Indulge your taste buds in the exquisite flavors of Finland with our Aland Raparperipiirakka, a delectable rhubarb pie that captures the essence of Nordic culinary traditions. Originating from the Åland Islands, this delightful dessert seamlessly combines the tartness of fresh rhubarb with a buttery, flaky crust, creating a perfect harmony of sweet and sour notes. Join us on a culinary journey as we unveil the secrets behind crafting this classic Finnish treat that promises to elevate your dessert experience to new heights. Let the aroma of baking fill your kitchen and the taste of Aland Raparperipiirakka transport you to the picturesque landscapes of the Åland archipelago.

Here's a simple recipe for making Raparperipiirakka, a delicious Finnish Rhubarb Pie:

Ingredients:

For the Crust:

• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1/2 cup unsalted butter, cold and cubed
• 1/4 cup granulated sugar
• 1/4 cup ice water

For the Filling:

• 4 cups fresh rhubarb, washed and chopped into 1-inch pieces
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• 1/4 cup cornstarch
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• Zest of one lemon
• A pinch of salt

For Topping:

2 tablespoons granulated sugar (for sprinkling)

Instructions:

Prepare the Crust:

1-In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour and sugar.

2-Add the cold, cubed butter to the flour mixture.

3-Using a pastry cutter or your fingers, work the butter into the flour until it resembles coarse crumbs.

4-Gradually add ice water, one tablespoon at a time, and mix until the dough comes together.

5-Form the dough into a ball, wrap it in plastic wrap, and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes.

Preheat the Oven:Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).

Roll Out the Dough:On a floured surface, roll out the chilled dough into a circle large enough to fit your pie dish.

Prepare the Filling:In a large bowl, combine the chopped rhubarb, sugar, cornstarch, vanilla extract, lemon zest, and a pinch of salt. Toss until the rhubarb is well coated.

Assemble the Pie:

1-Place the rolled-out dough into a greased pie dish.

2-Pour the rhubarb filling into the crust, spreading it evenly.

Create the Top Crust:If desired, you can create a lattice or cover the pie with another layer of rolled-out dough. Seal the edges and trim any excess dough.

Bake:

1-Sprinkle the top of the pie with 2 tablespoons of granulated sugar for a sweet crust.

2-Bake in the preheated oven for about 45-50 minutes or until the crust is golden brown, and the filling is bubbling.

Cool and Serve:

1-Allow the pie to cool for at least 30 minutes before slicing.

2-Serve warm or at room temperature, optionally with a scoop of vanilla ice cream.

Enjoy your homemade Raparperipiirakka – a perfect summer dessert with the delightful flavors of fresh rhubarb!

Nutritional Values

It's important to note that nutritional values can vary based on specific brands and product variations. However, here's a general approximation of the nutritional values for the listed ingredients:

Nutritional Values (Approximate) per Serving:

For the Crust:

2 cups all-purpose flour:

• 800 calories
• 2g fat
• 160g carbohydrates
• 24g protein
• 4g fiber

benefits:

• Source of carbohydrates for energy.
• Contains small amounts of protein and essential nutrients like iron and B vitamins.

1/2 cup unsalted butter:

• 800 calories
• 88g fat
• 0g carbohydrates
• 1g protein
• 0g fiber

benefits:

• Rich in saturated fats which provide a source of long-lasting energy.
• Contains vitamins A and E.

1/4 cup granulated sugar:

• 200 calories
• 0g fat
• 50g carbohydrates
• 0g protein
• 0g fiber

benefits:

• Provides sweetness and enhances flavor.
• Quick source of energy.

1/4 cup ice water:

• 0 calories
• 0g fat
• 0g carbohydrates
• 0g protein
• 0g fiber

benefits:

• Necessary for forming the dough.
• Hydration.

For the Filling:

4 cups fresh rhubarb:

• 112 calories
• 1g fat
• 26g carbohydrates
• 3g protein
• 9g fiber

benefits:

• Low in calories and high in fiber.
• Contains vitamin K, vitamin C, and various minerals.

1 cup granulated sugar:

• 800 calories
• 0g fat
• 200g carbohydrates
• 0g protein
• 0g fiber

benefits:

• Sweetens the filling.
• Quick source of energy.

1/4 cup cornstarch:

• 100 calories
• 0g fat
• 25g carbohydrates
• 0g protein
• 0g fiber

benefits:

• Thickens the filling.
• Gluten-free alternative to flour for thickening.

1 teaspoon vanilla extract:

• 12 calories
• 0g fat
• 0g carbohydrates
• 0g protein
• 0g fiber

benefits:

• Enhances flavor.
• Contains antioxidants.

Zest of one lemon:

• 0 calories,
• 0g fat
• 0g carbohydrates
• 0g protein
• 0g fiber

benefits:

• Adds a citrusy flavor.
• Contains vitamin C and antioxidants.

A pinch of salt:

• 0 calories
• 0g fat
• 0g carbohydrates
• 0g protein
• 0g fiber

benefits:

• Enhances flavor.
• Essential for various bodily functions, including nerve and muscle function.

For Topping:

2 tablespoons granulated sugar:

• 100 calories
• 0g fat
• 25g carbohydrates
• 0g protein
• 0g fiber

benefits: Adds sweetness and a crunchy texture to the pie crust.

Total Approximate Values per Serving:

• Calories: 2924
• Fat: 91g
• Carbohydrates: 686g
• Protein: 28g
• Fiber: 13g

benefits:

These values are estimates and can vary based on the specific products used. It's always a good idea to check the nutritional information on the packaging of the ingredients you use for more accurate values. Additionally, keep in mind that the serving size and number of servings per recipe can affect the final nutritional values.