lautasellinen

Lautasellinen is a Finnish term that literally translates to "plateful." It describes a portion of food served on a plate, often implying a generous or standard serving size. While it can refer to any meal served on a plate, it is frequently used in contexts related to home cooking, everyday meals, and hospitality.

The term is commonly heard in domestic settings, such as when a parent is preparing a meal for their family or when someone is describing the amount of food they have eaten. For example, "Sain ison lautasellisen makaronilaatikkoa" means "I received a large plateful of macaroni casserole." It can also be used to describe a meal at a restaurant or a buffet, indicating the quantity of food one takes.

Lautasellinen emphasizes the visual and tangible aspect of a meal, focusing on the food contained within the boundaries of the plate. It's a straightforward and practical term in Finnish culinary language, conveying a clear image of a serving. The size implied by "lautasellinen" can vary depending on the type of food, the occasion, and individual expectations, but it generally signifies a complete and satisfying portion.