Karjalanpiirakka (Karelian Pasties)
Traditional Karelian pastries with a thin rye crust and a filling, most commonly rice porridge, but also potato or barley. They are often served warm with egg butter (munavoi).
🧂 Ingredients
- 200 g Rye flour
- 100 g All-purpose flour
- 150 ml Water(lukewarm)
- 1 tsp Salt
- 2 tbsp Shortening or butter(for brushing)
- 150 g Rice
- 700 ml Milk
- 25 g Butter
- 0.5 tsp Salt(for filling)
- 4 large Hard-boiled eggs(for egg butter)
- 100 g Butter(softened, for egg butter)
- 0.25 tsp Salt(for egg butter)
👨🍳 Instructions
- 1
For the crust: Mix rye flour, all-purpose flour, and salt in a bowl. Gradually add lukewarm water, mixing until a firm dough forms. Knead for 5-7 minutes until smooth. Cover and let rest for 30 minutes.
⏱️ 30 minutes - 2
For the filling: Cook rice with milk, butter, and salt until thick and creamy, stirring frequently. This will take about 20-30 minutes. Let it cool slightly.
⏱️ 30 minutes - 3
Preheat oven to 250°C (480°F).
- 4
Divide the dough into 12 equal portions. Roll each portion into a thin, oval shape (about 15 cm long) on a lightly floured surface. The dough should be very thin, almost translucent.
💡 Tip: Use a rolling pin and work quickly. If the dough is sticky, lightly dust with rye flour. - 5
Place a spoonful of the rice filling onto one half of each oval dough. Fold the other half over the filling and pinch the edges to seal, creating a small pocket. Crimp the edges decoratively.
- 6
Place the pasties on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Bake for 10-15 minutes, or until the crust is lightly browned and crisp.
⏱️ 15 minutes - 7
While the pasties are baking, prepare the egg butter: Mash the hard-boiled eggs with softened butter and salt until smooth. You can also finely chop the eggs and mix them in.
💡 Tip: Ensure the butter is at room temperature for easy mixing. - 8
Once baked, immediately brush the hot Karjalanpiirakka with melted shortening or butter. This softens the crust and adds flavor. Serve warm with egg butter.
💡 Pro Tips
- ✓The key to authentic Karjalanpiirakka is a very thin rye crust.
- ✓Don't overfill the pastries, as this can make them difficult to seal and bake properly.
- ✓The high oven temperature is essential for achieving a crisp crust.
- ✓Egg butter (munavoi) is the traditional accompaniment, but sour cream or butter alone are also common.
🔄 Variations
- Use mashed potatoes or barley porridge as an alternative filling.
- For a richer crust, add a tablespoon of sour cream to the dough.