stew is prepared using reindeer meat and is cooked along with a little sweet brown goat cheese and then accompanied by lingonberry jam and mashed potatoes.

Origin & Cultural Significance

Reindeer meat is a very popular meat in Scandinavian countries, and canned reindeer meatballs are easily available in local grocery stores. In the Sápmi region, sautéed reindeer is a particularly popular dish. In Alaska and Finland, one can easily find reindeer sausages being sold in supermarkets and in grocery stores.

People in the Arctic have consumed reindeer meat as the main source of nutrient supply in their diets for a very long time. Reindeers play a very significant role in Sami culture and Sami cuisine. In northern Norway, reindeer meat is a delicacy and is the main meat in many dishes.

Reindeer Stew

Norwegian Finnbiff Recipe (Reindeer Stew)

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 30 minutes
Total Time: 45 minutes

Ingredients

  • Shredded reindeer meat - 400g
  • Bacon - 150g
  • Butter for frying - 2 tbsp
  • Fresh mushrooms - 250g
  • Dried thyme - 1/2 tsp
  • Water - 100ml
  • Sour cream - 300ml
  • Milk - 100ml
  • Juniper berries, crushed - 5
  • Ektegeitost (a type of sweet brown goat cheese) - 3 slices

Instructions

  1. Begin by taking out the shredded reindeer meat from the freezer. Keep it aside for a couple of minutes on the counter to thaw. It is recommended to fry the meat when it's still half-frozen.
  2. The next step is to take mushrooms and slice them into wedges. Take the bacon and cut it into small cubes. In a large pan, add some butter and fry both. Let them cook until they turn brown in color. Transfer the
    mushrooms and bacon to a pot.
  3. Now take the frying pan again and reheat it. Add in some more butter. Turn the flame up high and add the meat to fry. Keep in mind to fry the meat in batches and wait until it begins to turn brown in color. Once done, place them in the same pot as the mushrooms and bacon.
  4. The next step is to take the pot and pour some water into it. Bring it to a boil and turn the heat down. Allow it to cook on low flame for
    about 10 minutes.
  5. Add the sour cream, milk, sweet brown goat cheese, crushed juniper, and thyme, and let the mixture cook on a simmer for approximately 5 minutes. Throw in a little bit of salt and pepper to taste.
  6. Finally, garnish the prepared dish by adding a little fresh thyme and accompany it with mashed or boiled potatoes and stirred lingonberries, and there you have it! Your delicious reindeer stew is ready to be consumed!
Nutrition Information:
Yield: 4 Serving Size: 1
Amount Per Serving: Calories: 496Total Fat: 37gSaturated Fat: 17gTrans Fat: 1gUnsaturated Fat: 16gCholesterol: 143mgSodium: 746mgCarbohydrates: 10gFiber: 2gSugar: 5gProtein: 31g

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