Finnish Pork and Barley Patties with Dill Sauce
Savory patties made from ground pork and cooked barley, seasoned with traditional Finnish herbs and spices. Served with a refreshing dill and sour cream sauce, these patties are a comforting and flavorful dish, often enjoyed as a main course with mashed potatoes or root vegetables.
🧂 Ingredients
- 500 g Ground pork
- 1 cup Cooked pearl barley
- 1 small Onion, finely chopped
- 1 Egg
- 2 tbsp Fresh dill, chopped
- 1 tsp Salt
- 0.5 tsp Black pepper
- 2 tbsp Butter or oil for frying
- 200 ml Sour cream
- 3 tbsp Fresh dill, chopped (for sauce)
- 1 tbsp Lemon juice
- to taste Salt and pepper to taste (for sauce)
👨🍳 Instructions
- 1
In a large bowl, combine the ground pork, cooked barley, finely chopped onion, egg, 2 tbsp chopped dill, salt, and pepper. Mix well until all ingredients are evenly distributed.
💡 Tip: Ensure the barley is cooled before mixing to prevent the egg from scrambling. - 2
Form the mixture into about 8-10 patties, roughly 1.5 cm thick. Press them firmly so they hold their shape during cooking.
💡 Tip: Wet your hands slightly to prevent the mixture from sticking. - 3
Heat the butter or oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Carefully place the patties in the hot skillet, ensuring not to overcrowd the pan. Cook for 4-5 minutes per side, until golden brown and cooked through.
💡 Tip: Cook in batches if necessary to achieve a good sear on each patty. - 4
While the patties are cooking, prepare the dill sauce. In a small bowl, whisk together the sour cream, 3 tbsp chopped dill, lemon juice, and salt and pepper to taste.
💡 Tip: Adjust lemon juice and seasoning according to your preference. - 5
Once the patties are cooked, remove them from the skillet and let them rest for a few minutes. Serve hot with the dill sauce on the side.
💡 Tip: These patties are excellent served with mashed potatoes, boiled new potatoes, or a fresh green salad.
💡 Pro Tips
- ✓For a richer flavor, you can add a pinch of nutmeg to the patty mixture.
- ✓If you don't have pearl barley, you can use other cooked grains like rice or quinoa.
- ✓The dill sauce can be made ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator.
✨ Twist Ideas
Inspiration for your own version of this recipe
- Add finely grated cheese (like cheddar or Gruyere) to the patty mixture.
- Incorporate other herbs such as parsley or chives into the patties or sauce.
- For a spicier kick, add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the mixture.