Veriletut (Finnish Blood Pancakes)
Veriletut, also known as Blodplättar in Swedish, are traditional Finnish blood pancakes. They are thin, savory pancakes made with animal blood, flour, and seasonings, often served with lingonberry jam or fried onions. Historically, they were made after slaughtering days to utilize all parts of the animal and are known for being rich in iron.
🧂 Ingredients
- 400 ml Animal blood (pork or beef)
- 400 ml Milk or beer
- 100 g Barley flour
- 100 g Rye flour
- 1 large Egg
- 1 small Onion(finely chopped and fried until golden)
- 1 tsp Salt
- 0.5 tsp White pepper
- 1 tsp Marjoram
- 50 g Butter(melted, for the batter)
- as needed tbsp Butter(for frying)
👨🍳 Instructions
- 1
In a large bowl, whisk together the animal blood and milk (or beer) until well combined. If the blood is frozen, thaw it in the refrigerator and whisk until frothy.
💡 Tip: Ensure the blood is fresh and properly handled. - 2
Gradually add the barley flour and rye flour to the wet ingredients, whisking continuously to prevent lumps. Let the batter rest for 30 minutes to an hour to allow the flour to swell.
- 3
While the batter rests, finely chop the onion and sauté it in a little butter until golden brown and cooled. Add the fried onion to the batter.
💡 Tip: Frying the onion beforehand adds a subtle sweetness and depth of flavor. - 4
Whisk in the egg, melted butter, salt, white pepper, and marjoram until the batter is smooth. The consistency should be pourable but not too thin.
💡 Tip: If the batter is too thick, add a little more milk or beer; if too thin, add a tablespoon more of rye flour. - 5
Heat a lightly buttered frying pan or a specialized pancake pan over medium-high heat. Pour about 2/3 of a ladle of batter into the hot pan for each pancake, swirling to create a thin, round crepe.
💡 Tip: Maintain a consistent heat for even cooking. You may need to stir the batter occasionally as it can thicken. - 6
Cook for about 2 minutes per side, or until the pancake is dark brown and cooked through. Flip carefully and cook the other side.
- 7
Serve the veriletut hot, traditionally accompanied by lingonberry jam, cranberry sauce, or fried onions.
💡 Tip: These pancakes are best enjoyed fresh.
💡 Pro Tips
- ✓Ensure you source fresh, high-quality animal blood from a reputable butcher.
- ✓The batter can be made ahead and stored in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours.
- ✓If you don't have barley flour, you can substitute with an equal amount of wheat flour.
🔄 Variations
- Add a pinch of ground allspice to the batter for a warmer flavor.
- Serve with a dollop of sour cream or crème fraîche.