Vorschmack (Finnish Ground Meat)

Ingredients

• 4 lb (1800 g) boned leg of lamb, cut into 1-inch (2.5 cm) cubes
• ½ lb (225 g) boned beef, diced
• 6 herring fillets in salt brine
• 1 can (2 ounces / 60 g) anchovies
• 5 medium onions, sliced
• Tomato paste
• 5 garlic cloves, pressed
• Water

Method

1. Let the herring fillets soak in cold water over night. Dry the fillets on paper towels.
2. Preheat the oven to 400°F (220°C). Arrange the meat and onion in a greased baking dish and roast on the medium shelf until golden brown (about 15–20 minutes).
3. Let the dish cool, and then grind the contents with the herring and anchovy using a meat grinder. In a large bowl, add some water to the mixture to give it the consistency of thick porridge. Season with white pepper and garlic.
4. Place the contents in a baking dish. Spread out some tomato paste over the surface of the mixture. Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 2 hours. Add water if the Vorschmack looks dry. If the consistency is too light, continue baking to evaporate excess water. The consistency should resemble thick hot porridge.
5. Serve hot with baked potatoes, smetana.