A hearty and flaky traditional Finnish salmon pie made with a buttery potato-based crust and filled with salmon, hard-boiled eggs, rice, and onions. Lohipiirakka is perfect for both cozy weeknight dinners and festive occasions. Inspired by classic Nordic flavors, this savory pie brings comfort and richness in every bite.
Equipment
- Baking sheet
- Parchment paper
- Mixing bowl
- Rolling Pin
- Pastry cutter or food processor
- Potato masher or ricer
- Knife & cutting board
- Pastry brush
- Pots for boiling
- Measuring spoons
Ingredients
For the Crust:
- 250 g potatoes, boiled and mashed
- 250 g all-purpose flour
- 250 g unsalted butter, slightly cold, cubed
- 1 tbsp ice water
- Pinch of fine sea salt
For the Filling:
- 1 cup cooked short-grain rice (e.g., brown jasmine)
- 16-20 oz cooked salmon fillet
- 4 hard-boiled eggs, peeled and chopped
- 1 medium onion, finely chopped
- Fresh dill (optional)
- Salt, to taste
- White pepper or black pepper, to taste
For the Egg Wash:
- 1 egg
- 1 tbsp milk or heavy cream
Instructions
- Prepare the Dough: Mash boiled potatoes until smooth. In a bowl, combine mashed potatoes, flour, and salt. Cut in cubed butter until crumbly. Add ice water and mix until a dough forms. Chill for at least 2 hours or overnight.
- Preheat Oven: Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Prepare Filling Ingredients: Cook and cool rice. Chop onion and hard-boiled eggs. Flake cooked salmon into chunks.
- Roll Out Dough: Divide chilled dough in half. Roll out one portion into a 12x16-inch rectangle. Transfer to the baking sheet.
- Assemble Filling: Layer half the rice on the crust. Add salmon, eggs, onion, and remaining rice. Season with salt, pepper, and dill.
- Add Top Crust: Roll out the second half of the dough and place over the filling. Seal edges with fingers or fork.
- Egg Wash: Beat egg with milk or cream. Brush the top crust evenly.
- Bake: Bake for 55–65 minutes, or until the crust is golden brown.
- Serve: Let cool slightly. Slice and serve warm or at room temperature.
Notes
Lohipiirakka, or Finnish Salmon Pie, is a beloved staple in Finnish homes — a dish that beautifully blends comfort food with Nordic elegance. Traditionally made with a rich, buttery crust and a savory filling of salmon, hard-boiled eggs, rice, and onions, this pie is both hearty and nourishing. It’s ideal for a cozy weeknight dinner yet elegant enough for a holiday table.
Whether served at a family gathering, a midsummer picnic by the lake, or a casual weeknight dinner, this savory pie is a Finnish favorite — and for good reason! 🇫🇮✨
🌍 A Bit of Finnish Flavor & History
In Finland, savory pies like lohipiirakka are a cultural treasure. With long winters and an abundance of lakes, salmon has been a natural part of the Finnish diet for centuries. Combining this prized fish with simple ingredients like potatoes and eggs reflects the traditional Finnish value of using humble, local ingredients in smart and delicious ways. In Finnish kitchens, dishes like this are passed down through generations — each family might have their own twist. This version is particularly flaky and rich, thanks to a clever addition of mashed potatoes in the crust.🧰 Tools & Equipment
To prepare a traditional Finnish salmon pie at home, gather the following:- Baking sheet
- Parchment paper
- Large mixing bowl
- Pastry cutter or large food processor
- Potato masher or ricer
- Rolling pin
- Sharp knife & cutting board
- Pots & pans for rice, eggs, and salmon
- Measuring spoons & kitchen scale (optional)
- Pastry brush
📝 Ingredients
🥔 For the Potato-Butter Crust:
- 9 oz (250 g) boiled and cooled potatoes, thoroughly mashed
- 2 1/4 cups (250 g) all-purpose flour
- 18 Tbsp (250 g) unsalted butter, slightly cold and cubed
- 1 Tbsp ice water
- Pinch of fine sea salt
🐟 For the Filling:
- 1 cup cooked short-grain rice (brown jasmine rice works beautifully)
- 16–20 oz cooked salmon fillet (fresh or leftover)
- 4 hard-boiled eggs, peeled and chopped
- 1 medium onion, finely chopped
- Fresh dill (optional, but highly recommended 🌿)
- Salt, white pepper or freshly cracked black pepper to taste
🥚 For the Egg Wash:
- 1 egg
- 1 Tbsp milk or heavy cream
👩🍳 Step-by-Step: How to Make Finnish Salmon Pie
1. Prepare the Crust
Start by mashing your cooled, boiled potatoes. A ricer will give the smoothest texture, but a potato masher works fine too. Add the mashed potatoes, flour, and a pinch of salt to a large bowl. Cut in the cold butter using a pastry cutter (or pulse in a food processor) until the mixture looks sandy with pea-sized bits of butter throughout. Add a tablespoon of ice water and mix until the dough comes together. Don't overwork it! Wrap the dough in plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least two hours, or overnight — this step ensures a beautifully flaky crust. ❄️2. Assemble the Pie
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- On a floured surface, divide the dough in half.
- Roll out one half into a 12x16-inch rectangle, about 1/4-inch thick. Transfer to the baking sheet.
- Spread half the rice over the bottom crust.
- Scatter pieces of cooked salmon over the rice.
- Add chopped hard-boiled eggs and onions.
- Season with salt, pepper, and fresh dill.
- Top with the remaining rice.
3. Bake to Perfection
Place the pie in the oven and bake for 55–65 minutes, or until the crust is golden and flaky. Let it cool slightly before slicing into squares or wedges. Enjoy warm or at room temperature — either way, it’s absolutely delicious.❓ FAQs About Finnish Salmon Pie
How Should I Serve and Store Lohipiirakka?
Lohipiirakka is best served fresh, but leftovers keep well in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat in a 350°F oven for about 15 minutes to restore the crust’s crispness. Avoid microwaving if possible, as it tends to make the crust soggy.Can I Use Store-Bought Pastry Instead?
Absolutely! 🧁 If you're short on time, store-bought puff pastry is a perfectly acceptable shortcut. It won’t be quite as rich, but it will still be flaky and satisfying. Just thaw the pastry, roll it out, and proceed with the filling as described.Variations & Add-Ins
While this traditional version is beloved, there’s plenty of room for creativity:- Use leeks or scallions instead of onions for a milder flavor.
- Add sautéed mushrooms, capers, or even sun-dried tomatoes for extra depth.
- Try grating in a bit of Finnish cheese like Aura blue cheese or emmental.
🧡 Final Thoughts
This flaky Finnish salmon pie is more than just a meal — it’s a comforting nod to Nordic tradition, ideal for both everyday cooking and special moments. With its crisp crust and tender, flavorful filling, it’s sure to win hearts at your table — just like it did for the cook’s husband, who now considers it his absolute favorite way to enjoy salmon!