Finnish Rye and Pork Stew with Prunes (Ruispossu-luumupata)
A rustic and flavorful stew combining tender pork with the chewy sweetness of prunes and the hearty texture of rye berries. This dish is a comforting taste of traditional Finnish home cooking.
🧂 Ingredients
- 600 g Pork shoulder(cut into 2-3 cm cubes)
- 150 g Rye berries(rinsed)
- 150 g Prunes(pitted)
- 2 medium Onion(chopped)
- 2 medium Carrots(peeled and sliced)
- 750 ml Beef or vegetable broth
- 1 Bay leaf
- 3 Allspice berries
- 2 tbsp Butter or oil
- 1 tsp Salt
- 0.5 tsp Black pepper(freshly ground)
- 2 tbsp Fresh dill or parsley(chopped, for garnish)
👨🍳 Instructions
- 1
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.
- 2
Add the chopped onions and sliced carrots to the pot. Sauté until softened, about 5-7 minutes.
- 3
Return the pork to the pot. Add the rinsed rye berries, prunes, beef or vegetable broth, bay leaf, and allspice berries.
- 4
Bring the stew to a boil, then reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for at least 1 hour and 15 minutes, or until the pork is tender and the rye berries are cooked through.
- 5
Stir in salt and pepper. Cook for another 5-10 minutes to allow flavors to meld.
- 6
Remove the bay leaf and allspice berries before serving. Garnish with fresh dill or parsley.
💡 Pro Tips
- ✓Soaking the rye berries overnight can reduce cooking time.
- ✓For a thicker stew, you can mash some of the cooked carrots against the side of the pot.
- ✓This stew benefits from being made ahead, as flavors deepen overnight.
🔄 Variations
- Add a tablespoon of dark rye flour or a splash of dark beer for a richer sauce.
- Include other root vegetables like parsnips or celery root.
- For a touch of sweetness, add a spoonful of lingonberry jam towards the end of cooking.