Finnish Style Mojakka Food

LIHAMOJAKKA, BEEF STEW - A FINNISH-AMERICAN RECIPE FOR ST. URHO'

Steps:

• Place meat and 6 cups water in large soup pot and bring to a fast simmer over medium-high heat. Maintain the simmer for about twenty minutes, skimming off all of the grey scum that rises to the surface (this will ensure that the broth of the completed stew is clear, a characteristic of good lihamojakka).
• When the scum has stopped forming, reduce heat to low. Stir in chopped onion and garlic, bay leaves, whole allspice, and peppercorns. Cover pot and allow to cook for 2 hours (Hint: You can tie the bay leaves, allspice, and peppercorns together in a cheesecloth packet for easy removal if you don't wish to serve them as part of the completed stew).
• After two hours, stir in the potatoes, carrots, celery, rutabaga, and salt.
• Replace lid and simmer on medium-low until vegetables are tender (about 30 minutes).
• Whisk together the flour and water and stir into the stew. Simmer for an additional 5 to 10 minutes, until the broth has thickened.
• Serve with rye or artisan bread.
• And NO Grasshoppers please!

FINNISH STYLE MOJAKKA

Steps:

• In a large pot over medium high heat, brown the meat on all sides in the butter. Add 4 cups of the water and bring to a boil. Add the onion, salt and ground black pepper. Reduce heat to low and simmer for one hour.
• Add the carrots, celery and potatoes and simmer for another 1 1/2 hours. Then combine the flour and remaining 1/2 cup water in a separate small bowl, forming a thin paste. Add this to the soup, stirring well; simmer for 15 more minutes.

FINNISH STYLE MOJAKKA

Steps:

• In a large pot over medium high heat, brown the meat on all sides in the butter or margarine.
• Add 4 cups of the water and bring to a boil.
• Add the onion, salt and ground black pepper. Reduce heat to low and simmer for one hour.
• Add the carrots, celery and potatoes and simmer for another 1 1/2 hours.
• Then combine the flour and remaining 1/2 cup water in a separate small bowl, forming a thin paste. Add this to the soup, stirring well and simmer for 15 more minutes.