If you have Finnish heritage, a fun way to understand Finnish culture is to cook some foods from your homeland.
Cuisine from Finland is what many consider to be comfort food—casual, simple, and delicious. Traditional Finnish food features a broad range of ingredients, from fish and meat to mushroom and berries. Ever tried reindeer? In Finland, it is a meat staple. A variety of rye breads and the use of rye flour are also popular and delicious.
Traditional Finnish Foods—Breads
It is not uncommon to see street markets in Finland overflowing with produce and even meats particular to the season. Finns are passionate about their food and like to keep it traditional. Karjalan piirakke (Karelain pie) is a well-known and well-loved Finnish food. It is a pie of sorts made with rye flour and stuffed with potatoes, rice, or carrots. People also enjoy topping it with an egg butter spread.
Kalakukko is similar to Karjalan piirakke, but it is stuffed with herring fish—another popular food in Finland. Another common way to eat herring is sliced and put on rye bread. But no Finnish bread recipe collection is complete without ruisleipa! This dense bread is a true Finnish treat. Make it yourself, and experience what Finnish food is like in your own home.
Finnish Meats and Cheeses
Some of the most unique parts of Finnish food culture come through meats. Reindeer and herring are unique staples. Finnish lihakaalilaatikko, or meat and cabbage casserole, is a popular dish that is easily made at home. Finnish squeaky cheese is a delicacy loved by the people of Finland and is best served with lingonberry or your favorite jam. Salmon is served in many ways in Finland, but salmon pie is one of the most common.
Traditional Finnish Desserts
Desserts, like Finnish breads, are popular and well-loved in Finland. Finnish pancakes are used mostly for dessert rather than for breakfast. Mustikkapiirakka, or Finnish blueberry pie, is popular because of the abundance of blueberries in Finland and also because it is delicious. Lingonberry jams can be used with desserts or with meatballs or other meats. Whatever you use it for, it is a delicious treat to have on hand.
Try These Finnish Foods at Home
Don’t hesitate to create some of these delectable treats at home! When you do, share your experience and some photos in the Memories section of FamilySearch.org. You can also use the FamilySearch Memories app. That way, other members of your family can enjoy the recipes and try them too!
Learn More about Your Finnish Heritage
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