This Scandinavian reindeer stew is a beloved dish from the Nordic region, featuring tender reindeer meat, smoky bacon, earthy mushrooms, and a hint of sweet brown goat cheese. Served with mashed potatoes and lingonberry jam, it brings the authentic flavors of the Arctic straight to your table.
Why You’ll Love This Reindeer Stew Recipe
- Authentic Nordic flavors, combining rich, smoky, and slightly sweet notes
- Quick and easy to prepare, ready in under 45 minutes
- A hearty and warming meal, perfect for cold winter days
Ingredients (Serves 4)
- 400g shredded reindeer meat
- 150g bacon, diced
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 250g fresh mushrooms, quartered
- ½ teaspoon dried thyme
- 100ml water
- 300ml sour cream
- 100ml milk
- 5 juniper berries, crushed
- 3 slices ektegeitost (sweet brown goat cheese)
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Prepare the Ingredients
- Slightly thaw the reindeer meat to make it easier to sear.
- Quarter the mushrooms and dice the bacon into small pieces.
2. Sauté the Bacon and Mushrooms
- Heat one tablespoon of butter in a large pan over medium heat.
- Add the bacon and mushrooms, cooking until golden and slightly crispy.
- Transfer to a pot and set aside.
3. Brown the Reindeer Meat
- Heat another tablespoon of butter in the same pan over high heat.
- Sear the reindeer meat in batches, avoiding overcrowding, until browned.
- Transfer to the pot with the bacon and mushrooms.
4. Simmer the Stew
- Pour in 100ml of water and bring to a gentle boil.
- Reduce heat and let it simmer for 10 minutes.
5. Add the Creamy Base
- Stir in the sour cream, milk, and crushed juniper berries.
- Add the sweet brown goat cheese and dried thyme.
- Simmer for 5 more minutes, stirring occasionally until the cheese melts.
- Season with salt and black pepper to taste.
6. Serve and Garnish
- Garnish with fresh thyme.
- Serve with mashed potatoes and lingonberry jam on the side.
Tips for the Best Reindeer Stew
- If reindeer meat is unavailable, substitute with venison or lean beef.
- For a deeper flavor, let the stew simmer for an extra 10 minutes before serving.
- Serve with rustic bread or rye crisps for an authentic Scandinavian experience.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make this stew ahead of time?
Yes! This stew tastes even better the next day as the flavors develop. Store it in the fridge for up to 3 days.
What if I don’t have juniper berries?
You can substitute them with a dash of gin or a sprig of rosemary for a similar earthy flavor.
How do I make this dish more traditional?
Serve it with cloudberry jam or pickled vegetables alongside mashed potatoes.
Enjoy this traditional Nordic reindeer stew, a rich and satisfying dish inspired by the Arctic region.