Poronkäristys with Cranberry Sauce and Mashed Potatoes
A classic Finnish dish, Poronkäristys (sautéed reindeer) is thinly sliced reindeer meat, quickly fried and often served with mashed potatoes and lingonberry or cranberry sauce. It's a staple of Sami cuisine and widely enjoyed across Finland.
🧂 Ingredients
- 500 g Reindeer meat(thinly sliced, preferably from the leg or loin)
- 2 tbsp Butter
- 100 ml Water or beef broth
- 1 tsp Salt
- 0.5 tsp Black pepper
- 800 g Potatoes(for mashing)
- 100 ml Milk(for mashing)
- 50 g Butter(for mashing)
- to taste Cranberry sauce or lingonberry jam
👨🍳 Instructions
- 1
Prepare the mashed potatoes: Peel and boil the potatoes until tender. Drain and mash them with milk, butter, salt, and pepper until smooth and creamy.
- 2
Heat butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the thinly sliced reindeer meat and fry quickly for 2-3 minutes until browned on all sides. Do not overcrowd the pan; cook in batches if necessary.
- 3
Add water or beef broth to the skillet, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom. Simmer for about 5-7 minutes, or until the liquid has reduced slightly and the meat is tender.
- 4
Season the reindeer meat with salt and pepper to taste.
- 5
Serve the Poronkäristys immediately with the mashed potatoes and a side of cranberry or lingonberry sauce.
💡 Pro Tips
- ✓Using frozen meat makes it easier to slice thinly.
- ✓Fry the meat quickly to keep it tender; overcooking will make it tough.
- ✓The sauce is essential to cut through the richness of the meat.
- ✓Some variations include adding a touch of cream or a spoonful of flour to thicken the sauce.
✨ Twist Ideas
Inspiration for your own version of this recipe
- Serve with pickled cucumbers or other pickled vegetables.
- Add sautéed onions to the reindeer meat during the last few minutes of cooking.
- A dollop of sour cream can be added on top.