Perunariisipirukka

Perunariisipirukka is a Finnish dish that translates to "potato rice pastry." It is a savory pie or tart, often made with a potato and rice filling. The crust is typically a simple pastry dough, similar to what is used for quiches or savory pies. The filling is a mixture of cooked rice and mashed potatoes, seasoned with salt and pepper. Some variations may include additional ingredients such as onions, herbs like dill or parsley, or even small pieces of meat or fish, though the core components remain potato and rice.

The preparation involves cooking the rice and potatoes separately until tender. The potatoes are then mashed, and the cooked rice is combined with the mashed potatoes. This mixture is seasoned and then placed into the pastry shell. The perunariisipirukka is then baked in an oven until the crust is golden brown and the filling is heated through. It is a comforting and hearty dish, often served as a side dish or a light meal. Its origins are rooted in Finnish home cooking, where it likely developed as a way to utilize leftover rice and potatoes. The dish is a good example of simple, economical, and satisfying cuisine.