Finnish Blueberry Pie (Mustikkapiirakka)
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Loading... - Orla Quinn
- 21 Jul 2022
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In Finnish, this dish is known as mustikkapiirakka, where “mustikka” means blueberry, and “piirakka” means pie. This blueberry pie is a very popular dish with the local people, and it is usually homemade. Each household can have their own family recipe, leaving room for many variations of this dessert. Sometimes it will be called summer cottage pie in Finland, because people head out to their cottages in the summer to pick berries by nearby lakes or in the forest.
WHAT’S THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN A BLUEBERRY AND A BILBERRY?
Although many people use the term blueberries and bilberries interchangeably, there are a few key differences between the two types of berries. Both blueberries and bilberries are in fact closely related, however both grow in separate regions of the world. Bilberries are native to Northern Europe, whereas blueberries are native to the United States. If you compare the two side to side, you’ll find that the bilberry is smaller, dark blue on the inside and outside, and has a waxy touch to it. Both have similar taste and can be used interchangeably.In this recipe, I use blueberries for the pie because they are common to find at grocery stores.
This pie can also be made with raspberries or lingonberries depending on what berry is in season!
BILBERRY PICKING IN FINLAND
Finland is over 85% forest, so in the summer months, bilberries grow in the wild throughout the country. Starting after the plants flower in May to June, Finns will go out and pick bilberries from July until the beginning of September. Finns will pick baskets and baskets of them and will store them in the freezer for future use when the season is over. Other recipes that call for bilberries include berry soups, juices, jams, and desserts.
NUTRITIONAL VALUE OF BLUEBERRIES
Blueberries and bilberries are some of the most nutrient-dense foods you can find, which is the perfect justification for making (and eating!) this pie. Both contain anthocyanin, which is responsible for the blue color and health benefits. A one-cup serving of blueberries provides high percentages of vitamin C, vitamin K, Manganese, and fiber. They are said to improve both cardiovascular health, brain function, gut health, and help boost your immune system.
HOW TO MAKE FINNISH BLUEBERRY PIE (MUSTIKKAPIIRAKKA)
Preheat your oven to 375 degrees.
To make the pie crust, whisk together the melted butter and â…” cup of sugar in a medium bowl. Then add the egg and mix until combined. Add the flour, baking powder, and vanilla extract.
Spray a 9-inch pie pan with cooking spray. Spread the pie batter over the bottom of the pan. Using a spatula, gently push up on the batter on the edges to form a slight edge along the pan. Sprinkle one cup of the blueberries into the pie pan.
TIP: There is no need to pre-bake or blind bake the pie crust.
For the filling, combine the sour cream, sugar, egg, vanilla extract, and lemon zest. Pour the filling over the blueberries so it covers them evenly. Add the remaining ½ cup of blueberries on top of the batter.
Bake for 30 – 35 minutes or until the pie crust is light brown. Let cool for 20-25 minutes. It’s ok if the filling in the center jiggles a tiny bit, it will set once the pie is cooled. Serve it warm, or stick it in your refrigerator to chill. You can pair this pie with vanilla ice-cream or whipped cream for a finishing touch. My personal preference is to serve it chilled, it’s even better the next day (or have it for breakfast in the morning, I won’t judge you!) Read More...
