Embark on a culinary journey to the picturesque Aland Islands with our Aland Karjalanpaisti recipe. This traditional Finnish dish, rich in flavor and cultural heritage, captures the essence of the region's culinary expertise. Karjalanpaisti, meaning Karelian Stew, is a hearty and comforting dish that reflects the resourcefulness of the Aland people, who have perfected the art of combining simple, local ingredients into a satisfying and delicious meal.

In this recipe, we'll guide you through the steps of creating this savory masterpiece, allowing you to bring the warmth and taste of the Aland Islands to your own kitchen. So, gather your ingredients, embrace the spirit of Aland, and let's embark on a culinary adventure together!

Ingredients:

• 500g beef stew meat, cut into bite-sized pieces
• 500g pork stew meat, cut into bite-sized pieces
• 3 large carrots, peeled and sliced
• 3 large potatoes, peeled and diced
• 2 onions, finely chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 bay leaves
• 10 whole black peppercorns
• Salt and black pepper to taste
• 2 cups water or beef broth
• 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
• 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
• Fresh parsley for garnish (optional)

Instructions:

Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 325°F (163°C).

Prepare the Meat: In a large bowl, season the beef and pork with salt and black pepper. Toss the meat until well coated.

Sear the Meat: Heat vegetable oil in a large ovenproof pot or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Add the seasoned meat and brown on all sides. Remove the meat and set it aside.

Saute the Vegetables: In the same pot, add more oil if needed. Saute the chopped onions and minced garlic until they are softened and aromatic. Add the flour and cook for an additional 2 minutes, stirring constantly.

Deglaze the Pot: Pour in the water or beef broth, scraping the bottom of the pot to release any flavorful bits. Bring the mixture to a simmer.

Combine Ingredients: Return the browned meat to the pot. Add the sliced carrots, diced potatoes, bay leaves, and black peppercorns. Mix well.

Bake in the Oven: Cover the pot with a lid and transfer it to the preheated oven. Allow the Karjalanpaisti to slow-cook for 2 to 2.5 hours or until the meat is tender.

Check and Adjust Seasoning: Remove the pot from the oven and discard the bay leaves. Taste the stew and adjust the seasoning with salt and pepper if necessary.

Serve: Spoon the Aland Karjalanpaisti into serving bowls. Garnish with fresh parsley if desired. Serve hot and enjoy this hearty Finnish dish!

This Aland Karjalanpaisti recipe captures the essence of traditional Finnish flavors, making it a perfect choice for a comforting and satisfying meal.

Nutritional Values:

It's challenging to provide exact nutritional values without specific brands or variations in the ingredients. However, I can offer you approximate values based on generic items. Please note that these values may vary depending on the actual products you use:

Beef Stew Meat (500g):

• Calories: 1100
• Protein: 100g
• Fat: 75g
• Carbohydrates: 0g

benefits: Rich in protein, iron, and zinc, beef provides essential nutrients for muscle health and overall well-being.

Pork Stew Meat (500g):

• Calories: 1100
• Protein: 90g
• Fat: 80g
• Carbohydrates: 0g

benefits: Pork is a good source of protein, vitamins, and minerals. It contributes to muscle growth, energy production, and immune system function.

Carrots (3 large):

• Calories: 150
• Protein: 3g
• Fat: 1g
• Carbohydrates: 35g

benefits: Carrots are packed with beta-carotene, a powerful antioxidant that converts to vitamin A in the body, promoting healthy vision and skin

Potatoes (3 large):

• Calories: 300
• Protein: 9g
• Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 66g

benefits: Potatoes are a good source of complex carbohydrates, providing energy, and they also contain essential vitamins and minerals, including vitamin C and potassium

Onions (2 medium):

• Calories: 100
• Protein: 2g
• Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 24g

benefits: Onions are rich in antioxidants and anti-inflammatory compounds. They may support heart health, boost immunity, and provide various vitamins and minerals.

Garlic (2 cloves):

• Calories: 10
• Protein: 0g
• Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 2g

benefits: Garlic has antibacterial and antiviral properties. It is also linked to cardiovascular benefits, as it may help lower blood pressure and improve cholesterol levels.

Bay Leaves (2):

• Negligible caloric content

benefits: While bay leaves are primarily used for flavor, they also contain vitamins and minerals. Some studies suggest they may have anti-inflammatory and digestive benefits.

Black Peppercorns (10):

• Negligible caloric content

benefits: Black pepper contains piperine, which may enhance nutrient absorption. It also has antioxidant properties and may support digestive health.

Salt and Black Pepper:

• Negligible caloric content (in small amounts)

benefits: Salt is essential for maintaining electrolyte balance in the body. However, moderation is key, as excessive salt intake is linked to high blood pressure and other health issues.

Water or Beef Broth (2 cups):

• Negligible caloric content

benefits: Hydration is vital for overall health, and beef broth adds flavor while providing additional nutrients from the meat and bones.

Vegetable Oil (2 tablespoons):

• Calories: 240
• Protein: 0g
• Fat: 28g
• Carbohydrates: 0g

benefits: Vegetable oil provides healthy fats, including omega-6 fatty acids. However, it's important to use it in moderation to maintain a balanced diet.

All-Purpose Flour (2 tablespoons):

• Calories: 60
• Protein: 2g
• Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 12g

benefits: Flour is a source of carbohydrates, providing energy. However, it should be consumed in moderation, especially for those with gluten sensitivities.

Fresh Parsley (optional):

• Negligible caloric content (in small amounts)

benefits: Parsley is rich in vitamins A and C, as well as antioxidants. It adds freshness and may contribute to overall immune health.

Keep in mind that these values are approximate and can vary based on factors such as the specific cuts of meat, the amount of oil used, and other individual variations in ingredients. If you have specific dietary concerns, it's always a good idea to consult with a nutritionist or use a nutrition calculator based on the specific products you plan to use.