Karelian hot pot or karjalan paisti in finnish is a traditional meat stew from the region of karelia (now split between finland and russia). Its commonly made with a combination of pork and beef but other proteins, like lamb, can be used. Finnish hot pot is typically seasoned with black peppercorns, allspice, and bay leaves. Hot pots or hotchpotch, as they are also known, exist in every cuisine. These rich, vegetable-meat stews can include whatever is on hand, thus a hodgepodge. Some cultures use organ meats, pig ears and feet, and oysters. In the karelian region it is traditionally served at family gatherings during easter. This finnish stew is braised in a slow cooker so once everything is chopped its a real hands-off recipe. Serve karelian hot pot, as the finns do, with mashed potatoes and cranberry or lingonberry preserves on the side.
