Reindeer strips with mashed potatoes from Finland

Ingredients for 4 servings:

• 1 kg meat (reindeer strips)
• 2 onions
• 1 clove(s) garlic
• butter
• 100 ml beer, dark
• 1 ½ tsp salt
• 700 g potatoes, preferably small new potatoes
• 200 ml milk
• 1 tsp salt
• Cranberry jam or fresh cranberries

Instructions

Working time approx. 30 minutes; Cooking/baking time approx. 3 hours; Total time approx. 3 hours 30 minutes

Poonkaristys and perunamuusi

Finely chop the onions and garlic and sauté in butter until golden. Depending on the size of the frying pan, fry the strips in batches or all at once. Transfer everything to a pot or similar (which can be covered and placed in the oven), add beer and salt. Place the pot in the oven for 2-3 hours at 125°C (250°F) to allow the meat to soften. Meanwhile, boil the potatoes and then mash them with milk and salt. To serve, form a nest out of the mashed potatoes, and place the strips in the center. Garnish with lingonberry jam and a dollop of butter. The given recipe is the “basic” version of reindeer strips, as served in any restaurant in Finland. My tip: – If possible, use small new potatoes, cook them unpeeled, and mash them with butter on the plate. – It’s even more delicious with fresh lingonberries instead of jam, sweetened with a little sugar to taste. – If you don’t like it too meaty, you can add more sauce and vegetables (e.g., carrots). – You can also prepare the dish with other game meat if you can’t find reindeer meat.