Karjalanpaisti (Karelian Beef and Pork Hot Pot)
In short: Beef and pork baked low and slow with onion, carrot, allspice and bay until falling apart in its own gravy. Serve with mashed potatoes. It takes about 4 h 20 min in total and makes 6 servings.
- Prep
- 20 min
- Cook
- 4 h
- Total
- 4 h 20 min
- Servings
- 6
- Difficulty
- Easy
- Calories
- 360 kcal
Karjalanpaisti is the hot pot of eastern Finland. Cubes of beef and pork are layered raw with onion, carrot, allspice and bay and left in a low oven for hours, with no browning and no thickener. The meat makes its own rich gravy and turns spoon-tender. It is a Sunday and holiday dish that tastes even better the next day. Serve it with mashed potatoes.
Instructions
- Heat the oven to 160°C (325°F).
- Put the beef, pork, onions and carrots in a Dutch oven or heavy casserole with a lid, layering them and scattering the allspice, bay leaves, salt and pepper between the layers.
- Pour in the hot water. The liquid should come about two-thirds of the way up the meat.
- Cover and bake for 3 1/2 to 4 hours, stirring gently once after 2 hours, until the meat is very tender and the gravy is rich. Add a little hot water if it gets dry.
- Skim off any excess fat and rest the pot for 10 minutes. Serve with mashed potatoes and pickled cucumbers or lingonberry jam.
Tips
- Skipping the browning is traditional, but searing the beef first adds a deeper flavor if you have the time.
- No oven time? Simmer on the lowest heat on the stove, tightly covered, for about 3 hours, stirring now and then.
Questions and answers
Why is the meat not browned for karjalanpaisti?
The traditional method layers raw meat with onion and spices and bakes it slowly, so the juices make their own gravy. Browning is optional and gives a darker color.
Can I make karjalanpaisti ahead?
Yes. It keeps in the fridge for 4 days and the flavor improves. Reheat it gently, adding a splash of water if needed.
What do you serve with karjalanpaisti?
Mashed potatoes are the classic partner, with pickled cucumbers or lingonberry jam on the side for a sour contrast.
How long does it take to make Karjalanpaisti (Karelian Beef and Pork Hot Pot)?
About 4 h 20 min in total: 20 min of preparation and 4 h of cooking.
How many calories are in Karjalanpaisti (Karelian Beef and Pork Hot Pot)?
About 360 kcal per serving, with 32 g of protein, 6 g of carbohydrates and 23 g of fat. These values are estimates.
Nutrition per serving
| Calories | 360 kcal |
|---|---|
| Protein | 32 g |
| Carbohydrates | 6 g |
| Fat | 23 g |
| Fiber | 2 g |
| Sugar | 4 g |
| Sodium | 650 mg |
Estimated values, calculated from the ingredients.
