Jouluruokia

Jouluruokia is the Finnish term for Christmas foods, referring to the traditional dishes prepared and eaten during the Christmas season in Finland. The set of dishes spans hot mains, side dishes, salads, breads, desserts and drinks, and the exact menu varies by region and family. The Christmas Eve meal is the central occasion for juleuruokia in many households.

A central element is joulukinkku, a cured or baked ham that is often glazed with mustard and sugar. Other meats such as kalkkuna (turkey) are found in some homes. A distinctive group of dishes are the laatikot, casseroles including lanttulaatikko (rutabaga), perunalaatikko (potato) and porkkana- laatikko (carrot). Maksalaatikko (liver casserole) is also a traditional option in many families.

Cold dishes and fish are common components as well. Rosolli, a beetroot salad with carrot and onion, is a staple, sometimes served with a dollop of mayonnaise or yogurt. Graavilohi (gravlax) or other cured fish are frequently present alongside pickled herring and bread.

Desserts and sweets are emblematic of jouluruokia. Joulutorttu, a star-shaped prune-filled pastry, is highly characteristic, while piparkakut (gingerbread cookies) and riisipuuro (rice porridge) appear in many households. Coffee is commonly served after the meal, sometimes accompanied by a light dessert wine or glögi, a spiced mulled drink.

Regional and family variations are common, but jouluruokia collectively describe the traditional Finnish Christmas table, centered on a festive, multi-dish presentation that culminates on Christmas Eve.