Käristettä

Käristettä is a Finnish term that refers to a specific type of dish made from thinly sliced or minced meat, often reindeer or other game, that is fried or pan-seared. The name itself, käristettä, derives from the Finnish verb "käristää," which means to scorch or char, suggesting the cooking method where the meat is cooked at high heat until slightly browned or caramelized.

Traditionally, käristettä is prepared by taking a piece of meat, typically from a reindeer's leg or flank, and slicing it very thinly against the grain. Alternatively, it can be minced. This thinly sliced meat is then cooked in a hot pan, often with butter or rendered fat, until it develops a crispy texture and a rich, savory flavor.

Käristettä is a staple in Sami cuisine and is often served with mashed potatoes (perunamuusi) and lingonberry jam (puolukkahillo). The contrast between the savory, crispy meat, the creamy potatoes, and the tartness of the lingonberries is a classic combination. It can also be accompanied by pickled cucumbers or other accompaniments. The simplicity of its preparation and the focus on the quality of the meat are key characteristics of this traditional Finnish dish. While reindeer is the most common meat used, other game meats can also be prepared in a similar fashion.