Scandinavian Beef Stew Food

LABSKOVS

Steps:

• Cut the steak into 2-cm / ¾-in cubes. Heat 1 Tbsp of the butter in a large saucepan, add the steak and brown lightly, then add the water and bring gradually to a boil, skimming off any froth from the surface.
• Add the onions, bay leaves, thyme sprigs, cloves, peppercorns, and salt and let it simmer for 1 hour.
• While it is simmering, peel the potatoes and cut into 2-cm / ¾-in cubes. Add to the meat and let it simmer for another hour, or until the meat is very tender and falls apart easily.
• Drain off any excess water then stir in the remaining 2 Tbsp butter. Use a balloon whisk to mix the potatoes and meat together into a mash, with the stew remaining lumpy.
• Serve sprinkled with chopped chives, with the pickled beetroot and slices of rye bread alongside it.

SCANDINAVIAN HASH (BIKSEMAD)

Steps:

• Melt the 1/2 the butter in a skillet.
• Add the onions and saute until golden.
• remove from pan and keep warm.
• Put the remaining butter in the skillet and saute the potatoes until they are turning brown.
• Add meat and cook for 2-3 minutes.
• Add the onions and cook until all is heated through.
• Traditionally, you put a lightly fried egg on top of the hash, but while this isn't necessary for the dish it IS a delicious addition.

KALOPS (SWEDISH BEEF STEW)

Steps:

• Combine flour, salt and pepper in a bowl.
• Toss beef cubes in the flour mixture to coat.
• In a large dutch oven, cook the butter until just starting to brown.
• Add the meat and onions, and cook, stirring occasionally, until the meat is browned on all sides.
• Add the bay leaves and allspice.
• Boil the water in a separate pan, then pour over the meat.
• Simmer, covered, for 1 1/2 hours, or until the meat is tender. Check the water level occasionally, and add more if needed.
• When meat is tender, remove to a serving dish.

NORWEGIAN BEEF STEW (LAPSKAUS)

Steps:

• Dice the beef, cover with water, and simmer for one hour.
• Separately, wash and peel the vegetables and potatoes, and cut them into bite-size cubes.
• Bring the beef broth to a boil. Add the carrots and the rutabaga, and cook for 15 minutes.
• Then add potatoes, and cook another 15 minutes.
• Add the meat and onion, and season to taster with salt and pepper.
• Continue to cook until the stew thickens and the meat, vegetables and potatoes ae all tender (but not mushy).
• Stir occasionally while cooking, being careful not to let them burn.