Finnish Rye and Reindeer Dumplings with Mushroom Gravy
Hearty dumplings made with rye flour and filled with savory ground reindeer, served in a rich, earthy mushroom gravy. A true taste of Lapland.
🧂 Ingredients
- 300 g Ground reindeer
- 1/2 medium Onion(finely chopped)
- 1 clove Garlic(minced)
- 1 tsp Fresh thyme(chopped)
- 1 tsp Salt
- 1/2 tsp Black pepper(freshly ground)
- 1.5 cups Rye flour
- 1/2 cup All-purpose flour
- 1 tsp Baking powder
- 3 tbsp Butter(melted)
- 1/2 cup Milk(plus more if needed)
- 250 g Mixed mushrooms(sliced (e.g., chanterelles, porcini))
- 2 tbsp Butter(for gravy)
- 2 tbsp All-purpose flour(for gravy)
- 1.5 cups Beef or vegetable broth
- 1/4 cup Heavy cream(optional)
👨🍳 Instructions
- 1
For the filling: In a bowl, combine ground reindeer, chopped onion, minced garlic, thyme, salt, and pepper. Mix well.
- 2
For the dumpling dough: In a separate bowl, whisk together rye flour, all-purpose flour, and baking powder.
- 3
Add the melted butter and milk to the dry ingredients, mixing until a soft dough forms. Add a little more milk if necessary, but avoid overmixing.
- 4
Turn the dough onto a lightly floured surface and gently knead a few times. Roll out the dough to about 1/4 inch thickness.
- 5
Cut the dough into 3-inch squares. Place a tablespoon of the reindeer filling in the center of each square.
- 6
Fold the dough over the filling to create a half-moon shape or gather the edges to form a pouch. Pinch firmly to seal.
- 7
Bring a large pot of lightly salted water to a boil. Gently add the dumplings, ensuring not to overcrowd the pot. Cook in batches if necessary.
- 8
Reduce heat to a simmer, cover, and cook for 15-20 minutes, or until the dumplings are cooked through and float to the surface.
- 9
While the dumplings cook, prepare the mushroom gravy. Melt 2 tbsp butter in a skillet over medium heat. Add the sliced mushrooms and cook until browned and tender.
- 10
Sprinkle the flour over the mushrooms and cook for 1 minute, stirring constantly.
- 11
Gradually whisk in the broth until smooth. Bring to a simmer and cook until the gravy thickens. Stir in heavy cream (if using), salt, and pepper to taste.
- 12
Serve the cooked rye and reindeer dumplings hot, generously topped with the mushroom gravy.
💡 Pro Tips
- ✓Ensure the reindeer meat is lean; if it's too fatty, the filling might be greasy.
- ✓Rye flour can be denser, so be careful not to make the dough too stiff.
- ✓Use a variety of mushrooms for a more complex flavor in the gravy.
- ✓Make sure to seal the dumplings tightly to prevent the filling from escaping during cooking.
✨ Twist Ideas
Inspiration for your own version of this recipe
- Add finely chopped lingonberries to the reindeer filling for a touch of tartness.
- For a richer gravy, use a combination of beef and mushroom broth.
- Serve with a side of lingonberry jam.