Authentic Greenlandic Suaasat Recipe

Ilinka Anderson
Tangled Tales
Published in
2 min readMay 8, 2024

Traditional Seal Meat Soup

Introduction: Greenland, known for its stunning landscapes and unique culinary traditions, boasts a national dish called “Suaasat.” This hearty soup is a staple in Greenlandic cuisine, traditionally made with seal meat and local ingredients. In this article, we’ll explore the recipe for Suaasat, highlighting its cultural significance and offering insights into Greenland’s traditional gastronomy.

Ingredients:

  • 500 g seal meat (substitute with venison or reindeer if seal meat is unavailable)
  • 1 large onion, chopped
  • 2 carrots, diced
  • 2 potatoes, diced
  • 1 small celeriac (celery root), diced
  • 1 liter bone broth (chicken or beef broth can be used)
  • Salt and pepper, to taste
  • Vinegar (optional, for additional flavor)

Instructions:

Start by preparing the seal meat. If using fresh seal meat, rinse it thoroughly and cut it into medium-sized cubes.

Heat a little oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and sauté until translucent.

Add the seal meat to the pot and lightly brown it on all sides to enhance its flavor.

Once the seal meat is lightly browned, pour in the bone broth. Allow the mixture to come to a boil and then reduce the heat.

Add the diced carrots, potatoes, and celeriac to the pot. Cover with a lid and simmer the soup over low heat until the vegetables are tender and the meat is cooked through, approximately 45–60 minutes.

Taste the soup and season with salt and pepper according to your preference. For added depth of flavor, you can also stir in a splash of vinegar.

Serve the Suaasat hot, ideally accompanied by freshly baked rye bread or biscuits. Enjoy!

Conclusion: Suaasat encapsulates the essence of Greenlandic cuisine, showcasing the use of local ingredients and traditional cooking methods. This authentic seal meat soup reflects Greenland’s cultural heritage and the resourcefulness of its people in utilizing ingredients from the Arctic environment. Whether prepared with seal meat or other game meats, Suaasat remains a beloved dish that connects Greenlanders to their culinary roots. Experience a taste of Greenland’s rich traditions with this comforting and nourishing Suaasat recipe.

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Ilinka Anderson
Tangled Tales

Ilinka Anderson: Passionate writer, avid explorer, inviting you to a blog where words dance and stories unfold in uncharted realms.