Venselmähä

Venselmähä is a traditional Finnish rye bread, often considered a variation of karjalanpiirakka (Karelian pie). It typically features a thin rye crust, traditionally shaped into an oval or boat-like form, filled with a mixture. The filling most commonly consists of rice porridge or mashed potatoes, though other variations exist. After baking, the venselmähä is traditionally brushed with melted butter or a mixture of butter and milk. This is done to soften the crust and add flavor.

The preparation of venselmähä involves carefully rolling out a rye dough very thinly. The filling is then spread onto the dough before it is shaped and sealed. Baking is usually done at a high temperature to achieve a crisp crust. Venselmähä is often served as a snack or appetizer, and it is particularly popular during holidays and special occasions in Finland. Its simple yet hearty ingredients and distinctive texture make it a recognizable part of Finnish culinary heritage.