Finnish Beef Stew
A hearty Finnish beef stew featuring tender meat, potatoes, and aromatic vegetables in a savory broth, perfect for comforting family dinners or cold evenings.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Cut the beef into approximately 1-inch cubes.
- In a large pot, combine the beef, soup bone, salt, cold water, peppercorns, and garlic cloves.
- Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer, skimming foam as needed, for about 1 hour.
- Add chopped celery, onions, and potatoes to the pot.
- Continue simmering until the meat and vegetables are tender, about 1 hour.
- Adjust seasoning if necessary and serve hot.
Tips & Substitutions
For a richer flavor, consider adding a splash of red wine while simmering. If you don’t have a soup bone, you can substitute with beef broth for added depth. For a thicker stew, mix a tablespoon of cornstarch with water and stir it in during the last 10 minutes of cooking. Feel free to add other vegetables like carrots or parsnips for a nutritional boost.
Serving Suggestions
Serve this Finnish Beef Stew alongside crusty bread or over mashed potatoes for a hearty meal. A fresh side salad, such as Iroquoian Wild Lettuce Salad With Vinaigrette Dressing, complements the rich flavors of the stew nicely. For a comforting touch, consider offering a dollop of sour cream on top.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, gently warm the stew on the stovetop over low heat, stirring occasionally, until heated through. If the stew thickens too much, add a splash of water or broth to reach desired consistency. It can also be frozen for up to 3 months.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Finnish Beef Stew contains roughly 1651 calories, with 30g protein, 247g carbohydrates, and 63g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin A (159% of the Daily Value), dietary fiber (118% of the Daily Value), and potassium (106% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 2371mg per serving (103% of the Daily Value).
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use a different type of meat for this stew?
Yes, you can substitute lean beef with other meats like pork or lamb, but cooking times may vary. Make sure to adjust the seasoning and simmering time to ensure that the meat becomes tender. For a unique twist, try using venison for a gamey flavor.
Is it possible to make this stew in a slow cooker?
Absolutely! To make this stew in a slow cooker, brown the meat and sauté the onions and garlic first, then transfer everything to the slow cooker with the remaining ingredients. Cook on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 4-5 hours until the meat is tender.
What can I do if the stew is too salty?
If your stew turns out too salty, add a few peeled, raw potatoes to absorb some of the excess salt. Let them simmer for about 20-30 minutes, then remove them before serving. Alternatively, you can add more water or broth to dilute the saltiness, adjusting the seasonings as needed.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).