Finnish Pork and Prune Stew with Rye Dumplings
A hearty and flavorful stew featuring tender pork, sweet prunes, and aromatic spices, served with rustic rye dumplings. This dish embodies the comforting, traditional flavors of Finnish home cooking.
🧂 Ingredients
- 1 kg Pork shoulder(cut into 2-inch cubes)
- 200 g Prunes(pitted)
- 2 large Yellow onions(chopped)
- 2 medium Carrots(peeled and sliced)
- 750 ml Beef broth
- 2 pieces Bay leaves
- 1 tsp Allspice berries
- 5 pieces Juniper berries(lightly crushed)
- 1 tsp Salt(or to taste)
- 0.5 tsp Black pepper(freshly ground)
- 2 tbsp Butter
- 150 g Rye flour
- 50 g All-purpose flour
- 1 large Egg
- 50 ml Water(approximately)
👨🍳 Instructions
- 1
Pat the pork cubes dry and season generously with salt and pepper.
- 2
In a large Dutch oven or heavy-bottomed pot, melt butter over medium-high heat. Brown the pork cubes in batches until golden brown on all sides. Remove pork and set aside.
- 3
Add chopped onions and sliced carrots to the pot. Sauté until softened, about 5-7 minutes.
- 4
Return the browned pork to the pot. Add beef broth, bay leaves, allspice berries, and crushed juniper berries. Bring to a simmer.
💡 Tip: Ensure the liquid covers most of the meat and vegetables. - 5
Cover the pot, reduce heat to low, and simmer gently for 1.5 hours, or until the pork is tender.
💡 Tip: Stir occasionally to prevent sticking. - 6
Add the pitted prunes to the stew. Continue to simmer for another 30 minutes, allowing the prunes to soften and meld their flavor into the stew.
- 7
While the stew is simmering, prepare the rye dumplings. In a bowl, combine rye flour and all-purpose flour. Add the egg and gradually mix in water until a firm dough forms. Knead briefly.
💡 Tip: The dough should be firm but pliable, not sticky. - 8
Shape the dough into small, bite-sized dumplings. You can roll them into balls or flatten them slightly.
- 9
Gently drop the dumplings into the simmering stew during the last 15 minutes of cooking. Cover and cook until the dumplings are puffed and cooked through.
💡 Tip: Do not overcrowd the pot; cook in batches if necessary. - 10
Remove bay leaves before serving. Adjust seasoning with salt and pepper if needed.
💡 Tip: Taste and adjust salt and pepper before serving.
💡 Pro Tips
- ✓For a richer flavor, you can sear the pork in bacon fat before browning.
- ✓If the stew becomes too thick, add a little more broth or water.
- ✓Rye dumplings can be made ahead and stored in the refrigerator for a day.
- ✓Serve with a dollop of sour cream or crème fraîche for extra richness.
✨ Twist Ideas
Inspiration for your own version of this recipe
- Add a tablespoon of dark molasses to the stew for a deeper, more complex flavor.
- Include other root vegetables like parsnips or rutabaga.
- For a spicier kick, add a pinch of red pepper flakes.