That's So Finnish: Makaronilaatiiko

Makaronilaatiiko is one of those Finnish words (of several thousands) that I am grateful for auto-correct on my phone when typing it out!

It is a very simple baked macaroni casserole and it is typically made with ground beef, macaroni pasta, cream, cheese, eggs, salt and pepper.
If you want to have a "tastier crust" - you can go all out and use bread crumbs for part of the topping.  I kid you not - my boss told me she makes it that way at home so it's tastier...seeing as her favourite food is flavourless yoghurt ....I am not surprised.

Commonly topped (or drenched in) ketchup - it is one of those dishes that really fills you up and could be tastier with a lot more spices (in my opinion).  I am not one of those people that needs ketchup on every meal I consume - so I prefer to sprinkle chilli flakes and powder and enjoy my food that way 😆

My dear friend Lise made a vegan version of it to share with her English partner and she just so happens to be an artist and shared this delightful cartoon about makaronilaatiiko - I had to share it here!

Posted with permission

Super fun fact - I shared this in an expat-related group on Facebook and while most people got the joke of "exotic Finnish spices" being only salt and pepper - some did get offended by this comic.

Please note some things:

• Lise is an artist - check out her IG account here!
• Lise is half Finnish
• Lise is funny and recognizes that most Finnish food is lacking flavour but as most of us know - the primary Finnish spices are really - just salt and pepper!

It is rather bland - no doubt about it - but I feel if you add enough of your own flavours to it - it can be a really hearty meal! And personally I like it even more the next day as leftovers!

And if you really love yourself or whomever is doing the dishes afterward - SPRAY YOUR BAKING PAN A LOT.  You'll thank me later.  I promise.

Thanks for reading!
LAFA

That's So Finnish: Thursday Pea Soup & Pancakes

Every Thursday - there is the tradition of having split pea soup and pancakes (oven-baked or Dutch style) with strawberry jam and whipped cream.

I work in a restaurant that whips up their own pancake batter the night before and the baking of pancakes begins first thing in the morning!

Most places have lactose-free pancakes but dairy-free or gluten-free may be trickier to find if the restaurant is not prepared.
It doesn't hurt to ask in advance from a restaurant if they can cater to your needs!

So pea soup typically has bits of ground beef in it but a lot of places also uses leftover pork - to reduce waste of food.  So if you do not eat pork - you may want to inquire what meat the restaurant had used that Thursday!

To enjoy it - it is served with chopped raw onion and lots of mustard!

I personally don't have the raw onions (obviously for this blog post sake I took some and ate it!) but I do love a good, spicy mustard! And if I happen to have this soup at home - I will add chilli flakes and grated cheese! My Finnish friends think I am odd but I find it extra tasty!
This soup is cheap to make (be sure to soak your peas overnight beforehand), it is filling and can be vegan/vegetarian friendly without the meat being used.
This soup will also clear your insides up - you'll be farting constantly after having this soup!

I have had pancakes with other flavoured jam and it just tastes weird after a few years of living here! And I noticed I get a lot of odd looks from friends too! 😄

According to this site, This is Finland - it was traditional to eat pea soup and pancakes on a Thursday to prep the body for fasting on Fridays.

Thankfully most restaurants carry other meal options for those that are not into pea soup!

I actually recall reading about a Finnish person or group of Finns in New York who embraced the "Restaurant Day" culture and served pea soup!

You may also notice in my photo that there is carrots in it (or maybe not as I think it is buried under the mustard)!  THIS IS NOT STANDARD. The head boss likes it and it helps to fill the customers tummies as well and so far, customers are enjoying it!

Thanks for reading and happy pea soup & pancakes Thursdays!
LAFA