Seal Stew (Quallunaatitut)

realbirdlady's Note:

Inuit live in the Artic regions of Alaska, Canada and Greenland. Traditionally their diet was very high in fat and protein, consisting almost entirely of fish, marine mammals, and large land animals such as polar bear and caribou. In recent times, changes to more sedentary lifestyles and higher consumption of processed grains and sugars have resulted in a very high rate of diabetes among the Inuit. Inuit Healthy Living Cookbook includes adaptation of traditional dishes to modern lifestyles.

• Total Time: 55 mins
• Prep Time: 20 mins
• Cook Time: 35 mins

Ingredients:

Servings: 8

• 2 lbs seal meat , with fat, cut into small pieces (4 cups)
• 6 potatoes , with peel, chopped
• 1 turnip , chopped
• 3 carrots , chopped
• 3 parsnips , chopped
• 1 onion , chopped
• ¼ cup ketchup (optional)

Directions:

1. In a saucepan over medium-high heat, cook the oil out of a few fatty pieces of seal.
2. Add meat and onion. Cook, stirring, until the surfaces of the meat are done.
3. In layers, add carrots, then turnips, potatoes, and finally parsnips. Add water to cover, bring to a boil, then reduce heat to maintain a simmer.
4. Cook about 35 minutes, or until vegetables are tender. Stir in ketchip if desired.