Far I Kal (Farikal) - Norwegian Lamb and Cabbage Casserole

Far I Kal (Farikal) - Norwegian Lamb and Cabbage Casserole

If you ever happen to visit Norway, specially the southern Norway, the lady of the house is sure to offer you a warm bowl full of Farikal, a simple Casserole Stew made out of Lamb, Cabbage and Peppers. This is generally served along with loads of Mashed buttery potatoes and freshly baked breads. This dish is very easy to prepare and is extremely healthy as it contains no Oil or spices except peppers and often it is sprinkled with  fresh parsley before serving. This dish is so healthy that you can give it to any person who is unwell. It works wonders and at the same time it is an ultimate comfort food. So you can try this at home, specially during winters and enjoy it with your family.

Preparation Time : 10 minutes
Cooking Time      :  1 hour - 1 1/2 hour
Difficulty              :  Very Easy
Serves                  :  4

Ingredients :

• 250 grams sliced Lamb Meat
• 1 head Cabbage, cored and sliced
• 2 cups Water
• 1 1/2 tablespoons Whole Black Peppercorns (I sometimes mix green, red and Black, while cooking this dish, they look wonderful)
• Salt to taste
• Chopped Parsley to serve (optional)

 

Method :

  1) Wash clean and drain the lamb pieces and set them aside.

 

  2) Core and make big slices of a fresh Cabbage head. If the outer leaves  seem little old, discard them and use the rest.

 

  3) Arrange a layer of sliced lamb in the bottom of a Non stick soup pot.

 

  4) Top with a layer of cabbage. Repeat layering as many times as you can.

 

  5) While laying the layers sprinkle a few pepper corns in between the layers and  save some. Place the extra ones in the center of the casserole.

 

  6) Pour the water over all. Add salt and cover with a lid.

 

  7) Bring to a boil, then simmer over low heat for 1 hour. Check if the meat is completely soft, (if it falls apart with a twig of a fork, it is done) Then check the seasoning and adjust if required. In case the meat needs little more time, allow it to be on low heat for some more time.

 

  8) While the Dish is getting ready Boil and Mash potatoes and lace them with melted butter and toast some fresh bread to serve with Farikal.

 

  9)  Serve Farikal hot sprinkled with fresh parsley.