Finlandia: A Pasties
Finlandia: A hearty Finnish meat pastry with a rich filling of beef, pork, vegetables, and aromatic herbs, perfect for comfort and special gatherings.
Ingredients
- 8 c. flour ⓘ
- 3 c. solid vegetable shortening ⓘ
- 2 c. water ⓘ
- 1 lb. coarsely ground or grated chopped beef ⓘ
- 1/2 lb. ground or chopped pork ⓘ
- 3 medium potatoes, peeled and diced ⓘ
- 4 medium carrots, scraped and diced
- 1 small onion, chopped ⓘ
- 1/2 medium rutabaga, peeled and chopped fine ⓘ
- 1/2 c. beef suet, finely chopped ⓘ
- 1 Tbsp. parsley flakes or 1/4 c. minced fresh parsley ⓘ
- 1 tsp. salt ⓘ
- dash of pepper ⓘ
Instructions
- In a large bowl, combine flour and a dash of salt.
- With a pastry blender or two knives, cut the shortening into the flour until the mixture resembles gravel.
- Slowly add water until the mixture forms a ball.
- Note that the pastry will be much stickier than regular pie crust.
- With floured hands, shape the pastry into a ball, cover with plastic wrap, and let rest in the refrigerator while preparing the filling.
Tips & Substitutions
For a flakier crust, ensure your vegetable shortening is very cold before cutting it into the flour. If you don't have beef suet, you can use additional vegetable shortening or a bit of butter as a substitute. Adding a pinch of nutmeg to the filling can enhance the flavor profile. If you prefer a vegetarian version, consider using lentils and mushrooms in place of the meat.
Serving Suggestions
Serve Finlandia pasties warm, alongside a fresh salad or steamed vegetables for a balanced meal. They pair beautifully with Lettie'S Irish Stew for a hearty dinner. Consider offering a side of mustard or a tangy dipping sauce to complement the rich flavors of the meat filling. A simple apple chutney also makes a delightful accompaniment.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftover pasties in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place them in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 15-20 minutes or until heated through. For a crispier crust, consider reheating them in an air fryer for a few minutes.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Finlandia: A Pasties contains roughly 3497 calories, with 54g protein, 474g carbohydrates, and 156g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (318% of the Daily Value), dietary fiber (173% of the Daily Value), and vitamin A (119% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1607mg per serving (70% of the Daily Value).
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I freeze these pasties for later?
Yes, you can freeze the pasties either before or after baking. To freeze unbaked pasties, assemble them and place them on a baking sheet until firm, then transfer them to a freezer-safe bag. Bake from frozen, adding a few extra minutes to the cooking time.
What can I substitute for the potatoes?
If you want to replace the potatoes, consider using sweet potatoes for a slightly different flavor and added sweetness. Cauliflower also works well; just ensure it's cooked and mashed before mixing it with the meat to maintain the right filling consistency.
How do I make the crust less sticky?
If the dough is too sticky, you can incorporate a bit more flour while kneading. However, be careful not to add too much, as this can make the crust tough. Chilling the dough longer can also help it firm up and be easier to work with.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).