Finland Karelian Pasties

Step 1

Rinse the rice and place it in boiling water. Simmer until most of the water is absorbed.Add the milk, lower the heat to a minimum, and partially cover the pot. Simmer until the milk has been absorbed and the rice has turned into a thick porridge. Season with salt and leave to cool.

Step 2

Add the flour and salt to the water and mix into a solid, compact dough.

Step 3

Form the dough into a strip and divide into 12 pieces.

Step 4

Roll the pieces into flat thin ovals.

Step 5

Spread some filling on each oval. Then fold the sides towards the center, pinching and making neat pleats along the edge.

Step 6

Bake at 300 ºC for about 10 minutes.

Step 7

Brush them well with melted butter or a butter and water mixture.

Step 8

Place the pasties, separated with baking paper, in a bowl and cover with a towel to soften the crusts.

Step 9

Serve warm with butter or egg butter which is made by mixing equal parts of butter, (cottage cheese) and chopped hard-boiled egg.