10+ Finnish Food Recipes to Bring a Taste of Finland Home

Finnish food offers a unique blend of flavors and traditions that reflect the country’s rich culture and history. Exploring Finnish recipes allows you to discover delicious dishes made with fresh ingredients and traditional cooking techniques. Whether it’s hearty stews or sweet pastries, Finnish cuisine invites you to experience a different side of Nordic cooking.

In this article, you will find a variety of authentic Finnish recipes that you can easily try at home. From simple salads to comforting main courses, these dishes are perfect for sharing with family and friends. With a focus on both taste and nutrition, Finnish food encourages a lifestyle centered around wholesome ingredients.

Karelian Pasties

Karelian pasties, or Karjalanpiirakka, are traditional Finnish pastries. They feature a rye crust filled with rice porridge, making them both tasty and unique. These pasties are a favorite in Finland and are enjoyed by many.

To make Karelian pasties, start by preparing the filling. You can use rice porridge or even mashed potatoes for a different flavor. The crust is made from rye flour, which gives it a distinct taste and texture.

Bake the pasties in a preheated oven at 275°C (about 525°F) for about 5 to 7 minutes or until they turn a golden brown. Serve them warm with butter or milk for a delightful treat.

Ingredients

• 2 cups rye flour
• 1 cup water
• 1 cup cooked rice
• 2 cups milk
• 1 tablespoon butter
• Salt to taste

Cooking Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 275°C (525°F).
2. Mix rye flour and water to create a dough.
3. Roll out the dough into small circles.
4. Add cooked rice in the center of each circle.
5. Fold the edges over the filling and pinch to seal.
6. Bake for 5 to 7 minutes until golden brown.
7. Serve warm with butter or milk.

Runeberg Torte

Runeberg Torte is a traditional Finnish pastry named after the poet J.L. Runeberg. It’s a moist, almond-flavored cake often enjoyed during Finnish celebrations.

You’ll find that this cake has a unique flavor from the combination of crushed gingerbread cookies and rum. It’s topped with raspberry jam and a ring of icing.

Making this treat at home is simple. You’ll impress your family and friends with this delicious dessert.

Ingredients

• 1 cup almond flour
• 1 cup crushed gingerbread cookies
• 1 teaspoon baking powder
• 1/2 cup butter, softened
• 1 cup sugar
• 2 eggs
• 1/4 cup dark rum
• Raspberry jam
• Icing sugar for topping

Cooking Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. Grease a muffin tin.
3. In a bowl, mix almond flour, crushed gingerbread cookies, and baking powder.
4. In another bowl, cream together butter and sugar.
5. Add eggs and rum to the butter mixture, then mix well.
6. Combine both mixtures and stir until smooth.
7. Pour the batter into the muffin tin.
8. Bake for 15-20 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean.
9. Let cool, then top with raspberry jam and icing.

3) Kalakukko

Kalakukko is a traditional Finnish dish originating from the Savonia region. It features fish baked inside a thick loaf of bread. This hearty meal is especially popular in Kuopio, where bakeries specialize in making it.

To prepare kalakukko, you begin by cleaning the fish and preparing the dough. The dough typically includes flour, salt, water, and butter. You roll it out to make a crust that seals the flavorful filling inside.

Baking time is crucial. You’ll want to bake it at 500°F (260°C) initially to brown the dough, then reduce the heat to about 250°F (120°C) for several hours. This slow baking ensures the fish is fully cooked and the bread is nicely browned.

Ingredients

• Fish (such as salmon or perch)
• Pork (optional)
• Onion
• Flour
• Salt
• Water
• Butter

Cooking Instructions

1. Clean the fish and prepare the filling with pork and onion.
2. Mix flour, salt, water, and butter to form a dough.
3. Roll out the dough to make a circular crust.
4. Place the filling inside and cover with another layer of dough.
5. Bake at 500°F (260°C) for 30 minutes.
6. Lower the temperature to 250°F (120°C) and bake for 4-7 hours.

4) Lohikeitto

Lohikeitto is a classic Finnish salmon soup that’s perfect for any meal. The creamy broth, tender salmon, leeks, and potatoes come together to create a comforting dish you’ll love.

To make Lohikeitto, you’ll need some simple ingredients. Fresh salmon adds great flavor, while leeks provide a mild sweetness. Dill makes it fresh and fragrant, and potatoes add heartiness to the soup.

This dish is not only delicious but also quick to prepare. You can have it ready in about 30 minutes. It’s perfect for cozy dinners or gatherings with friends.

Ingredients

• 1 pound (450 g) fresh salmon, cut into chunks
• 2 leeks, sliced
• 3 medium potatoes, diced
• 4 cups (960 ml) fish stock or water
• 1 cup (240 ml) heavy cream
• Fresh dill, chopped
• Salt and pepper to taste

Cooking Instructions

1. In a large saucepan, melt butter over medium heat.
2. Add leeks and cook for 5-6 minutes until wilted.
3. Pour in the stock, then add potatoes.
4. Simmer until potatoes are tender, about 10 minutes.
5. Add the salmon and cook until just done.
6. Stir in cream and dill, and season with salt and pepper.

Sautéed Reindeer

Sautéed reindeer, known as Poronkäristys, is a popular dish in Finland. This meal highlights the tender flavor of reindeer meat. It’s often served with mashed potatoes or bread.

To prepare, you start by slicing the reindeer meat into thin strips. Caramelized onions add sweetness and depth to the dish. Spices like salt, pepper, and sometimes juniper give it a unique taste.

You can enjoy this dish with a side of warm, buttery potatoes, making it a hearty meal. If you can’t find reindeer, you can substitute it with beef or bison.

Ingredients

• 2 to 3 lbs (900-1360 g) boneless reindeer meat (or beef)
• 2 tbsp (30 g) butter
• 1 yellow onion, sliced
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tsp salt (more to taste)
• ½ tsp black pepper (more to taste)

Cooking Instructions

1. Heat butter in a pan over medium heat.
2. Add sliced onion and sauté until golden brown.
3. Stir in minced garlic and cook for a minute.
4. Add meat, salt, and pepper. Cook until browned and tender, about 15-20 minutes.
5. Serve hot with mashed potatoes or bread.

6) Karjalanpaisti

Karjalanpaisti, or Karelian stew, is a traditional Finnish dish that you’ll love. It’s a hearty and simple stew made with meat, water, and seasonings. This dish warms you up, especially on cold days.

You can use a mix of pork and beef, but lamb is also a great option. Common spices include black peppercorns, allspice, and bay leaves. The flavors come together to create a comforting meal.

You’ll find this dish is easy to prepare with just a few steps. It’s perfect for family dinners or special occasions.

Ingredients

• 2 lbs (900 g) pork, cut into chunks
• 1 lb (450 g) beef, cut into chunks
• 4 cups (1 L) water
• 1 tablespoon salt
• 1 teaspoon black peppercorns
• 2-3 bay leaves
• 1 teaspoon allspice

Cooking Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 300°F (150°C).
2. Place the meat in a large pot.
3. Pour in the water and add salt and spices.
4. Cover the pot and bake for about 2-3 hours.
5. Check for tenderness, then serve warm.

7) Mustikkapiirakka

Mustikkapiirakka, or Finnish blueberry pie, is a delightful dessert that highlights the fresh flavors of blueberries. It’s a simple and tasty treat that you can easily make at home.

To create this pie, you will need a buttery crust filled with sweet blueberries. The addition of cardamom gives it a unique flavor that sets it apart from other berry pies.

You can enjoy Mustikkapiirakka warm or cold, often paired with vanilla ice cream. It’s perfect for summer gatherings or as a cozy dessert during colder months.

Ingredients

• 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
• ½ cup rye flour
• 1 teaspoon baking powder
• ¼ teaspoon salt
• ½ cup butter, softened
• ¾ cup sugar
• 1 egg
• 2 cups fresh blueberries
• ½ teaspoon ground cardamom
• 1 tablespoon lemon juice

Cooking Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. In a bowl, mix the flours, baking powder, and salt.
3. In another bowl, cream the butter and sugar until light.
4. Add the egg and mix well.
5. Combine both mixtures until smooth.
6. Press the dough into a pie pan.
7. Toss blueberries with cardamom and lemon juice.
8. Layer the blueberries in the crust.
9. Bake for 30-40 minutes, or until golden.

8) Poronkaristys

Poronkaristys is a traditional Finnish dish made with reindeer meat. The dish is simple but packed with flavor. You usually find it prepared with tender strips of meat, onions, and spices.

In Finland, Poronkaristys is often enjoyed on special occasions. While it can be bought frozen in stores, making it at home offers a unique taste. The dish pairs well with mashed potatoes or lingonberry sauce.

Cooking this dish brings a taste of Lapland into your kitchen. It’s a wonderful way to experience Finnish cuisine.

Ingredients

• 2 to 3 lbs boneless reindeer meat
• 2 tbsp butter
• 1 yellow onion, sliced
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tsp salt, or more to taste
• ½ tsp black pepper, or more to taste

Cooking Instructions

1. Melt the butter in a skillet over medium heat (about 350°F or 175°C).
2. Add sliced onions and cook until they are soft.
3. Stir in garlic and cook for another minute.
4. Add the reindeer meat, salt, and pepper.
5. Cook until the meat is browned and tender, about 10-15 minutes.
6. Serve hot with your choice of sides.

9) Leipäjuusto

Leipäjuusto, also known as Finnish squeaky cheese, is a delightful treat from Finland. It has a mild flavor and a unique texture that makes it stand out. You can enjoy it warm or at room temperature.

To make Leipäjuusto, you’ll need just a few simple ingredients. This cheese pairs wonderfully with sweet toppings like lingonberry jam or cloudberry preserves.

Making it at home is not difficult. First, heat milk in a large pot to 88°F (31°C). Then, dissolve rennet in 1 tablespoon of cool water and add it to the milk. Let it sit for about 30 minutes until curds form. After that, cut the curds and heat them gently until they squeak. Finally, shape the curds and bake at 350°F (175°C) until golden.

Ingredients

• 1 gallon whole milk
• 1 tablespoon rennet
• 1 teaspoon salt

Cooking Instructions

1. Heat milk in a large pot to 88°F (31°C).
2. Dissolve rennet in 1 tablespoon of cool water and add to the milk.
3. Let it sit for about 30 minutes until curds form.
4. Cut curds and heat gently until they squeak.
5. Shape the curds and bake at 350°F (175°C) until golden.

10) Uunijuusto

Uunijuusto is a beloved Finnish dish that features oven-baked cheese. It’s creamy and rich, making it a comfort food for many. You can enjoy it as a side dish or even as a dessert.

Typically, Uunijuusto is served with a sweet topping like honey or lingonberry jam. This adds a delicious contrast to the savory cheese. The crispy, golden crust is one of its best features.

Making Uunijuusto is simple and rewarding. You’ll find it’s a fun dish to share with family and friends during gatherings or holidays.

Ingredients

• 2 cups (480 ml) of milk
• 1 cup (240 ml) of cream
• 3 eggs
• 1/2 cup (60 g) of semolina
• Salt to taste
• Honey or lingonberry jam for serving

Cooking Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. In a bowl, mix milk, cream, eggs, and a pinch of salt.
3. Stir in the semolina until well combined.
4. Grease a baking dish and pour in the mixture.
5. Bake for about 30 minutes until firm.
6. For a golden top, increase the temperature to 480°F (250°C) for 10 more minutes.