Difficulty: Medium | Serves: 4
Warm, wild, and deeply nourishing, Caribou Stew, known as Pattiruq in Inuktitut, is a traditional Inuit dish made with hunted caribou, root vegetables, and clean Arctic water. This hearty stew reflects the ingenuity and sustainability of Inuit cooking, built around what the land provides—with minimal waste, maximum nourishment, and deep cultural meaning. More than just a meal, it’s a connection to survival, ceremony, and family.
📜 The Significance of Caribou
“To eat caribou is to eat with respect—for the land, the hunt, and the ancestors.”
Caribou has been a vital food source for Arctic Indigenous peoples for millennia, used nose-to-tail for food, tools, and clothing. Traditionally shared during winter and community gatherings, the meat is prized for its richness and stamina-giving properties.
Inuit cooks prepare the stew simply, letting the clean flavor of wild meat and local roots shine.
Ingredients for Caribou Stew (Pattiruq)
☑️ 1½ lbs caribou meat, cubed (or substitute venison)
☑️ 1 tbsp animal fat, seal oil, or vegetable oil
☑️ 1 onion, chopped
☑️ 2 carrots, peeled and sliced
☑️ 2 potatoes, diced
☑️ 1 turnip or rutabaga, peeled and cubed
☑️ 4–5 cups water or unsalted broth
☑️ Salt and black pepper to taste
☑️ Optional: a few juniper berries or wild herbs
👩🍳 How to Make Caribou Stew
🔥 Step 1: Brown the Meat
1️⃣ In a pot, heat oil over medium-high. Add caribou and brown on all sides. Remove and set aside.
🥣 Step 2: Build the Base
1️⃣ In the same pot, add onions and cook until translucent.
2️⃣ Return the meat and add root vegetables.
💧 Step 3: Simmer Slowly
1️⃣ Add water or broth. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and cover.
2️⃣ Simmer for 1½ to 2 hours, until meat is tender and stew is rich.
3️⃣ Season to taste and serve hot.
💖 Why You’ll Love Caribou Stew (Pattiruq)
☑️ High-protein, wild-harvested meat with deep flavor
☑️ Clean, nutrient-dense ingredients tied to the land
☑️ Comforting, one-pot cooking with cultural heritage
☑️ A unique culinary experience rooted in Arctic survival
“Pattiruq is a bowlful of Arctic memory—seasoned with stories, silence, and snow.”
🌍 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.
