Indulge in the delectable flavors of Finland with our authentic Mustikkapiirakka recipe. This traditional Finnish blueberry pie captures the essence of Nordic cuisine with its perfect balance of sweet blueberries and buttery crust. Whether enjoyed as a cozy treat with a cup of coffee or served as a delightful dessert, Mustikkapiirakka offers a taste of Finnish tradition that will leave you craving more. Follow our simple recipe to recreate this beloved Finnish classic in your own kitchen and experience the joy of homemade goodness with every bite.

Ingredients:

For the crust:

• 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1/2 cup cold unsalted butter, cut into small cubes
• 1/4 cup granulated sugar
• 1 egg
• 1 teaspoon baking powder
• Pinch of salt

For the filling:

• 3 cups fresh blueberries
• 1/2 cup granulated sugar
• 1/4 cup water
• 2 tablespoons cornstarch
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• Zest of 1 lemon (optional)

Instructions:

1- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a 9-inch pie dish and set aside.

2- In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt. Add the cold cubed butter and use your fingers or a pastry cutter to mix until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.

3- Beat the egg in a small bowl and then add it to the flour mixture. Mix until the dough comes together. If it's too dry, you can add a tablespoon of cold water.

4- Press about two-thirds of the dough into the bottom and sides of the prepared pie dish to form the crust. Set aside the remaining dough for the topping.

5- In another bowl, mix the blueberries, sugar, water, cornstarch, vanilla extract, and lemon zest (if using) until well combined.

6- Pour the blueberry filling into the crust.

7- Roll out the remaining dough on a floured surface and cut it into strips or shapes of your choice for the lattice or topping.

8- Arrange the dough strips or shapes over the blueberry filling in a lattice pattern or however you prefer.

9- Bake the pie in the preheated oven for 40-45 minutes, or until the crust is golden brown and the filling is bubbly.

10- Remove the pie from the oven and let it cool for at least 30 minutes before slicing and serving.

11- Enjoy your homemade Mustikkapiirakka with a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream for extra indulgence!

Nutritional Values:

All-purpose flour (1 1/2 cups):

• Calories: 576
• Carbohydrates: 120g
• Protein: 15g
• Fat: 1.8g
• Fiber: 4.5g

benefits: Provides carbohydrates for energy, contains some protein for muscle repair and maintenance, and offers small amounts of essential minerals like iron and B vitamins.

Unsalted butter (1/2 cup):

• Calories: 814
• Carbohydrates: 0g
• Protein: 0.6g
• Fat: 92g
• Fiber: 0g

benefits: A good source of fat-soluble vitamins like vitamin A, E, and K, provides energy, and adds richness and flavor to baked goods.

Granulated sugar (3/4 cup):

• Calories: 576
• Carbohydrates: 150g
• Protein: 0g
• Fat: 0g
• Fiber: 0g

benefits: Provides quick energy in the form of carbohydrates, but should be consumed in moderation due to its high sugar content.

Egg (1 large):

• Calories: 70
• Carbohydrates: 0.6g
• Protein: 6g
• Fat: 5g
• Fiber: 0g

benefits: Excellent source of high-quality protein, contains essential vitamins and minerals like vitamin B12, vitamin D, and selenium, and provides healthy fats.

Baking powder (1 teaspoon):

• Calories: 2
• Carbohydrates: 0.9g
• Protein: 0g
• Fat: 0g
• Fiber: 0g

benefits: A leavening agent that helps baked goods rise by releasing carbon dioxide when heated, resulting in a light and airy texture.

Salt (pinch):

• Nutritional values are negligible as salt is typically used in very small amounts.

benefits: Enhances flavor, regulates water balance in the body, and provides essential minerals like sodium and chloride.

Fresh blueberries (3 cups):

• Calories: 210
• Carbohydrates: 54g
• Protein: 3g
• Fat: 1g
• Fiber: 9g

benefits: Rich in antioxidants, vitamins (especially vitamin C and vitamin K), and fiber, which support heart health, brain function, and digestive health.

Water (1/4 cup):

• Nutritional values are negligible as water is calorie-free.

benefits: Essential for hydration, helps regulate body temperature, and supports various physiological functions including nutrient transport and waste removal.

Cornstarch (2 tablespoons):

• Calories: 60
• Carbohydrates: 14g
• Protein: 0g
• Fat: 0g
• Fiber: 0g

benefits: Used as a thickening agent in recipes, helps create a smooth texture in fillings and sauces.

Vanilla extract (1 teaspoon):

• Nutritional values are negligible as vanilla extract is typically used in very small amounts.

benefits: Adds flavor and aroma to baked goods, desserts, and beverages.

Lemon zest (optional):

• Nutritional values are negligible as lemon zest is typically used in very small amounts.

benefits: Adds a bright, citrusy flavor to dishes and provides a small amount of vitamin C and dietary fiber.

Keep in mind that these values are approximate and may vary based on factors such as specific brands of ingredients and any modifications made to the recipe.