A traditional Finnish spread made with just eggs and butter, Munavoi is a creamy, nutrient-rich topping perfect for rye bread, Karelian pies, or even a spoon. Simple, wholesome, and deeply satisfying, this recipe is a nostalgic favorite in Finnish homes.
Prep Time 5 minutes mins
Cook Time 15 minutes mins
Course Side Dish, Snack
Cuisine Finnish
Servings 2 servings
Calories 200 kcal
- 2 hard-boiled eggs
- 2 tbsps butter or ghee (softened)
- Unrefined sea salt, to taste
Peel and mash the hard-boiled eggs in a bowl.
Add softened butter (or ghee) and mix with a fork until the texture is smooth and spreadable.
Add salt to taste.
Serve on bread, crackers, Karelian pies, or enjoy on its own.
If you're exploring the comforting, hearty world of Nordic cuisine, there's one humble yet deeply nourishing spread that stands out — Munavoi, also known as Finnish Egg Butter. This traditional Finnish recipe has been a staple on Finnish tables for generations, offering a perfect balance of simplicity, nutrition, and flavor. 🇫🇮✨
A Taste of Finland: Simple, Wholesome, and Delicious
Originating from Finland — the land of a thousand lakes, shimmering Northern Lights, and sunlit summer nights — Munavoi is a nostalgic dish for many Finns. It’s often served alongside rye bread, especially with Karjalanpiirakka (Karelian pasties), and is beloved by both children and adults.
At its core, Munavoi is exactly what it sounds like: just eggs and butter. 🧈🥚 But don’t let the simplicity fool you. This spread is incredibly rich in flavor and packed with nutrients. Unlike the American classic egg salad, which typically includes mayonnaise, Munavoi uses just butter — making it creamy, wholesome, and irresistibly tasty.
Why Egg Butter is a Nutrient Powerhouse 🧬
This is not just comfort food — it’s functional food. Both pasture-raised eggs and grass-fed butter are nutritional powerhouses.
-
Eggs provide high-quality protein, essential fats, and a broad range of nutrients including Omega-3 fatty acids (when pasture-raised), vitamins B12, D, E, selenium, iodine, and phosphorus.
-
Butter, particularly from grass-fed cows, is rich in vitamin A, K2, D, and beneficial fatty acids like butyrate and CLA. Contrary to outdated dietary myths, butter has long been revered in traditional diets for its nourishing properties.
Dr. Weston A. Price, a pioneer in nutritional anthropology, noted in the 1930s that butter played a central role in many of the world's healthiest traditional diets. In some Swiss villages, butter was even considered sacred — a symbol of life and vitality, burning year-round on church altars. 🕯️
The Beauty of Simplicity 🧡
This isn’t a fancy gourmet recipe — and that’s what makes it so special. It’s easy, quick, and perfect for anyone looking for real, whole-food nourishment. Kids love it, adults crave it, and it fits effortlessly into modern or ancestral diets like keto, paleo, or whole foods approaches.
📝 Munavoi (Finnish Egg Butter) Recipe
Ingredients:
-
🥚 2 hard-boiled eggs
-
🧈 2 tablespoons butter or ghee (softened)
-
🧂 Unrefined sea salt, to taste
Instructions:
-
Peel and mash the hard-boiled eggs in a bowl.
-
Add softened butter (or ghee) and mix with a fork until the texture is smooth and spreadable.
-
Add salt to taste.
How to Serve:
-
Spread generously over rye bread, sourdough, or crispbread.
-
Pair it with Karelian pies (Karjalanpiirakka) for a traditional Finnish experience.
-
Add a dollop to your salad for extra richness.
-
Or simply enjoy it straight from the spoon! 😋
🧊 Storage Tip:
Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Bring to room temperature before serving for the best texture.
🌱 Final Thoughts
In a world of overcomplicated recipes, Munavoi is a reminder that food doesn’t have to be fancy to be nourishing, delicious, and deeply satisfying. It’s one of Finland’s best-kept secrets — and once you try it, you might just find yourself making it every week.
Looking for more traditional Nordic recipes? Explore the rich culinary heritage of Finland — starting with this beloved egg butter spread. 🧭🇫🇮
Keyword butter and eggs, egg spread, Finnish egg butter, keto spread, low carb recipes, Munavoi, Traditional Finnish Recipes