Sailors Beef Casserole Merimiespihvi Finnish Recipes

SAILOR'S BEEF CASSEROLE (MERIMIESPIHVI) - FINNISH

Steps:

• Preheat oven to 350.
• Cut the meat into slices across the grain. In a hot skillet, brown them quickly on both sides using only half the butter or oil. Remove to a plate.
• Lower the heat and cook the onions slowly in the rest of the butter until they are soft and golden. If they become browned, they'll be a completely different taste than when they're golden.
• Peel and slice the potatoes as thinly as possible.
• In a 1 quart casserole dish, layer the potatoes with the browned meat and onions, sprinkling each meat layer with a litle of the salt, pepper and allspice. I started with a layer of potatoes, meat, onions, spice. Repeated two more times for a total of three layers, but make the last layer one of potatoes.
• Rinse the skillet with the beer and the broth. Pour into the casserole. Add the bay leaf.
• Cover tightly, but no need for foil under the lid. Bake for 2 hours, or until the meat is tender and potatoes are soft.
• Sprinkle with parsley and serve. Traditionally served with pickled beets.

SAILOR'S STEW

Steps:

• Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C). Place meat in a plastic bag with the flour. Toss to coat evenly.
• Heat oil in a heavy skillet over medium-high heat. Remove beef cubes from the bag, and shake off excess flour. Brown beef cubes on all sides, and remove to paper towels to drain.
• Place potatoes on the bottom of a 3 quart casserole dish or Dutch oven. Place the beef cubes over the potatoes, then cover with onions, carrots and mushrooms. Pour in the beer, beef broth, and soy sauce. Toss in the peppercorns.
• Bake uncovered for 2 hours in the preheated oven, or until meat is very tender.