PYTTIPANNA

This is another dish that we have to give the credit for to Sweden. The Swedish
name for it means “small pieces in a pan”, and that is literally what this dish is.
Small pieces of potato, onion, and sausage are all fried together in one pan, topped
with a fried egg, and served with a side of pickles and beetroot.

This dish is easy and quick to prepare. It is also known as a leftover dish, which is
probably why it is so popular with families with kids: you can quickly throw
together a tasty meal with the leftovers from yesterday’s dinner.

SAUTEEDN REINDEER STEW

Some would argue that this is as Finnish as it gets. Eating reindeer meat might
seem crazy, but it’s a very common and traditional dish in Finland. Sautéed
reindeer is especially eaten a lot in the northern parts of the country, where
reindeers roam freely.

This dish is a must-try if you are ever traveling to Finland. It is usually paired
with mashed potatoes and lingonberry jam – a combo you cannot go wrong with.

 SALTY LICORICE

Salty licorice, or salmiakki, is an absolute Finnish favorite. It should not be

confused with sweet licorice. Salty licorice is flavored with ammonium chloride,
giving it a salty taste.
It might not be everyone’s cup of tea, but the Finns love it! Salmiakki is definitely
something you need to try when in Finland. I mean, you really can’t go to
Finland and not try salmiakki.
Not only is it eaten on its own, it is used in various different dishes and snacks.
You can find licorice-flavored ice cream, chocolate, meat dishes, and even vodka.

MUSTIKKAPIIRAKKA

If we had to choose the most Finnish dessert, it would be blueberry pie. This
delicious dessert is at its best when made with fresh blueberries. The Finnish forests
turn blue during the summer and these berries can be found almost everywhere.

Blueberry pie might be the most popular, but Finns also use other berries, such as
lingonberries, in their desserts and other dishes. Blueberry pie is best served warm
straight from the oven with a scoop of vanilla ice cream.

 RICE PORRIDGE

Rice porridge is commonly associated with Christmas because it is usually eaten

around the holidays. The rich and thick porridge is made with full-fat milk and
cooked slowly. You can top your porridge with anything you like, but the Finns
like to keep it simple – just a little sprinkle of sugar and cinnamon or some sweet
raisin kissel.

There is a fun tradition among the Fınns for eating this dish. A single almond is
hidden inside the pot of porridge and whoever finds it on their plate has to sing a
song for everyone.

KARELIAN PIE

Karelian pies are little savory snacks that originated from the Karelia region in Eastern
Finland. These days the region belongs to Russia but some of the traditional dishes have
remained part of Finnish cuisine to this day.

Karelian pie has a rye pastry crust that is filled with savory rice pudding. It is usually eaten
with a mixture made with hard-boiled eggs and butter.

The egg and butter mixture is of course optional, but you might get some questioning looks if
you decide to eat your pie without it. Karelian pies are a perfect snack for both everyday life
and special occasions – they are even served at weddings and graduation parties.

 SALMON SOUP

Salmon soup is eaten in Finnish homes year-round. The creamy version of this
classic dish in particular is a staple of Finnish cuisine. It’s a simple dish where the
quality of the ingredients speaks for themselves.

A good salmon soup needs no more than good salmon, some potatoes and carrots,
and a bunch of fresh dill. Pair the soup with a slice of fresh rye bread and you are
set. This is Finnish comfort food at its best!

MACARONI CASSEROLE

This might be the most common dish in Finnish homes. It is easy to make and kids
especially love it. The casserole itself contains macaroni and minced meat and a
milk and egg mixture that binds everything together. Top it off with some tomato
ketchup and you are set.

This casserole of course opens up opportunities for mixing things up – some people
add vegetables to the casserole, some replace the meat with soy protein granules,
and some skip the milk and egg mixture altogether. However the dish is prepared,
you are guaranteed to find it on every Finnish dinner table.