For this week’s recipe, I’ve decided to make Lohipiirakka also known as Salmon Pie. Since it’s our last week of passion blogs, I decided to go all out and try a more time-consuming recipe. I also thought it would be fun to make from a traditional Finnish recipe website (there was a lot of Google translate and metric conversions involved).
As I briefly mentioned before, Lohipiirakka is a Finnish dish, particularly from the region of South Karelia. From what I read, it seems that Lohipiirakka is a dish that people can snack on during a get-together or in between meals. There is also a lot of history of Finnish and Russian influence on this dish which was interesting to read about. A New York Times article from 1986 had a surprisingly in-depth article about the different Russian and Finnish variations of savory pies (I’ll link it down below if anyone is interested in checking it out). I’ve also learned that there is a lot of variation between how these pies actually look (from small personal ones to larger ones like the one below).
The ingredients I used were surprisingly easy to find. Smoked salmon is the key to my heart so I was really excited to try this recipe out. There are two main parts to this dish: the base (crust) and the filling. Once you have you’re ingredients, the rest isn’t overwhelmingly complicated. You just have to mix the ingredients of both parts together and bake them accordingly.
A tip I came across on many of the recipes I read through made sure to emphasize not straying too far from the pie when it is in the oven because the cooking time is way too variable and you could very easily burn the whole thing. It’s a good thing I listened because the pie was actually done much before I originally expected. The whole process from start to finish probably took about an hour and 10 minutes. That being said, I think that not having to figure out translations and conversions would definitely cut down on the time I spent, so I expect it to take less next time.
I’m really happy with how this recipe came out. It was really good and I will definitely be eating it as an afternoon snack for the next week. The whole thing reminded me a lot of a sort of quiche. While it did take more work than some of the other recipes I’ve tried making, it really is delicious and I definitely look forward to making it again sometime soon.
One version of the recipe I read suggested playing around with what to include in the filling. I really like when recipes account for variations like that because then you can personalize the dish to your own preferences or available ingredients. I think the next time I make this dish, I’ll try adding some feta or vegetables and see how it turns out.
Thank you all for reading my blog this past semester! I’m going to miss commenting on passion blogs with you all. As always, if you do decide to try this recipe out I’d love to hear what you think of it.
Sources:
https://www.nytimes.com/1986/08/03/travel/fare-of-the-country-finnish-stew-of-meaty-riches.html
Anna where am I going to get inspiration to cook now?! I have loved reading your passion blogs this semester and learning all these new recipes. My Thursdays will be a lot less interesting without a global dish. This week’s dish sounds really good! I also love salmon so I’m sure I would like this dish. Girl, the amount of work you put into research and this week converting and translating just shows how truly passionate you are about cooking! I love seeing the dishes you find! We will definitely need to get together in person next year and try some of your delicious food (I can bring the dessert:))) Thanks for all the great blogs this semester and have a great summer!!!
Oh my goodness this sounds absolutely delicious. You had me hooked with the words smoked salmon. From the picture you provided, I had originally thought it was some sort of egg and veggie quiche, so I was really interested when you mentioned salmon. I also really enjoy when recipes allow for variation because then you use almost the same recipe each time, but can make so many different tasting dishes. I also just want to point out how amazingly creative you are in the kitchen. I admire you and am envious of your cooking skills! I have really enjoyed reading these blogs every week and I am going to miss not only seeing the pictures of the delicious meals, but also the history behind them! Keep killing it in the kitchen!! 👩🏼🍳
Wait… I actually love this. My best friend lives is from Finland and lives there, I bet she would be impressed if I could learn how to make this. She is always talking about Finnish food and admittedly I have no idea, so this would be a great idea. I love salmon especially smoked, it is delicious! The dish itself sounded so good. As I have read your posts, I just think about how lucky your friends and family are that you can cook. I need to learn more skills for sure! I really enjoyed reading your blogs this semester, and I learned a lot of cool new recipes. Take care and I hope you continue your passion with cooking!!