Difficulty: Medium | Serves: 4
Immerse yourself in the heart of the Arctic with this Bidos recipe, a traditional stew made by the Sami people, Indigenous to the Sápmi region (spanning northern Norway, Sweden, Finland, and parts of Russia). Made with tender cuts of reindeer meat, root vegetables, and a clear, savory broth, Bidos is a soul-warming dish often served during festivals, family gatherings, and sacred ceremonies.
📜 Cultural Roots of Bidos
“Bidos is more than stew—it’s tradition simmered in snow and spirit.”
The Sami people are one of Europe’s oldest Indigenous cultures, known for their close connection to the reindeer herding lifestyle. Bidos is traditionally prepared over an open fire in a goahti (Sami tent), using only a handful of ingredients—letting the quality of the meat and seasonal vegetables shine.
It is often served during weddings, community gatherings, and festivals like Sami National Day. The dish embodies resourcefulness, reverence for animals, and the comfort of shared meals in harsh, beautiful landscapes.
Ingredients for Traditional Bidos (Sami Reindeer Stew)
☑️ 1 lb (450g) reindeer meat, sliced thin (or substitute with venison or beef)
☑️ 4 cups water or light game broth
☑️ 2 large potatoes, peeled and cubed
☑️ 2 carrots, sliced
☑️ 1 small onion, chopped
☑️ 2 tbsp butter or reindeer fat
☑️ Salt and black pepper to taste
☑️ Optional: a few sprigs of fresh thyme or juniper berries
👩🍳 How to Make Bidos
🔥 Step 1: Brown the Meat
1️⃣ In a pot, melt butter and lightly brown the reindeer meat.
2️⃣ Add chopped onion and sauté until translucent.
🥕 Step 2: Add Vegetables and Simmer
1️⃣ Add potatoes, carrots, water or broth, and salt.
2️⃣ Bring to a gentle boil, then reduce to simmer for 1 to 1.5 hours, or until meat is tender and broth is flavorful.
🌿 Step 3: Season and Serve
1️⃣ Add black pepper to taste and optional herbs or berries.
2️⃣ Serve hot, ideally with traditional flatbread (gáhkku) or rye bread.
💖 Why You’ll Love Bidos
☑️ A warm, nourishing stew with few, wholesome ingredients
☑️ Naturally gluten-free and dairy-optional
☑️ A culinary window into Sami culture and Arctic resilience
☑️ Comforting, clear broth perfect for cold weather
“Each bowl of Bidos holds stories of snow, fire, family, and the reindeer’s gift.”
🌍 Craving More Extreme Culinary Adventures? If you’re fascinated by rare and ancient food traditions, explore our guide to Truffle Honey Glazed Duck Breast You Need to Try! with Indigenous Roots for the Adventurous Food Lover.
Discover rare culinary experiences at Good Food and More—where every recipe is a journey through heritage, craftsmanship, and unforgettable flavors.
