Ruispuuro mansikkahillolla
Rye Porridge with Strawberry Jam
A hearty and traditional Finnish breakfast dish made from rye flour, served with sweet homemade strawberry jam. It's a comforting and nutritious start to the day, showcasing the importance of rye in Finnish cuisine. This recipe yields a thick, satisfying porridge perfect for a cold morning.
🧂 Ingredients
- 2 dl Rye flour(Dark rye flour is traditional and provides the best flavor and texture.)
- 8 dl Water(Cold water is best for initial mixing to prevent lumps.)
- 0.5 tsp Salt(Fine sea salt or regular table salt.)
- 1 tbsp Butter(Unsalted butter is preferred, but salted can be used if you adjust the added salt.)
- to taste Strawberry jam(Homemade is highly recommended for authentic flavor. Ensure it's a good quality jam.)
👨🍳 Instructions
- 1
In a medium-sized, heavy-bottomed saucepan, combine the rye flour and cold water. Whisk vigorously until the mixture is completely smooth and no lumps of flour remain. This initial step is crucial for a lump-free porridge.
- 2
Place the saucepan over medium heat. Begin stirring constantly with a whisk or wooden spoon. Continue stirring as the mixture slowly heats up, ensuring the bottom and sides of the pan are scraped to prevent sticking and burning.
- 3
Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer, indicated by small bubbles appearing and the porridge beginning to thicken slightly. Reduce the heat to low, maintaining a very gentle simmer. Continue to cook for 15-20 minutes, stirring very frequently (every minute or two). The porridge will gradually thicken to a creamy, oatmeal-like consistency. Add the salt during the last 5 minutes of cooking.
- 4
Once the porridge has reached your desired thickness and has a smooth, cooked flavor (taste a small spoonful to check), remove the saucepan from the heat. Stir in the tablespoon of butter until it is fully melted and incorporated into the hot porridge.
- 5
Ladle the hot ruispuuro into individual serving bowls. Top generously with your favorite strawberry jam. Serve immediately while piping hot.
💡 Pro Tips
- ✓For an extra smooth porridge, you can sift the rye flour before whisking it into the water. This helps break up any clumps.
- ✓The consistency can be adjusted by adding a little more water (1-2 dl) if it becomes too thick during cooking, or by cooking a few minutes longer if it's too thin. Remember it will thicken slightly as it cools.
- ✓Homemade strawberry jam is highly recommended for the best authentic flavor. If using store-bought, choose a high-quality jam with good fruit content.
- ✓To prevent sticking and ensure even cooking, use a heavy-bottomed saucepan and stir frequently throughout the simmering process.
✨ Twist Ideas
Inspiration for your own version of this recipe
- Experiment with other traditional Finnish berry jams such as lingonberry (puolukkahillo) or blueberry (mustikkahillo).
- For a richer, more decadent porridge, stir in a splash of heavy cream or milk along with the butter at the end of cooking.
- Some enjoy a pinch of cardamom added with the salt for a subtle spice note.