Karelian Pies (Karjalanpiirakka)

4.6
(41)
32 Reviews
9 Photos

These savory Karelian pies (karjalanpiirakka) were my favorite thing to eat in Finland. Rice porridge surrounded by a rye flour crust, baked until slightly browned. In Finland, these pastries are often eaten at breakfast or lunch. Delicious topped with ham, cheese, or just (real!) butter.

Submitted by Sara A
Updated on July 14, 2022
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Prep Time:
30 mins
Cook Time:
55 mins
Total Time:
1 hr 25 mins
Servings:
16
Yield:
16 pies
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Ingredients

  • 2 cups water

  • 1 cup uncooked white rice

  • 2 cups milk

  • salt to taste

  • ½ cup water

  • 1 teaspoon salt

  • 1 cup rye flour

  • ¼ cup all-purpose flour, or as needed

  • 3 tablespoons butter, melted

Directions

  1. Combine rice and water in a saucepan over medium heat. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat, cover, and simmer for 20 minutes, or until water is absorbed. Stir in milk, cover, and cook until milk is absorbed by the rice, about 20 minutes. Season with salt to taste.

  2. Preheat the oven to 450 degrees F (220 degrees C).

  3. In a medium bowl, stir together salt and rye flour. Stir in water. Mix in all-purpose flour 1 tablespoon at a time until dough is just past the sticky stage. Divide the dough into 16 equal portions.

  4. On a lightly floured surface, roll each piece of dough out into a thin circle, 6 inches in diameter. The dough should be as thin as possible. Place about 3 tablespoons of the rice mixture in the center of each circle. Spread the mixture out to within 1 inch of the edges. Fold the edges of the dough upward, and crimp the edges so as to allow the pastries to hold their shape. Pinch the sides at each end to form a little boat. Place pastries about 3 inches apart on an ungreased baking sheet, and brush the tops with butter.

  5. Bake for 10 to 15 minutes in the preheated oven, until the dough is firm, and the rice porridge is slightly browned on the top. Serve warm.

43 home cooks made it!

Nutrition Facts (per serving)

106 Calories
3g Fat
17g Carbs
3g Protein
Nutrition Facts
Servings Per Recipe 16
Calories 106
% Daily Value *
Total Fat 3g 4%
Saturated Fat 2g 9%
Cholesterol 8mg 3%
Sodium 175mg 8%
Total Carbohydrate 17g 6%
Dietary Fiber 1g 4%
Total Sugars 2g
Protein 3g 5%
Vitamin C 0mg 0%
Calcium 42mg 3%
Iron 1mg 4%
Potassium 84mg 2%

* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily values may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.

** Nutrient information is not available for all ingredients. Amount is based on available nutrient data.

(-) Information is not currently available for this nutrient. If you are following a medically restrictive diet, please consult your doctor or registered dietitian before preparing this recipe for personal consumption.