Finnish Cuisine: Traditions, Recipes, and Interesting Facts.

Finnish cuisine is a unique blend of simplicity and natural ingredients. Shaped by a harsh climate and rich nature, it offers a variety of dishes that will delight even the most discerning gourmets. In this article, we will explore the main features of Finnish cuisine, share popular recipes, and interesting facts.

Key Ingredients of Finnish Cuisine

Finnish cuisine emphasizes the use of local products. Here are some key ingredients:

• Fish. Salmon, trout, and herring hold a central place in the Finnish diet.
• Meat. Reindeer and pork are the choices for meat gourmands.
• Berries. Bilberries, lingonberries, and cranberries are often used in desserts and sauces.
• Potatoes. Frequently used as a side dish or base for soups.

Popular Finnish Dishes

Kalakeitto (Finnish Fish Soup)

This is a classic Finnish soup based on salmon or other fatty fish.

Ingredients:

• 500 g salmon fillet;
• 4 potatoes;
• 1 onion;
• 2 carrots;
• 1 liter fish stock;
• 200 ml cream (10–20% fat);
• salt and pepper to taste;
• dill for garnish.

Instructions:

1. Peel and dice the potatoes, finely chop the onion, and grate the carrots on a coarse grater.
2. In a large pot, bring the fish stock to a boil and add the potatoes, onion, and carrots. Cook over medium heat for about 15 minutes.
3. Cut the salmon fillet into pieces and add to the soup. Cook for another 5 minutes.
4. Pour in the cream, add salt and pepper to taste. Bring to a boil and remove from heat.
5. Serve the soup hot, garnished with fresh dill.

Gravlax (Cured Salmon)

This is a cold appetizer popular not only in Finland but also in Sweden, Norway, Denmark, and Iceland.

Ingredients:

• 1 kg salmon fillet with skin;
• 50 g salt;
• 50 g sugar;
• fresh dill.

Instructions:

1. Mix the salt and sugar.
2. Sprinkle the mixture over the salmon fillet on all sides.
3. Cover the fish with chopped dill.
4. Wrap the fish in plastic wrap or place it in a container with a lid and leave it in the refrigerator for two days.
5. Before serving, slice thinly.

Kalakukko (Finnish Fish Pie)

One of the traditional Finnish dishes is the Kalakukko fish pie. Originally, it was prepared for hunters and fishermen who needed hearty food during long trips into nature. The pie is quite simple to make, and its taste will leave no one indifferent.

Dough Ingredients:

• 500 g rye flour;
• 200 g wheat flour;
• 1 teaspoon salt;
• 300 ml water.

Filling Ingredients:

• 500 g fresh fish;
• 200 g pork fat or bacon;
• salt and pepper to taste.
• For a richer flavor, use different types of fish.

Instructions:

1. In a deep bowl, mix the rye and wheat flour with salt. Gradually add water, kneading the dough until it has a uniform consistency. It should be quite dense and elastic. Leave the dough to rest under a towel for 30 minutes.
2. Cut the fish into small pieces, removing all bones. Also slice the pork fat or bacon into thin pieces. Season the filling with salt and pepper to taste.
   Divide the dough into 2 parts: one should be slightly larger than the other. Roll out the larger part into a round sheet about 1 cm thick. Place a layer of fish in the center, followed by a layer of fat or bacon.
3. Roll out the remaining dough into a round sheet of smaller diameter and use it to cover the filling, pinching the edges tightly all around, so the filling is completely enclosed.
4. Preheat the oven to 200 °C. Place the pie on a baking tray lined with parchment paper and bake for about an hour at this temperature, then reduce the temperature to 150 °C and continue baking for another 2 hours.
5. It’s best to serve Kalakukko slightly cooled. Slice the pie and enjoy the taste.

Kalakukko can be stored in the refrigerator for several days. Before serving, it’s enough to warm it up slightly in the oven.

Other Finnish Dishes

Kaalivelli — a Finnish cabbage porridge prepared for Christmas. It contains grains, vegetables, legumes, and milk. The latter is used for soaking the grain.

Klimpisoppa — fish soup with dumplings.

Poronpäisti — pieces of fried reindeer meat, served with mashed potatoes and lingonberry sauce.

Siärvi — lamb that is braised for hours in a wood-fired oven. The meat develops a golden crust and has a very soft texture. It is served with potatoes soaked in the lamb’s juices.

Lapland Cheese or Leipäjuusto was traditionally made from colostrum. The addition of reindeer or even goat’s milk is also acceptable. However, modern production has simplified the technology — it is now made from regular cow’s milk. This soft cheese has a pleasant, slightly sweet taste.

One way to serve it is to accompany the cheese, cut into pieces, with cloudberry jam or fresh cloudberries.

Runeberg’s Torte — a dessert with a history. It was named after Johan Ludvig Runeberg, the poet and author of the national anthem. The sponge cake pastries contain almond crumbs, arrack, or rum. The dessert is decorated with a ring of icing filled with raspberry jam.

Interesting Facts About Finnish Cuisine

• Finland is the leading country in coffee consumption. On average, one person here drinks 12 kg of coffee per year.
• The average Finn drinks about 130 liters of milk per year.
• The country hosts an annual championship for making Kalakeitto.

Questions and Answers About Finnish Cuisine

What spices are most popular in Finnish cuisine?

Dill, pepper, and juniper are often used in preparing Finnish dishes.

Can Finnish cuisine be considered healthy?

Yes, because it involves the use of fresh, natural products.

What drinks are popular in Finland?

Coffee and berry fruit drinks are the most popular beverages among Finns.