Entree: Finland – Lapland – Savuporokeitto (Creamy smoked reindeer soup with potatoes and root vegetables)

Food safety reminder: Follow safe food-handling practices and use a food thermometer to verify safe internal cooking temperatures.

Serving Size: 4

Approximate Time

Prep 10 min

Cook 25 min

Total 35 min

Ingredients

- 2 tbsp (30 ml) butter
- 1 medium yellow onion, finely chopped
- 1 medium carrot, diced
- 2 stalks celery, diced
- 1 lb (450 g) smoked reindeer meat, diced
- 3 medium potatoes, peeled and cut into 1/2-inch (1.3 cm) cubes
- 6 cups (1.4 L) beef or game stock
- 1 bay leaf
- 4 whole allspice berries
- 1 cup (240 ml) heavy cream
- 1 tbsp (15 ml) lemon juice
- Salt to taste
- Freshly ground black pepper to taste
- 2 tbsp (8 g) fresh dill, chopped

Instructions

1. Melt butter in a large pot over medium heat. Add the onion, carrot, and celery and cook until softened, about 6–8 minutes.
2. Add the diced smoked reindeer and stir just to warm through and pick up aromatics, about 2–3 minutes.
3. Add the potatoes, stock, bay leaf, and allspice. Bring to a simmer, reduce heat to low, and cook until potatoes are tender, about 15–20 minutes.
4. Remove and discard the bay leaf and allspice. Stir in the cream and lemon juice, warm gently without boiling, and season with salt and pepper to taste.
5. Finish with chopped dill, adjust seasoning, and serve hot.