"Sæl" Suaasat: Greenlandic Meat & Barley Stew
Adapted from a recipe by The Food Dictator.1
Food is the central focus of Greenlandic culture. Society is organized around the hunting, gathering, preparing and sharing of local foods, and this dish is no exception. Suaasat is the national dish of Greenland, and is often made with seal, reindeer or musk ox that has been caught or raised by the community.2 Because these ingredients are almost exclusively found in Greenland, Greenlanders lose an intrinsic part of their culture when they emigrate to a new location, depriving themselves of not only their essential ingredients but also a cultural element that is deeply rooted in local food.
Even within Greenland, locals have been heavily influenced by foreign food. Many common dishes are originally Danish, and there has been a marked increase in imported, pre-packaged foods being consumed, especially among younger generations of Greenlanders.3
Even within Greenland, locals have been heavily influenced by foreign food. Many common dishes are originally Danish, and there has been a marked increase in imported, pre-packaged foods being consumed, especially among younger generations of Greenlanders.3
Ingredients:
2 pounds of meat (seal or reindeer, or, if you don't live in Greenland; lamb, beef, or venison), cut into small chunks 8 ½ cups of water Scant cup of barley 2 large yellow onions, diced 1 large handful of white birch mushrooms 1 cup carrots, shredded 1 pound gemstone potatoes, quartered 1 large bay leaf 1 tsp fresh rosemary leaves, chopped 1 tsp fresh thyme, chopped 1 tsp fresh sage, chopped 1 tsp ground juniper berries Salt and pepper, to taste |
Directions:
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Non-Slideshow Directions:
1. Soak the barley in water overnight. 2. Chop and prepare all vegetables and meat. 3. In a large pot, add the meat (as is), the vegetables, and the mushrooms into the water. 4. Add in the salt and pepper, to taste, as well as the spices. 5. Simmer all ingredients over medium heat until tender, approximately an hour. 6. Add the barley, and simmer for another 15-30 minutes until thickened. 7. Spoon into bowls. Enjoy! |