Flavorful Finnish Kalakukko with Herring and Rye Crust
Kalakukko is a classic Finnish dish combining fish and pork, enveloped in a hearty, rustic rye crust.

Preparation
Get these tasks done before you start cooking.
Making the Rye Crust
- 1
Combine dry ingredients
In a large bowl, combine rye flour, all-purpose flour, and salt.
- 2
Add wet ingredients
Slowly add water and melted butter, mixing into a firm dough.
- 3
Knead and rest
Knead until smooth and set aside, covered, to rest for 20 minutes.
Preparing the Filling
- 1
Prepare the herring
Pat the herring dry with paper towels and slice them into pieces.
Tip: Ensure the fish is deboned thoroughly to avoid any choking hazards.
- 2
Mix filling
In a bowl, mix herring slices with bacon, salt, and white pepper.
Tip: A touch of dill can add an extra layer of freshness to the filling.
- 3
Marinate
Let the mixture marinate for 15 minutes to blend flavors.
How to Make Flavorful Finnish Kalakukko with Herring and Rye Crust
Total time: 6 h · Yields 6 servings
- 1
Assembling the Kalakukko
Roll out the dough to form a large oval. Place the filling in the center and fold the sides to seal the pie.
- 2
Initial Baking
Preheat the oven to 200°C (392°F) and place the prepared kalakukko on a baking tray. Brush with the beaten egg.
- 3
Slow Baking
Lower oven temperature to 150°C (302°F) after 1 hour. Bake for an additional 3 hours.
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