Savory > European > Finnish

Classic Karelian Pasties Recipe

Ingredients with Measurements:
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup (1 stick) cold butter, cut into small cubes
- 1/2 cup cold water
- 2 cups cooked and mashed potatoes
- 1/2 cup diced onion
- 1/2 cup diced carrots
- 1/2 cup diced mushrooms
- 1/4 cup diced ham
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper
- 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 1/4 teaspoon ground allspice
- 1/4 teaspoon ground cardamom
- 1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh dill

Special Equipment Needed:
- Rolling pin
- Pastry brush
- Baking sheet
- Parchment paper

Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).

2. In a large bowl, combine flour and salt. Cut in butter until mixture resembles coarse crumbs. Gradually add water, stirring with a fork until dough forms a ball.

3. On a lightly floured surface, roll out dough to a 12-inch (30 cm) circle. Cut into 8 wedges.

4. In a medium bowl, combine potatoes, onion, carrots, mushrooms, ham, butter, pepper, nutmeg, allspice, cardamom, cinnamon, parsley, and dill.

5. Place 1/4 cup of the potato mixture onto the center of each wedge. Fold dough over filling, forming a half-moon shape. Press edges together to seal.

6. Place pasties on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Brush tops with melted butter.

7. Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until golden brown.

Time:
Preparation Time: 30 minutes
Cooking Time: 20-25 minutes
Temperature: 400°F (200°C)
Serving Size: 8 pasties

Nutritional Information (per pasty):
Calories: 250
Fat: 12 g
Carbohydrates: 28 g
Protein: 6 g

Substitutions for Ingredients:
- For the all-purpose flour, you can use whole wheat flour or gluten-free flour.
- For the butter, you can use vegan butter or olive oil.
- For the ham, you can use cooked bacon or cooked sausage.

Variations:
- For a vegetarian version, omit the ham and increase the amount of vegetables.
- For a vegan version, omit the ham and use vegan butter.

Tips and Tricks:
- Make sure to use cold butter and cold water when making the dough to ensure a flaky crust.
- Use a pastry brush to brush the tops of the pasties with melted butter for a golden brown finish.

Storage Instructions:
Store the pasties in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

Reheating Instructions:
Reheat the pasties in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for 10-15 minutes, or until heated through.

Presentation Ideas:
Serve the pasties on a platter with a side of sour cream or Greek yogurt.

Garnishes:
Garnish the pasties with chopped fresh parsley, dill, or chives.

Pairings:
Serve the pasties with a side of pickled cucumbers or a green salad.

Suggested Side Dishes:
Serve the pasties with boiled potatoes, mashed potatoes, or roasted vegetables.

Troubleshooting Advice:
If the dough is too dry, add a tablespoon of cold water at a time until the dough comes together.

Food Safety Advice:
Make sure to cook the potatoes and vegetables thoroughly before adding them to the dough.

Food History:
Karelian pasties are a traditional Finnish dish that originated in the Karelia region of Finland. They are usually filled with potatoes and other vegetables, and served with a side of sour cream or Greek yogurt.

Flavor Profiles:
The pasties have a savory flavor from the potatoes, vegetables, and spices, and a hint of sweetness from the butter.

Serving Suggestions:
Serve the pasties as an appetizer or as a main course with a side of vegetables or salad.

Related Categories

Cooking Method: N/A

Course Type: N/A

Dietary: N/A

Ingredient: N/A

Meal type: N/A

Occassion: N/A

Region: Finnish

Taste: Savory, Rich, Comforting, Hearty, Earthy