Vräyttämällä

Vräyttämällä is a Finnish term that describes a specific method of preparing or cooking fish, particularly salmon. It translates loosely to "rolling" or "wrapping" and refers to the technique of filleting a fish, removing the backbone, and then rolling the two sides together, often with the skin on the outside. This method is traditional in Finnish cuisine and is often associated with festive occasions.

The process typically involves carefully skinning the fish, leaving the flesh intact. The fillet is then seasoned, often with salt and pepper, and sometimes with herbs like dill. The seasoned fillet is then rolled tightly, either by hand or by using a rolling pin, to form a cylindrical shape. This rolled fish is then usually cooked by baking or poaching. The rolling method helps to keep the fish moist and tender during cooking and creates an attractive presentation.

Vräyttämällä is believed to have originated as a way to make the most of the fish, ensuring even cooking and maximizing flavor. The rolled shape also makes it easier to slice evenly after cooking. While salmon is the most common fish prepared this way, other types of fish with firm flesh can also be suitable for the vräyttämällä technique. It remains a respected and practiced method in Finnish culinary traditions.