Finnish Delight: Authentic Lihapiirakka (Finnish Meat Pie) Recipe

Ingredients

500 grams of ground beef
1 large onion, finely chopped
2 cloves of garlic, minced
Salt and pepper to taste
1 teaspoon of allspice
500 milliliters of beef broth
2 tablespoons of flour
100 grams of butter
500 grams of puff pastry
1 egg for egg wash

Steps and instructions

Preheat your oven to 200°C (392°F).
In a large pan, melt butter and sauté the onions and garlic until they are translucent.
Add the ground beef to the pan and cook it until it's browned. Season with salt, pepper, and allspice.
Gradually add flour to the pan, stirring it in to prevent lumps from forming.
Pour the beef broth into the pan and let it cook until the mixture thickens.
Roll out the puff pastry and cut it into squares (approximately 10cm x 10cm).
Place a spoonful of the beef mixture in the center of each square.
Fold the corners of the pastry over the filling to form a "packet". Press the edges together to seal.
Place the pastries on a baking tray lined with parchment paper.
Brush each pastry with beaten egg to give it a glossy finish.
Bake the pastries for 20-25 minutes or until they are golden brown.

Tools for making

Large pan - Used for sautéing the onions, garlic, and cooking the ground beef.
Rolling pin - Used to roll out the puff pastry dough.
Baking tray - Used to place the filled pastries for baking in the oven.
Parchment paper - Lined on the baking tray to prevent the pastries from sticking.
Brush - Used to brush beaten egg onto the pastries for a golden finish.

Recipe variations

Use a different type of ground meat such as pork, chicken, or lamb.
Replace the puff pastry with phyllo dough for a lighter crust.
Add grated cheese, such as cheddar or mozzarella, to the filling for a cheesy twist.
Include diced vegetables like carrots, bell peppers, or mushrooms to add more flavor and texture to the filling.
Create a vegetarian version by replacing the ground beef with plant-based meat alternatives.
Make mini versions of lihapiirakka by using smaller squares of puff pastry and adjusting the baking time accordingly.
Experiment with different spices and herbs, such as paprika, thyme, or parsley, to customize the flavor profile.
For a gluten-free option, use gluten-free puff pastry or substitute the flour in the filling with a gluten-free flour blend.

Recipe overview

Lihapiirakka, or Finnish Meat Pie, is a popular snack in Finland that's loved for its rich, savory flavor. It's a wonderful amalgamation of puff pastry and a hearty filling of ground beef, onions, and a hint of allspice. Making Lihapiirakka at home is a delightful experience, and this recipe will guide you through every step of the process. Expect to spend some time on preparation, as the filling needs to be cooked and the pastry rolled out before assembly. But the end result is a batch of golden, flaky pastries filled with an irresistible meat filling. These pies are perfect for sharing with friends, for a snack on a cold day, or even for a unique dinner option. Enjoy the process and the delicious outcome!

Common questions

Can I use a different type of meat instead of ground beef? Yes, you can use ground pork, chicken, or even a mixture of different meats for variation.
Can I make the filling ahead of time? Absolutely! You can prepare the filling in advance and store it in the refrigerator for up to 2 days.
Can I freeze the lihapiirakka? Yes, you can freeze the baked lihapiirakka. Once cooled, place them in an airtight container or freezer bag and store them in the freezer for up to 3 months. To reheat, simply bake them in a preheated oven until heated through.
Can I use store-bought puff pastry? Yes, you can use store-bought puff pastry for convenience. Just make sure to follow the package instructions for thawing before using.
Can I add other ingredients to the filling? Absolutely! You can customize the filling by adding chopped mushrooms, grated cheese, or diced vegetables like carrots or bell peppers.
Can I make mini-sized lihapiirakka? Yes, you can make smaller-sized lihapiirakka by cutting the puff pastry into smaller squares and adjusting the filling amount accordingly. Just remember to adjust the baking time accordingly as well.

Serving dishes and utensils

Baking tray - Used to hold and bake the lihapiirakka pastries.
Parchment paper - Placed on the baking tray to prevent the pastries from sticking.
Large pan - Used for cooking the ground beef and onion mixture.
Rolling pin - Used to roll out the puff pastry dough.
Knife - Used to finely chop the onion and garlic.
Spoon - Used to stir and mix the ingredients in the pan.
Pastry brush - Used to brush beaten egg on top of the pastries for a glossy finish.

Origin stories

Lihapiirakka, also fondly known as "lihis" in Finland, is a beloved traditional fast-food snack. Its origins can be traced back to post-World War II Finland, specifically the city of Turku, where it quickly became a popular choice due to its filling nature and affordability. Interestingly, lihapiirakka's humble beginnings were as a meat pie sold at local markets. It was not until the 1960s, when it was introduced into the fast-food scene, that it was filled with a savory mixture of rice and ground meat, resembling the iconic Finnish dish 'Karjalanpiirakka'. Today, this hearty pastry can be found at nearly every kiosk and convenience store across the country, offering a taste of Finnish culinary tradition on the go.

Disclaimer: This recipe was not created by humans and we cannot ensure that it will turn out as expected. We do not guarantee or take any liability for the accuracy of this recipe (including steps, ingredients, nutritional information, and all sections on this page). You should check to make sure you are not allergic to any ingredients and take safety precautions while making this. The images on this page are generated by AI and may not accurately represent the result of making this recipe.