Kalakukko (Finnish Rye Fish Pie)
Kalakukko is a traditional Finnish dish, originating from the Savonia region, consisting of a large loaf of rye bread baked with a filling of fish (typically vendace or perch) and pork fat. It's a hearty and portable meal, historically eaten by farmers and lumberjacks. The dense rye crust encases a moist and flavorful filling, making it a unique culinary experience.
🧂 Ingredients
- 500 g Rye flour(coarse)
- 100 g All-purpose flour
- 3-3.5 dl Water(lukewarm)
- 1.5 tsp Salt
- 500 g Small whole fish(e.g., vendace, perch, cleaned, heads and tails removed)
- 200 g Pork belly or fatty bacon(cut into small pieces)
- 1 tsp Salt(for filling)
- 0.5 tsp Black pepper(for filling)
👨🍳 Instructions
- 1
For the dough: Mix rye flour, all-purpose flour, and salt in a large bowl. Gradually add lukewarm water, mixing until a stiff dough forms. Knead on a lightly floured surface for about 5-7 minutes until smooth. Cover and let rest for 30 minutes.
- 2
For the filling: In a bowl, gently mix the cleaned fish, pork pieces, salt, and pepper. Be careful not to break the fish too much.
- 3
Shape the dough: Roll out about two-thirds of the dough into a large, thick oval or rectangular shape, about 1-1.5 cm thick. This will form the base and sides of the pie.
- 4
Assemble the Kalakukko: Place the fish and pork filling in the center of the dough, leaving a border. Fold the edges of the dough up and over the filling, sealing it completely to form a loaf. Ensure there are no gaps for the filling to leak out.
- 5
Seal the top: Roll out the remaining dough thinly and use it to cover the top of the loaf, pressing the edges firmly to seal. You can also use the excess dough from the base to create a lid.
- 6
Bake: Preheat oven to 200°C (400°F). Place the Kalakukko on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Bake for 1 hour at 200°C.
- 7
Lower the temperature: Reduce the oven temperature to 120°C (250°F) and bake for another 3-5 hours. The long, slow baking process cooks the fish and pork, tenderizes the bones, and creates a dense, moist interior within the rye crust.
- 8
Rest: Once baked, let the Kalakukko cool completely before slicing. It can be eaten warm or at room temperature. Traditionally, the top crust is cut off like a lid, and the filling is scooped out.
💡 Pro Tips
- ✓The key to a successful Kalakukko is a very stiff rye dough that can hold the filling without leaking.
- ✓Ensure the fish is very fresh. The long cooking time will cook the fish thoroughly.
- ✓If the rye crust starts to brown too quickly during the initial high-heat baking, you can loosely tent it with foil.
- ✓Kalakukko is often served with butter.
🔄 Variations
- Some variations use only fish, while others might include small pieces of meat like reindeer.
- Some bakers add a small amount of caraway seeds to the dough for added flavor.