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Classic Finnish Karelian Pie

A traditional Finnish breakfast dish featuring creamy rice filling in a delicate rye crust, served with rich egg butter.
Prep Time 3 hours
Cook Time 1 hour 15 minutes
Total Time 4 hours 15 minutes
Servings: 36 pieces
Course: Breakfast, Brunch
Cuisine: Finnish
Calories: 95

Ingredients
  

For the Rice Filling
  • 1 1/4 cups arborio or sushi rice
  • 1 1/2 cups water
  • 1.1 liters whole milk (about 4 3/4 cups)
  • 1 1/2 tsp salt
For the Rye Crust
  • 1 cup water
  • 1 1/2 tsp salt
  • 1 cup plain all-purpose flour
  • 1 1/2 cups rye flour (plus about 3/4 to 1 cup more for rolling)
For the Egg Butter (Munavoi)
  • 6 large eggs
  • 100 g unsalted butter, softened (about 3.5 oz, 7 tbsp)
  • 2 tbsp finely chopped fresh chives or red onion
  • Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
For Glazing
  • 2 cups water
  • 50 g unsalted butter (about 1.7 oz, 3 1/2 tbsp)

Method
 

Cook the Rice Filling
  1. Rinse the rice first, then boil it in 1 1/2 cups water for about 10 minutes. Add the milk and cook slowly over low heat for about 30 minutes, stirring often, until very thick and creamy. Stir in the salt at the end and set aside to cool.
Mix and Rest the Rye Dough
  1. Stir salt into the all-purpose flour, then add the water. Mix in the rye flour a little at a time until a dough forms. Knead briefly, then shape into a log about 2 inches across. Wrap well, cover with a damp towel, and let it rest for 2 hours.
Make the Egg Butter
  1. Boil the eggs for 5 minutes, then cool them in cold water. Peel and chop them, mash with the softened butter and chives, and season with salt and pepper.
Roll, Fill, and Pleat the Pies
  1. Preheat the oven to its highest setting (up to 536°F or 280°C) and line a baking tray with parchment paper. Cut 18 pieces from half of the dough log. Roll each piece into a very thin oval on a well-floured board, using extra rye flour as needed. Spoon cooled rice porridge into the center, fold ends, and pinch long sides to form a boat shape.
Bake and Glaze
  1. Bake the pies in batches for 12 to 15 minutes until the crust is crisp and brown flecks appear. Meanwhile, bring the water and butter for the glaze to a simmer, and dip or brush the hot pies with the butter water.
Serve and Store
  1. Serve warm with a generous spoonful of egg butter on top. Refrigerate leftovers for up to 3 days or freeze for up to 2 months.

Notes

Good option for make-ahead cooking. Can be served with soft-boiled eggs, cucumber, berries, yogurt, or coffee.