Finnish Karelian Pasties with Egg Butter
Karjalanpiirakka, or Karelian pasties, are a beloved Finnish delicacy originating from the Karelia region. These small, open-faced pies feature a thin rye crust filled with a creamy rice porridge and are traditionally served with a rich egg butter (munavoi). They are a versatile snack or light meal, enjoyed at any time of day.
🧂 Ingredients
- For the Rice Filling:
- 2 cups Water
- 1 cup Short-grain rice
- 4 cups Milk
- 1 tsp Salt
- For the Dough:
- 1/2 cup Cold water
- 1 1/8 cups All-purpose flour
- 3/4 cup Rye flour
- 1/2 tsp Salt
- For the Egg Butter (Munavoi):
- 2 large Hard-boiled eggs
- 1/4 cup Butter, softened
- approx. 1/4 cup Melted butter (for brushing)
👨🍳 Instructions
- 1
Prepare the rice filling: Bring 2 cups of water to a boil in a saucepan. Add the rice and cook for 5 minutes until most of the water is absorbed. Stir in the milk and butter. Reduce heat to low, cover, and cook for 45 minutes, stirring occasionally, until a thick porridge forms. Season with salt and set aside to cool.
💡 Tip: Using short-grain rice helps create a creamy porridge. - 2
Make the dough: In a bowl, combine the cold water, all-purpose flour, rye flour, and salt. Mix until a solid, compact dough forms. Knead briefly on a lightly floured surface until smooth.
💡 Tip: The dough will be quite stiff. - 3
Shape the pasties: Divide the dough into 16 equal pieces. On a lightly floured surface, roll each piece into a very thin oval shape (about 6 inches long). Place about 2 tablespoons of the cooled rice filling onto one half of each oval, leaving a border. Fold the other half of the dough over the filling and crimp the edges to create a small, open-faced pie. Traditionally, the edges are pinched to form pleats.
💡 Tip: Rolling the dough very thin is key to authentic Karelian pasties. - 4
Bake the pasties: Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Place the shaped pasties on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Brush them generously with melted butter. Bake for 10-15 minutes, or until the crust is lightly golden.
💡 Tip: Baking at a high temperature helps the crust become crisp. - 5
Soften the crusts: Immediately after baking, brush the hot pasties with more melted butter or a mixture of melted butter and milk. Cover them with a clean kitchen towel while they cool slightly to soften the crusts.
💡 Tip: This step is crucial for achieving the characteristic soft crust. - 6
Make the egg butter: While the pasties are baking or cooling, mash the hard-boiled eggs with a fork. Mix in the softened butter and a pinch of salt until well combined and creamy.
💡 Tip: Ensure the butter is truly softened for a smooth mixture. - 7
Serve: Serve the warm Karelian pasties with a dollop of egg butter on top.
💡 Tip: Karelian pasties are best enjoyed fresh.
💡 Pro Tips
- ✓For a more traditional taste, use a mix of rye and all-purpose flour for the crust.
- ✓If the dough becomes too sticky while rolling, lightly dust your hands and the surface with rye flour.
- ✓The egg butter can be enhanced with a pinch of white pepper or a tiny bit of mustard for extra flavor.
✨ Twist Ideas
Inspiration for your own version of this recipe
- Instead of rice filling, use a mashed potato filling.
- Serve with other toppings like smoked salmon or ham.
- Add a pinch of cardamom to the rice filling for a subtle aroma.