Kalakukko

Kalakukko (Fish Pie) is a traditional Finnish dish from the Savo region, known for its hearty and filling combination of fish, pork, and rye bread crust. It’s a unique and iconic Finnish comfort food, often enjoyed as a portable meal. Here's how to make it:

Ingredients

Serves 4-6:

For the Dough:

• 500 g (4 cups) rye flour
• 150 g (1 cup) all-purpose flour
• 2 tsp salt
• 300 ml (1 1/4 cups) water

For the Filling:

• 400-500 g (14-17 oz) small fish (e.g., vendace, perch, or European whitefish), cleaned and gutted
• 200 g (7 oz) pork belly or bacon, thinly sliced
• 1-2 tsp salt
• Butter or lard (optional, for added richness)

Equipment

• Large mixing bowl
• Rolling pin
• Baking sheet
• Parchment paper

Instructions

1. Prepare the Dough

   • In a large bowl, mix the rye flour, all-purpose flour, and salt. Gradually add water while kneading until you have a firm and elastic dough. Cover with a clean towel and let it rest for 30 minutes.

2. Prepare the Filling

   • Clean and gut the fish if not already prepared. Lightly season the fish and pork belly with salt.

3. Assemble the Kalakukko

   • Preheat your oven to 200°C (390°F).
   • Roll out the dough into a large oval shape, about 1 cm (0.4 inches) thick.
   • Place a layer of pork belly in the center of the dough, followed by a layer of fish. Add a small amount of butter or lard on top if desired.

4. Seal the Dough

   • Fold the edges of the dough over the filling to form a loaf, ensuring there are no gaps or openings. Pinch the seams tightly to seal the filling inside.

5. Bake the Kalakukko

   • Place the loaf seam-side down on a parchment-lined baking sheet. Bake at 200°C (390°F) for 30 minutes to create a firm crust.
   • Reduce the heat to 125°C (260°F) and bake for an additional 4-6 hours. Wrap the loaf in aluminum foil halfway through baking to prevent it from drying out.

6. Rest and Serve

   • Let the Kalakukko cool slightly before slicing. Serve warm or at room temperature, with butter spread on the slices for extra flavor.

Tips

• For an authentic flavor, use Finnish vendace (muikku) if available.
• Kalakukko keeps well and can be reheated, making it perfect for picnics or packed lunches.
• Experiment with different fish and meats to customize the filling.

Kalakukko is a hearty and deeply traditional dish that reflects Finland’s resourceful and rustic culinary heritage. It's both satisfying and unique, making it a must-try! 😊