Finnish Pork and Barley Stew with Dill
A hearty and comforting stew featuring tender pork, chewy barley, and the fresh aroma of dill, a staple in Finnish cuisine. This dish is perfect for a chilly day.
🧂 Ingredients
- 700 g Pork shoulder(cut into 2.5 cm cubes)
- 150 g Pearl barley
- 2 medium Yellow onions(chopped)
- 3 medium Carrots(peeled and diced)
- 2 medium Celery stalks(diced)
- 3 cloves Garlic cloves(minced)
- 1.5 l Beef or vegetable broth
- 2 Bay leaves
- 0.5 cup Fresh dill(chopped, plus more for garnish)
- 2 tbsp Butter or oil
- to taste Salt
- to taste Black pepper
👨🍳 Instructions
- 1
Rinse the pearl barley under cold water.
💡 Tip: Rinsing helps remove excess starch. - 2
In a large pot or Dutch oven, heat butter or oil over medium-high heat. Brown the pork cubes on all sides. Remove pork and set aside.
- 3
Add chopped onions, diced carrots, and diced celery to the pot. Sauté until softened, about 5-7 minutes.
💡 Tip: Scrape up any browned bits from the bottom of the pot. - 4
Add minced garlic and cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
- 5
Return the browned pork to the pot. Add the rinsed barley, broth, and bay leaves. Bring to a boil.
💡 Tip: Ensure the liquid covers all ingredients. - 6
Reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for at least 1 hour and 15 minutes, or until the pork is tender and the barley is cooked through. Stir occasionally.
💡 Tip: Add more broth or water if the stew becomes too thick. - 7
Stir in the chopped fresh dill. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
💡 Tip: Add dill at the end to preserve its fresh flavor. - 8
Serve hot, garnished with extra fresh dill.
💡 Tip: This stew is also delicious the next day.
💡 Pro Tips
- ✓For a richer flavor, you can brown the pork in batches.
- ✓If you don't have pearl barley, you can use pot barley, but it may require a longer cooking time.
- ✓Feel free to add other root vegetables like parsnips or rutabaga.
✨ Twist Ideas
Inspiration for your own version of this recipe
- Add a splash of cream or a dollop of sour cream just before serving for extra richness.
- Include a tablespoon of tomato paste with the vegetables for added depth of flavor.