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Lihapiirakka with chilli, in crispy dough served with fresh salad
Golden brown Finnish meat pies with a spicy kick

Spicy Finnish meat pies (Lihapiirakka)

Author: Flavelo
Recipes Main Courses
Lihapiirakka ('meat pie') is the king of Finnish street food, a deep-fried yeast doughnut traditionally filled with minced meat and rice. This version gets a bolder, chilli twist, combining Nordic comfort with spicy flavours. Although called a 'pie', technically it's more like a stuffed langos or piroshki, where the sugar in the dough caramelises beautifully during frying.
🕒 Prep Time 40 mins
🍳 Cook Time 15 mins
⌛ Total Time 55 mins
🍽️ Servings 4 servings
🔥 Calories 520 kcal
🌍 Cuisine Finnish

Ingredients

Equipment Needed

  • Deep pan or pot for frying
  • Proving bowl
  • Slotted spoon

Allergen Information

⚠️ Cereals containing gluten
⚠️ Soya

Instructions

1 ✓

Make the dough: Mix flour with yeast, salt and sugar. Add lukewarm water and 2 tbsp oil. Knead until smooth, then cover and prove for 40 minutes.

Tip: Kneading develops the gluten network which holds gases during proving, making the dough airy.
2 ✓

Meanwhile prepare filling: Fry minced meat in a pan. Add onion, garlic and chopped chilli.

Tip: Let the meat brown, and the onion cook in its own fat.
3 ✓

Season meat with paprika, soy sauce, salt and pepper. Cook until done, then let cool completely.

Tip: Important that filling is cold when adding to dough, otherwise heat melts dough and it gets soggy.
4 ✓

Divide risen dough into 8 parts, form balls, then roll into round discs. Pile filling in centre, fold in half, and seal edges thoroughly with fingers or a fork.

Tip: Use water's 'glue' power for sealing: wet the dough edge before pressing together.
5 ✓

Heat frying oil in a deep pan (approx. 170-180°C). Fry parcels for 3-4 minutes per side until dark golden brown.

Tip: If browning too fast, inside may remain raw. Regulate heat!
6 ✓

Drain on kitchen paper and serve warm, perhaps with pickled gherkin or mustard, as Finns do.

Recipe FAQ

Why is the dough oily?
If the oil isn't hot enough (lower than 170°C), the dough absorbs it. Use a kitchen thermometer!
Can I bake it in the oven?
Yes, at 200°C, but it will resemble a stuffed roll rather than having that characteristic 'doughnut' texture.

Ingredients

  • 300 g Minced meat (beef or mixed pork-beef)
  • 1 head Onion (finely chopped)
  • 2 cloves Garlic
  • 1 pc Fresh chilli pepper
  • 1 tsp Paprika
  • 2 tbsp Soy sauce
  • 300 g Plain flour (for dough)
  • 7 g Dried yeast
  • 200 ml Lukewarm water
  • 2 tbsp Oil (into dough)
  • 500 ml Oil (for frying)
  • 1 tsp Sugar
  • 1 tsp Salt