Finnish Pork and Barley Stew with Root Vegetables
A hearty and comforting stew featuring tender pork, chewy pearl barley, and a medley of root vegetables, simmered in a savory broth. This dish embodies the rustic, warming flavors of Finnish home cooking.
🧂 Ingredients
- 700 g Pork shoulder(cut into 2.5 cm cubes)
- 150 g Pearl barley(rinsed)
- 2 medium Yellow onion(chopped)
- 3 medium Carrots(peeled and diced)
- 2 medium Parsnips(peeled and diced)
- 1 small Rutabaga (swede)(peeled and diced)
- 3 cloves Garlic(minced)
- 1.5 l Beef or vegetable broth
- 2 Bay leaves
- 1 tsp Dried thyme
- to taste Salt
- to taste Black pepper
- 2 tbsp Butter or oil(for sautéing)
- for garnish Fresh parsley(chopped)
👨🍳 Instructions
- 1
In a large, heavy-bottomed pot or Dutch oven, heat butter or oil over medium-high heat. Brown the pork cubes in batches until golden on all sides. Remove pork and set aside.
- 2
Add the chopped onion to the pot and sauté until softened, about 5 minutes. Add the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.
- 3
Return the pork to the pot. Add the diced carrots, parsnips, and rutabaga. Stir to combine.
💡 Tip: Ensure vegetables are roughly the same size for even cooking. - 4
Pour in the broth, ensuring it covers the meat and vegetables. Add the rinsed pearl barley, bay leaves, and thyme. Bring to a boil.
💡 Tip: If broth doesn't fully cover ingredients, add a little more water or broth. - 5
Reduce heat to low, cover the pot, and simmer for at least 1 hour and 15 minutes, or until the pork is tender and the barley is cooked through. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.
💡 Tip: The longer it simmers, the more the flavors will meld. - 6
Remove the bay leaves. Season the stew with salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste. If the stew is too thin, you can simmer it uncovered for a few more minutes to thicken.
💡 Tip: Taste and adjust seasoning before serving. - 7
Ladle the stew into bowls and garnish with fresh chopped parsley.
💡 Tip: Serve hot with crusty rye bread.
💡 Pro Tips
- ✓For a richer flavor, you can use a combination of pork and beef.
- ✓If you don't have pearl barley, you can use regular barley, but it may require a slightly longer cooking time.
- ✓Root vegetables can be varied based on seasonality and preference; potatoes can also be added.
🔄 Variations
- Add a splash of dark beer (like a porter) to the broth for a deeper flavor.
- Stir in a tablespoon of Dijon mustard at the end for a tangy note.
- For a vegetarian version, omit the pork and use vegetable broth, adding more root vegetables and perhaps some firm tofu or lentils.