Porkkanalaatikko

Porkkanalaatikko Recipe from Finland with Rice, Carrots, and Eggs

Region / culture: Finland | Preparation time: 30 minutes | Cooking time: 40 minutes | Servings: 6

Introduction

Porkkanalaatikko, also known as Finnish Carrot Casserole, is a traditional Finnish dish that is often served as part of a Christmas meal. This sweet and savory casserole is made with carrots, rice, milk, and eggs, and is topped with breadcrumbs for a crunchy finish.

History

Porkkanalaatikko has been a staple in Finnish cuisine for centuries, with variations of the dish dating back to the Middle Ages. Originally, the dish was made with barley instead of rice, but over time, rice became the preferred grain for the casserole. Today, Porkkanalaatikko is enjoyed by families throughout Finland, especially during the holiday season.

Ingredients

1.5 dcl (0.75 cup) rice
0.5 liters (1 pt) water
0.5 liters (1 pt) milk
0.5 kg (1 lb) carrots
0.5 tbsp salt
1 tbsp brown sugar
2 eggs, beaten
bread crumbs
butter or margarine

How to prepare

First, cook the rice in water until it is tender and sticky. Allow it to cool.
Next, rinse, peel, and grate the carrots.
In a separate bowl, combine the grated carrots with the seasonings and beaten eggs.
Add this carrot mixture to the cooked rice.
Grease a baking dish and pour the mixture into it. Sprinkle bread crumbs on top and garnish with dots of butter or margarine.
Bake the dish in a preheated oven at 200°C (400°F) for 40 minutes.

Variations

Add a handful of raisins or dried cranberries to the carrot mixture for a burst of flavor.
Substitute the breadcrumbs with crushed nuts for a crunchy topping.
For a dairy-free version, use almond milk and a dairy-free margarine.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

Be sure to cook the rice until it is sticky and tender, as this will help bind the casserole together.

- Grate the carrots finely to ensure they cook evenly and blend well with the other ingredients.

- Adding a touch of brown sugar to the carrot mixture will enhance the sweetness of the dish.

- Garnish the casserole with dots of butter or margarine before baking to add richness and flavor.

Serving Suggestions

Porkkanalaatikko is traditionally served as a side dish with roasted meats, such as ham or turkey. It pairs well with lingonberry sauce or cranberry sauce for a touch of sweetness.

Cooking Techniques

Baking the casserole in the oven allows the flavors to meld together and the breadcrumbs to crisp up for a delicious finish.

Ingredient Substitutions

If you don't have brown sugar on hand, you can use honey or maple syrup as a sweetener.

Make Ahead Tips

Porkkanalaatikko can be assembled ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator until ready to bake. Simply cover the dish with plastic wrap and bake when needed.

Presentation Ideas

Serve Porkkanalaatikko in a festive baking dish and garnish with fresh herbs or a sprinkle of cinnamon for a decorative touch.

Pairing Recommendations

Pair Porkkanalaatikko with a glass of mulled wine or a cold glass of milk for a comforting meal.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Leftover Porkkanalaatikko can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven at 350°F until warmed through.

Nutrition Information

Calories per serving

Each serving of Porkkanalaatikko contains approximately 250 calories.

Carbohydrates

Each serving of Porkkanalaatikko contains approximately 30 grams of carbohydrates.

Fats

Each serving of Porkkanalaatikko contains approximately 8 grams of fats.

Proteins

Each serving of Porkkanalaatikko contains approximately 6 grams of proteins.

Vitamins and minerals

Porkkanalaatikko is a good source of vitamin A, vitamin C, and potassium.

Alergens

Porkkanalaatikko contains dairy (milk and eggs) and gluten (breadcrumbs).

Summary

Porkkanalaatikko is a nutritious dish that provides a good balance of carbohydrates, fats, and proteins, along with essential vitamins and minerals.

Summary

Porkkanalaatikko is a classic Finnish dish that is perfect for holiday gatherings or cozy family dinners. With its sweet and savory flavors, this casserole is sure to become a new favorite at your table.

How did I get this recipe?

The first time I saw this recipe, it left a lasting impression on me. I was a young girl, visiting my aunt's house for the summer. She was a wonderful cook, and I always looked forward to helping her in the kitchen. One day, she pulled out a faded recipe card from her collection and announced that we would be making Porkkanalaatikko, a traditional Finnish dish.

As she read through the ingredients and instructions, I was intrigued by the combination of flavors and techniques involved in making this dish. Carrots, rice, and ground pork were mixed together with eggs and cream, then baked until golden and bubbly. It sounded delicious, and I couldn't wait to try it.

My aunt walked me through each step of the recipe, showing me how to peel and grate the carrots, cook the rice, and brown the pork. She explained the importance of seasoning and tasting as we went along, adjusting the flavors to our liking. I watched in awe as she expertly mixed everything together and poured it into a casserole dish, ready for the oven.

As the Porkkanalaatikko baked, the kitchen filled with the most enticing aroma. The sweet smell of carrots and savory pork mingled together, making my stomach growl in anticipation. When it was finally done, we pulled it out of the oven and let it cool for a few minutes before digging in.

The first bite was pure heaven. The creamy texture of the dish was perfectly balanced by the sweetness of the carrots and the richness of the pork. The flavors melded together in a harmonious symphony, each ingredient playing its part to create a truly unforgettable dish.

From that moment on, Porkkanalaatikko became one of my favorite recipes. Whenever I visited my aunt, we would make it together, sharing stories and laughter as we cooked. I learned so much from her during those summers, not just about cooking, but about life and love and family.

Over the years, I have made Porkkanalaatikko for my own family countless times. It has become a staple at our holiday gatherings, a dish that brings us all together around the table. I have passed the recipe down to my children, who now make it with their own families, carrying on the tradition that began so many years ago.

Each time I make Porkkanalaatikko, I am transported back to that sunny kitchen with my aunt, the smell of baking carrots and pork filling the air. I am grateful for the memories we created together, and for the delicious dish that has become a symbol of love and connection in our family.

In the end, it's not just about the food itself, but the stories and traditions that surround it. Porkkanalaatikko will always hold a special place in my heart, a reminder of the bonds that tie us together and the joy that comes from sharing a meal with loved ones.