latvian Recipes
21 delicious latvian recipes from around the world
Aukstā Zupa (Latvian Cold Beet Soup)
A refreshing and vibrant cold soup, popular in Latvia during the summer months. It's characterized by its striking pink color and a tangy, creamy base made from kefir or buttermilk, combined with the earthy sweetness of beets and the crispness of fresh vegetables.
Jāņu siers (Latvian Midsummer Cheese)
Jāņu siers is a traditional Latvian caraway cheese, most famously enjoyed during the Midsummer celebrations (Jāņi). This firm, slightly crumbly cheese is made from milk, curd cheese, eggs, butter, and seasoned with caraway seeds, giving it a distinctive aroma and flavor. It's typically served sliced on dark rye bread, often with beer.
Kartupeļu Sēņu Zupa (Latvian Potato and Mushroom Soup)
A hearty and comforting soup, this Latvian classic combines the earthiness of wild mushrooms with the creaminess of potatoes and the savory depth of bacon. It's a staple during mushroom foraging season and a perfect dish for a cold day.
Kliņģeris (Latvian Festive Ring Bread)
Kliņģeris is a large, sweet, braided yeast bread, often shaped like a pretzel or infinity symbol, traditionally made for celebrations like birthdays and name days in Latvia. It's enriched with butter, eggs, and often flavored with saffron, cardamom, and citrus zest, making it a festive centerpiece.
Latvian Buckwheat and Mushroom Stuffed Cabbage Rolls
Hearty cabbage rolls filled with a savory mixture of buckwheat groats and wild mushrooms, simmered in a light tomato broth.
Latvian Buckwheat Porridge with Mushrooms
A hearty and earthy dish featuring buckwheat groats cooked to a fluffy texture and combined with sautéed wild mushrooms and onions, a staple in Latvian households.
Latvian Chicken Cutlets with Dill Sauce
Tender, pan-fried chicken cutlets served with a creamy, herbaceous dill sauce, a comforting and popular dish in Latvian home cooking.
Latvian Dark Rye Bread (Rupjmaize)
Rupjmaize, or dark rye bread, is a dense, flavorful staple of the Latvian diet. Its distinct sour flavor and hearty texture make it a perfect accompaniment to soups, stews, or simply enjoyed with butter.
Latvian Fish and Potato Casserole (Zivju un Kartupeļu Sacepums)
A simple yet delicious baked dish combining flaky white fish with tender potatoes and a creamy dill sauce, a comforting staple in Latvian homes.
Latvian Fish Pie (Zivju Pīrāgs)
A comforting and hearty fish pie featuring layers of flaky fish, potatoes, and a creamy dill sauce, all encased in a simple pastry crust. This dish showcases Latvia's connection to the Baltic Sea and its agricultural bounty.
Latvian Grey Peas with Bacon (Pelēkie Zirņi ar Speķi)
A hearty and traditional Latvian national dish, Pelēkie Zirņi ar Speķi consists of tender grey peas combined with crispy smoked bacon and softened onions. It's a comforting and savory meal, often associated with colder months and holiday celebrations.
Latvian Meat and Barley Stew (Gaļas un Miežu Zupa)
A hearty and comforting Latvian stew featuring tender chunks of meat, chewy barley, and root vegetables, simmered to perfection.
Latvian Mushroom Dumplings (Sēņu Pelmeni)
Delicate dumplings filled with a savory mixture of wild mushrooms and onions, often served with a dollop of sour cream or a mushroom broth. This dish highlights the importance of foraging and seasonal ingredients in Latvian cooking.
Latvian Poppy Seed Cookies (Magoņu Sīkfaili)
These Magoņu Sīkfaili are delicate, buttery cookies packed with the distinct flavor of poppy seeds. Popular throughout the Baltic region, they offer a slightly nutty and floral taste that perfectly complements their sweet, crumbly texture.
Latvian Potato Pancakes (Kartupeļu Pankūkas)
Crispy on the outside and soft on the inside, these savory potato pancakes are a beloved staple in Latvian homes. Made from grated potatoes and onion, they are simple yet satisfying, traditionally served with sour cream or lingonberry jam.
Latvian Rye Bread Dumplings (Maizes Kukulīši)
Maizes Kukulīši are traditional Latvian dumplings made from stale rye bread, often served as a side dish or a light meal. They are savory, slightly chewy, and absorb flavors beautifully, making them a versatile part of Latvian cuisine.
Latvian Sauerkraut Soup (Skābu Kāpostu Zupa)
A warming and tangy soup, Skābu Kāpostu Zupa is a traditional Latvian dish, especially popular during the colder months. The Latgalian version is notably hearty, featuring sauerkraut and a generous portion of bacon.
Latvian Smoked Fish Pâté
A rich and flavorful pâté made with locally smoked fish, cream cheese, and fresh dill, perfect as an appetizer or spread.
Medus Kūka (Latvian Honey Layer Cake)
A beloved traditional Latvian dessert, this multi-layered honey cake features thin, delicate cake layers generously spread with a sweet, tangy sour cream frosting. It's known for its rich honey flavor and moist texture, which improves with time.
Pancakes with Cottage Cheese and Herbs (Biezpiena Pankūkas ar Garšaugiem)
Savory Latvian pancakes made with a base of cottage cheese and flour, mixed with fresh herbs, and pan-fried until golden. A delightful appetizer or light meal.
Sklandrausis
A traditional Latvian sweet tart with a rye flour crust filled with a mixture of mashed potatoes and carrots, seasoned with caraway seeds.