Karjalanpiirakka ( Karelian pasty ), also known as Karelian pasty, is a beloved Finnish pastry cherished for its simplicity and delicious taste. The traditional delicacy features a thin rye-based crust that encases a filling of either rice porridge or creamy mashed potatoes. The finishing touch is a delectable topping of egg butter, made by mixing hard-boiled eggs with butter and salt. This iconic treat represents Finland's rich culinary heritage and is enjoyed as a snack or breakfast item, showcasing the country's deep connection to local ingredients and traditional flavors.
Here's a recipe for making Karjalanpiirakka, the traditional Finnish Karelian pasty:
Ingredients for the pastry dough:
2 cups (240g) rye flour
1 cup (120g) all-purpose flour
1/2 tsp salt
1 cup (240ml) warm water
2 tbsp vegetable oil
Ingredients for the rice porridge filling:
1 cup (200g) short-grain rice
2 cups (480ml) water
2 cups (480ml) milk
1/2 tsp salt
2 tbsp butter
Ingredients for the egg butter topping:
2 hard-boiled eggs
2 tbsp butter
Pinch of salt
Method:
Rice Porridge Filling:
1- Rinse the short-grain rice under cold water.
2-In a saucepan, combine the rinsed rice, water, and salt. Bring it to a boil over medium heat.
3-Reduce the heat to low, cover the pan, and let the rice simmer for about 15-20 minutes or until the rice is fully cooked and the water is absorbed.
4-Stir in the milk and butter, and cook for an additional 5-10 minutes, stirring occasionally until the mixture thickens and becomes a creamy rice porridge. Remove from heat and let it cool.
Pastry Dough:
1-In a large mixing bowl, combine the rye flour, all-purpose flour, and salt.
2-Gradually add warm water and vegetable oil while mixing until a smooth dough forms.
3-Knead the dough on a floured surface until it becomes elastic and easy to work with.
4-Cover the dough with a clean kitchen towel and let it rest for about 20-30 minutes.
Shaping and Filling the Pastries:
1-Preheat your oven to 475°F (240°C) and prepare a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
2-Take the rested dough and divide it into small, round pieces, about the size of a golf ball.
3-On a floured surface, roll out each piece of dough into an oval shape, very thin (about 1/8 inch or 3mm thick).
4-Place a spoonful of the rice porridge filling on one side of the oval dough, leaving some space around the edges.
5-Fold the other half of the dough over the filling, and pinch the edges together to seal the pasty. Traditionally, they have a crimped edge.
Baking:
1-Arrange the filled pastries on the prepared baking sheet.
2-Bake in the preheated oven for about 10-15 minutes or until the pastries turn golden brown.
Egg Butter Topping:
1-While the pastries are baking, prepare the egg butter by finely chopping or mashing the hard-boiled eggs.
2-Mix the chopped eggs with softened butter and a pinch of salt.
Serving:
1-Once the Karjalanpiirakka pastries are done baking, remove them from the oven and let them cool slightly.
2-Spread a generous amount of egg butter on top of each pastry.
Nutritional information Amount of the meal:
Pastry Dough (per serving, assuming 8 servings):
Calories: Approximately 205 kcal
Carbohydrates: Approximately 32g
Protein: Approximately 4g
Fat: Approximately 6g
Sodium: Approximately 122mg
Rice Porridge Filling (per serving, assuming 8 servings):
Calories: Approximately 206 kcal
Carbohydrates: Approximately 35g
Protein: Approximately 5g
Fat: Approximately 6g
Sodium: Approximately 136mg
Egg Butter Topping (per serving, assuming 8 servings):
Calories: Approximately 110 kcal
Carbohydrates: Approximately 0.5g
Protein: Approximately 3g
Fat: Approximately 10g
Sodium: Approximately 99mg
Here are the approximate nutritional values for each ingredient in the recipe separately, based on commonly available nutritional information:
Ingredients for the pastry dough:
- 2 cups (240g) rye flour:
- Calories: Approximately 820 kcal
- Protein: Approximately 16g
- Fat: Approximately 4g
- Carbohydrates: Approximately 176g
- Sodium: Approximately 12mg
- 1 cup (120g) all-purpose flour:
- Calories: Approximately 454 kcal
- Protein: Approximately 10g
- Fat: Approximately 1g
- Carbohydrates: Approximately 95g
- Sodium: Approximately 2mg
- 1/2 tsp salt:
- Calories: Negligible calories
- Protein: Negligible grams
- Fat: Negligible grams
- Carbohydrates: Negligible grams
- Sodium: Approximately 1166mg
- 1 cup (240ml) warm water:
- Calories: Negligible calories
- Protein: Negligible grams
- Fat: Negligible grams
- Carbohydrates: Negligible grams
- Sodium: Negligible milligrams
- 2 tbsp vegetable oil:
- Calories: Approximately 240 kcal
- Protein: Negligible grams
- Fat: Approximately 28g
- Carbohydrates: Negligible grams
- Sodium: Negligible milligrams
Ingredients for the rice porridge filling:
- 1 cup (200g) short-grain rice:
- Calories: Approximately 716 kcal
- Protein: Approximately 14g
- Fat: Approximately 1g
- Carbohydrates: Approximately 159g
- Sodium: Approximately 6mg
- 2 cups (480ml) water:
- Calories: Negligible calories
- Protein: Negligible grams
- Fat: Negligible grams
- Carbohydrates: Negligible grams
- Sodium: Negligible milligrams
- 2 cups (480ml) milk:
- Calories: Approximately 244 kcal (whole milk)
- Protein: Approximately 16g (whole milk)
- Fat: Approximately 12g (whole milk)
- Carbohydrates: Approximately 18g (whole milk)
- Sodium: Approximately 200mg (whole milk)
- 1/2 tsp salt:
- Calories: Negligible calories
- Protein: Negligible grams
- Fat: Negligible grams
- Carbohydrates: Negligible grams
- Sodium: Approximately 1166mg
- 2 tbsp butter:
- Calories: Approximately 204 kcal
- Protein: Approximately 0.2g
- Fat: Approximately 23g
- Carbohydrates: Approximately 0.1g
- Sodium: Approximately 164mg
Ingredients for the egg butter topping:
- 2 hard-boiled eggs:
- Calories: Approximately 156 kcal
- Protein: Approximately 13g
- Fat: Approximately 11g
- Carbohydrates: Approximately 1g
- Sodium: Approximately 124mg
- 2 tbsp butter:
- Calories: Approximately 204 kcal
- Protein: Approximately 0.2g
- Fat: Approximately 23g
- Carbohydrates: Approximately 0.1g
- Sodium: Approximately 164mg
- Pinch of salt:
- Calories: Negligible calories
- Protein: Negligible grams
- Fat: Negligible grams
- Carbohydrates: Negligible grams
- Sodium: Approximately 291mg
Please note that the provided nutritional values are approximate and based on commonly available data. Actual nutritional content may vary depending on specific brands and measurements used. Also, the values listed are for the entire amount of each ingredient, not per serving. To calculate per serving values, divide these totals by the number of servings you plan to make.
Notes about this meal
Karjalanpiirakka, the Finnish Karelian pasty, is generally suitable for most people. It is a versatile and delicious pastry that can be enjoyed by individuals with various dietary preferences and restrictions. Here are some reasons why it is suitable for many:
Vegetarian/Vegan Options: While the traditional filling includes rice porridge or mashed potatoes, you can easily adapt the recipe to make vegetarian or vegan versions. For vegetarians, using vegetable-based fillings is an option, while vegans can use plant-based butter and omit egg butter.
Gluten-Free Alternatives: By using gluten-free flours and ingredients, those with gluten sensitivity or celiac disease can enjoy a gluten-free version of Karjalanpiirakka.
Cultural Heritage: Karjalanpiirakka is deeply rooted in Finnish culture, making it a welcoming treat for those interested in exploring traditional Finnish cuisine and experiencing authentic flavors.
Simple Ingredients: The main components of Karjalanpiirakka are basic and wholesome ingredients like rye flour, rice, potatoes, butter, and eggs, making it accessible to a wide range of individuals.
Versatile Snack: Its handheld size and easy-to-eat nature make it a convenient snack or light meal suitable for people of all ages and lifestyles.
However, as with any food, it's essential to consider any specific dietary restrictions, allergies, or personal preferences that individuals may have. Overall, Karjalanpiirakka's versatility and cultural significance make it a delightful option for many people to enjoy.
Karjalanpiirakka can be served warm or at room temperature and is best enjoyed fresh. The combination of the slightly sweet rye crust, creamy rice porridge filling, and savory egg butter topping creates a delightful and traditional Finnish treat. Enjoy!
Chef Culinary Creationss
Comments