Viking Stew
This Viking stew, made with meat, berries, mushrooms, plenty of fresh herbs, and root vegetables typically available to the Vikings, is a seemingly primitive dish with a remarkably sophisticated flavor. It works with any meat, so if you cannot hunt for wild boar, do not be dismayed—you can still make it!
Ingredients
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4 1/2 pounds boneless pork shoulder roast, cut into 2- to 3-inch chunks
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3 teaspoons kosher salt, or to taste
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1/4 cup honey
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1 cup fresh blackberries, or other fresh berries
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2 tablespoons lingonberry jam
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6 cups cold water
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3 cloves garlic, peeled
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1 teaspoon dried thyme
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1 teaspoon ground coriander
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1 yellow onion, cut into large dice
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2 leeks, washed thoroughly, cut into 1-inch pieces
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10 large brown mushrooms, halved
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1 small green cabbage, cut into 1-inch pieces
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3 large carrots, peeled and cut into 2-inch pieces
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2 fennel bulbs, halved and cut into 1/4-inch strips
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1/4 cup torn cilantro leaves
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1/4 cup chopped fresh dill
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2 tablespoons fresh thyme leaves
Description
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Add pork to a large soup pot or Dutch oven. Add salt, honey, berries, lingonberry jam, and cold water, and turn the heat to high.
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While stew is coming to a boil, add garlic, dry thyme, and ground coriander. When mixture comes to a rolling boil, reduce heat to low, and simmer gently for 45 minutes, stirring occasionally.
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Stir in onion, leeks, and mushrooms, and simmer until meat is almost, but not quite fork tender, about 45 minutes more.
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Stir in cabbage, carrots, and fennel; continue to simmer until vegetables and meat are very tender, about 30 minutes.
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Season to taste with salt. Serve with fresh herbs scattered over the top.