Step into the heart of Finnish culinary traditions with the irresistible Aland Lanttulaatikko, a mouthwatering turnip casserole that embodies the essence of Nordic comfort food. This delightful dish, rooted in the rich history of Finland, combines earthy turnips, creamy milk, and a hint of sweetness to create a harmonious blend of flavors that will transport you to the picturesque landscapes of the Aland Islands. Join us on a culinary journey as we unravel the secrets of crafting this beloved Finnish recipe, inviting warmth and nostalgia to your dining table.

Here's a recipe for Aland Lanttulaatikko, the traditional Finnish Rutabaga Casserole, perfect for a festive Christmas meal:

Aland Lanttulaatikko (Rutabaga Casserole)

Ingredients:

• 1 kg rutabaga (yellow turnip), peeled and diced
• 2 cups water
• 1 cup rice
• 1 liter milk
• 2 tablespoons butter
• 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
• 1/4 cup syrup (such as molasses or dark corn syrup)
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon white pepper
• 1/2 teaspoon ground ginger
• 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon
• 1/4 teaspoon cloves

Instructions:

Prepare Rutabaga:Peel and dice the rutabaga into small, uniform pieces.

Cook Rutabaga:

1-Place the diced rutabaga in a large pot and add 2 cups of water.

2-Boil the rutabaga until it becomes tender, about 15-20 minutes.

3-Drain the water and mash the rutabaga. Set aside.

Cook Rice:In a separate pot, cook the rice according to the package instructions.

Combine Rutabaga and Rice:Mix the mashed rutabaga with the cooked rice in a large bowl.

Prepare Milk Mixture:

1-In a saucepan, heat the milk over medium heat until warm.

2-Add butter, salt, white pepper, ground ginger, cinnamon, and cloves to the milk. Stir well until the butter is melted.

Combine Ingredients:Pour the milk mixture over the rutabaga and rice mixture. Mix thoroughly.

Add Sweetness:Stir in the syrup (molasses or dark corn syrup) to add sweetness to the dish.

Assemble Casserole:

1-Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).

2-Grease a baking dish and transfer the rutabaga and rice mixture into the dish.

Top with Breadcrumbs:Sprinkle breadcrumbs evenly over the top of the casserole.

Bake:Bake in the preheated oven for 45-50 minutes or until the top is golden brown and the casserole is set.

Serve:Allow the Lanttulaatikko to cool for a few minutes before serving.

This Aland Lanttulaatikko brings the warmth and richness of Finnish Christmas traditions to your table. Enjoy this hearty and comforting dish with loved ones during the holiday season!

Nutritional Values:

It's challenging to provide precise nutritional values without specific brands and variations of ingredients. However, I can offer approximate values based on generic ingredients. Keep in mind that these are estimates, and actual nutritional content may vary based on the specific products you use.

Nutritional Values (Approximate) per Serving (Assuming 6 servings):

Rutabaga (1 kg, peeled and diced):

• Calories: 160
• Carbohydrates: 37g
• Fiber: 9g
• Protein: 4g
• Fat: 0.5g

benefits:

• Rich in fiber, vitamins, and minerals.
• Supports digestion and provides a good source of antioxidants.

Water (2 cups):

• No significant nutritional value

benefits:

• Essential for overall health and hydration.
• Aids in digestion, nutrient absorption, and temperature regulation.

Rice (1 cup, cooked):

• Calories: 215
• Carbohydrates: 45g
• Protein: 5g
• Fat: 0.5g

benefits:

• Provides carbohydrates for energy.
• Contains essential nutrients like vitamins and minerals.

Milk (1 liter):

• Calories: 640
• Carbohydrates: 51g
• Protein: 32g
• Fat: 35g

benefits:

• Excellent source of calcium for bone health.
• Provides protein, vitamins, and minerals for overall nutrition.

Butter (2 tablespoons):

• Calories: 200
• Fat: 22g

benefits:

• Supplies healthy fats for energy and nutrient absorption.
• Adds richness and flavor to the dish.

Breadcrumbs (1/2 cup):

• Calories: 110
• Carbohydrates: 20g
• Protein: 3g
• Fat: 2g

benefits:

• Adds texture and a crispy layer to the casserole.
• Provides carbohydrates for energy.

Syrup (1/4 cup, molasses or dark corn syrup):

• Calories: 200
• Carbohydrates: 53g
• Fat: 0g

benefits:

• Adds sweetness and depth of flavor.
• Contains iron and other minerals.

Salt (1 teaspoon):

• Sodium: 2300mg (Daily value can vary)

benefits:

• Enhances flavor and balances sweetness.
• Essential for electrolyte balance in the body.

White Pepper (1/2 teaspoon):

• No significant nutritional value

benefits:

• Adds mild heat and flavor to the dish.
• May have antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties.

Ground Ginger (1/2 teaspoon):

• Calories: 3
• Carbohydrates: 1g
• Fiber: 0g
• Protein: 0g
• Fat: 0g

benefits:

• Adds warmth and a distinctive flavor.
• Known for potential anti-inflammatory and digestive benefits.

Cinnamon (1/2 teaspoon):

• Calories: 3
• Carbohydrates: 1g
• Fiber: 1g
• Protein: 0g
• Fat: 0g

benefits:

• Adds a sweet and warm flavor.
• May have anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties.

Cloves (1/4 teaspoon):

• Calories: 1
• Carbohydrates: 0g
• Fiber: 0g
• Protein: 0g
• Fat: 0g

benefits:

• Adds a warm and aromatic flavor.
• Contains compounds with potential antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties.

Note: Nutritional values are based on general estimates and can vary based on the specific brands and quantities used. Always check product labels for accurate information.