Finnish cuisine is all about simple, hearty foods that are closely linked to Finland’s nature and seasons. In the cold winter months, Finns love to eat warm soups and casserole made with local vegetables like potatoes and carrots. These dishes are not only tasty but also keep you warm.
The way Finns cook is straightforward and easy. They usually don’t use a lot of spices, preferring just simple ones like salt, pepper, and sometimes a bay leaf, especially in soups. This makes sure that the real taste of the fresh ingredients comes out. Finnish food is about enjoying the natural flavors of good, simple ingredients. Of course, a special touch in many Finnish dishes is lingonberry jam. This jam is a bit tart and sweet, and it’s used a lot in Finland to add flavor to different dishes.
Finnish culinary culture is celebrated annually on Finnish Food Day, on September 4th, highlighting the nation’s appreciation and pride in its unique and hearty cuisine.
1. Salmon Soup (Lohikeitto)
Lohikeitto is a creamy, comforting soup popular in Finland, made with chunks of salmon, potatoes, and leeks. It is typically seasoned with dill, enhancing the soup with a fresh, herby flavor. This beloved Finnish dish is not only a common feature in restaurants but is also frequently cooked in homes. Additionally, it’s a staple in day care and school canteens across the country, appreciated for its nourishing ingredients and appealing taste. The Finnish salmon soup is often served with rye bread and butter, making it a complete and satisfying meal.
2. Pea Soup (Hernekeitto)
Hernekeitto, the traditional Finnish pea soup, is a thick and hearty dish primarily made from green peas. This soup is particularly noted for its ease of preparation, even in large quantities, making it a popular choice in cafeterias, schools, and daycare centers, especially on Thursdays. The tradition of eating hernekeitto on Thursdays in Finland has historical roots tied to Christian practices and has evolved into a beloved cultural norm.
The soup is typically enriched with pork meat, often including some smoked meat, which imparts a deeper, savory flavor. This addition of meat not only enhances the taste but also adds substantial nutritional value to the meal. After the soup, it’s customary in Finland to enjoy pancake dessert, usually served with jam, rounding off the meal with a sweet note.
Hernekeitto is also widely available in tins, making it an incredibly convenient dish to prepare at home or to take on hiking trips. The tinned version retains the essential flavors and qualities of the homemade soup, offering a quick and satisfying meal option. The combination of its rich taste, nutritional value, and the ease with which it can be prepared and stored, makes hernekeitto a staple in Finnish cuisine.
3. Macaroni Casserole (Liha-makaronilaatikko)
Liha-makaronilaatikko is a beloved comfort food in Finland. It’s a simple, hearty dish made with ground meat (usually beef or a mix of beef and pork), macaroni pasta, and an egg-milk mixture. The ingredients are layered or mixed in a baking dish and then baked until set and golden brown on top. It’s often seasoned with onions, salt, and pepper, and sometimes allspice. It’s typically served with ketchup on the side.
4. Spinach Pancakes (Pinaattiletut)
Pinaattiletut, or spinach pancakes, are a popular traditional dish in Finland, often found in canteens and enjoyed as a nutritious lunch or light dinner. These vibrant green pancakes are typically served with mashed potatoes and a fresh side salad, creating a well-rounded and satisfying meal. Sometimes, they are also accompanied by raejuusto, a Finnish cottage cheese, adding a creamy texture and a slight tang. An essential and classic accompaniment to pinaattiletut is lingonberry jam, whose sweet and tart flavors beautifully complement the earthy spinach pancakes.
5. Traditional Finnish Hash (Pyttipannu)
Perinteinen pyttipannu, or Traditional Finnish Hash, is a classic dish that’s both hearty and versatile. It typically consists of diced potatoes, onions, and meat, such as ham, sausage, or other leftovers. The key to this dish is in frying the ingredients together until they are well-cooked and have a crispy exterior, creating a delicious blend of flavors and textures. Seasoned simply with salt and pepper, pyttipannu is a beloved comfort food in Finland, often served with fried eggs on top and accompanied by pickled beetroot.
Conveniently, ready-made pyttipannu is available in Finnish markets, usually frozen and often with added sausage. This pre-made version provides a quick and tasty meal option, especially popular among families for its ease of preparation. Additionally, pyttipannu potatoes are sold as pre-made, frozen, diced potatoes. These can be quickly fried and combined with any desired ingredients, offering a fast and customizable meal solution. Many people, including myself, find these frozen potatoes particularly appealing as they cook fast and have a satisfying texture, somewhat reminiscent of square-shaped French fries. This adaptability and convenience make pyttipannu a staple dish, perfect for busy days and feeding hungry kids.
6. Finnish Sausage Soup (Siskonmakkarakeitto)
Siskonmakkarakeitto is a traditional Finnish soup, cherished for its ease of preparation and delicious taste. The star ingredient of this soup is siskonmakkara, a special type of Finnish sausage. This sausage is mild and made from finely ground pork, resembling more of a paste than the typical sausage texture. Before being added to the soup, siskonmakkara is usually squeezed from its casing (see video above).
The soup itself is a delightful combination of this unique sausage and a rich, flavorful broth. The siskonmakkara cooks directly in the soup, infusing the stock with its mild and savory pork flavor. The result is a smooth and comforting soup, often filled with additional ingredients like vegetables, which can include carrots, potatoes, and sometimes other root vegetables or greens.
7. Karelian Hot Pot (Karjalanpaisti)
Karjalanpaisti, or Karelian Hot Pot, is a traditional Finnish stew known for its rich and hearty flavor. It’s typically made with a mix of meats, often including beef, pork, and sometimes lamb or mutton, which are slowly stewed with onions and various root vegetables like carrots and potatoes. Seasoned simply with bay leaves, allspice, and black peppercorns, the stew is cooked for several hours, allowing the flavors to meld and the meat to become tender.
Karjalanpaisti is traditionally served with boiled potatoes or mashed potatoes and sometimes accompanied by pickled beetroot or cucumbers. It’s a dish that embodies the warmth and comfort of Finnish cuisine, often enjoyed during the colder months. Its long cooking time and robust flavor profile make it a popular choice for family gatherings and festive occasions in Finland.
8. Cabbage Casserole (Kaalilaatikko)
The Finnish cabbage casserole, commonly known as Kaalilaatikko, is a familiar and beloved home food in Finland, recognized by almost everyone. This traditional, long-simmered dish is primarily made with cabbage, which is finely chopped and mixed with minced meat, onions, rice, and spices. The distinctiveness of kaalilaatikko lies in its slow cooking process, allowing the flavors to develop and meld together.
Kaalilaatikko is often enjoyed as a standalone meal and is always served with lingonberry jam, which adds a tart contrast to the rich and savory casserole. This dish is a staple in Finnish homes, especially appreciated during the colder months for its warmth and satisfying nature.
What are your favourite Finnish dishes? Would you add something else to this list?