Karjalanpiirakka (Karelian Pastries): Assemble and Bake the Pastries

movingstarvoices.org – Karjalanpiirakka are traditional Finnish pastries that are simple yet incredibly delicious. These small, open-faced pastries are filled with either rice porridge or mashed potato and often topped with a generous dollop of egg butter.

Ingredients:

For the Dough:

• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 1/4 cup water

For the Filling:

• 1 cup rice
• 2 cups water
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 cup butter, softened
• 1 egg yolk

Instructions:

Make the Dough:

1. Combine Dry Ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together the flour and salt.
2. Cut in Butter: Cut in the softened butter until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
3. Add Water: Gradually add the water, mixing until the dough comes together.
4. Chill the Dough: Wrap the dough in plastic wrap and chill for at least 30 minutes.

Make the Filling:

1. Cook the Rice: In a saucepan, combine the rice, water, and salt. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer, covered, for 20-25 minutes, or until the rice is tender.
2. Add Butter and Egg Yolk: Once the rice has cooled slightly, stir in the softened butter and egg yolk.

Assemble and Bake the Pastries:

1. Roll Out the Dough: Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Roll out the chilled dough on a lightly floured surface to a thickness of about 1/8 inch.
2. Cut Out Circles: Using a 3-inch round cutter, cut out circles of dough.
3. Add Filling: Place a spoonful of the rice or potato filling in the center of each circle of dough.
4. Fold and Seal: Fold the dough over the filling, pinching the edges together to seal.
5. Brush with Egg Wash: Brush the tops of the pastries with beaten egg.
6. Bake: Place the pastries on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper and bake for 12-15 minutes, or until golden brown.

Make the Egg Butter:

1. Whisk Together: In a small bowl, whisk together the softened butter and egg yolk until smooth.

Serve:

1. Top with Egg Butter: Once the pastries have cooled slightly, top each pastry with a dollop of egg butter.

Tips:

• Rice Porridge: For a richer flavor, you can add a splash of milk or cream to the rice porridge.
• Mashed Potato Filling: You can use leftover mashed potatoes or make a fresh batch.
• Egg Butter: For a more intense flavor, you can add a pinch of salt or a sprinkle of herbs to the egg butter.
• Storage: Karjalanpiirakka can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for a few days.
• Freezing: You can freeze the unbaked pastries for later.