This Laponian-inspired burger combines the authentic flavors of Poronkäristys, the traditional reindeer stew, with refined ingredients like Rieska flatbread, cranberry jam, and pickled carrots and turnips for a sweet and tangy contrast.

Ingredients:

For the Laponian Buns (Rieska):

• 300 g of barley flour (or wheat flour)
• 200 g of potatoes (boiled and mashed)
• 1 teaspoon of salt
• 1 tablespoon of baking powder
• 2 tablespoons of melted butter
• 150 ml of milk (adjust according to dough consistency)

For the Poronkäristys:

• 600 g of reindeer meat (cut into small pieces; shoulder, back, or thigh)
• 50 g of butter
• 40 cl of water
• 2 teaspoons of salt
• Pepper (optional)
• 1 tablespoon of cooking oil

For the Garnishes:

• Crispy Potato (thinly sliced potatoes, sautéed in a pan until crispy)
• Cranberry Jam (homemade or store-bought)
• Pickled Carrots and Turnips (marinated in vinegar, sugar, and spices)

Preparation:

1. Prepare the Laponian Buns (Rieska):

1. Boil the potatoes and mash them finely.
2. In a large bowl, mix the flour, baking powder, and salt. Add the mashed potatoes, melted butter, and milk gradually. Knead until you get a smooth dough.
3. Shape the dough into flat discs about 1 cm thick. Cook them in a lightly greased pan or in the oven at 200°C for about 20 to 25 minutes until golden and fully cooked.

2. Prepare the Poronkäristys:

1. Melt 25 g of butter in a large skillet and heat the cooking oil.
2. Add the reindeer meat in batches to avoid cooling the skillet. Sauté over high heat until well-browned.
3. Add the water, salt, and pepper. Bring to a boil, then reduce the heat. Cover and let it simmer on low heat for 1 to 2 hours, until the meat is tender. Add more water as necessary during the cooking process.

3. Prepare the Garnishes:

1. Crispy Potato: Fry thin slices of potato in a pan with a bit of butter or oil until golden and crispy.
2. Cranberry Jam: If making homemade jam, cook the cranberries with some sugar until it thickens.
3. Pickled Carrots and Turnips: Mix sliced carrots and turnips in a mixture of vinegar, sugar, salt, and spices like mustard seeds and juniper berries. Let them marinate for a few hours or overnight.

4. Assemble the Laponian Burger:

1. Cut the Laponian buns in half and toast them lightly, if desired.
2. Spread some cranberry jam on the bottom half of the bun.
3. Add a generous portion of Poronkäristys.
4. Place a few slices of crispy potato on top of the meat.
5. Add the pickled carrots and turnips for a tangy, crunchy touch.
6. Top the burger with the other half of the bun.

Serving:

Serve these burgers with a fresh salad or seasonal vegetables. The contrast between the richness of the reindeer stew, the sweetness of the cranberry jam, and the tangy crunch of the pickled vegetables will delight your guests. Pair with a local beer or berry juice to complete this Laponian culinary experience.

Enjoy!