Lanttulaatikko facts for kids
Lanttulaatikko (pronounced "LAN-too-lah-tee-koh") is a yummy dish from Finland. It's also called kålrotslåda in Swedish. This special food is a type of casserole made from rutabaga, which is a root vegetable. It's a very popular and traditional meal, especially during Christmas celebrations in Finland. People often enjoy it with other tasty dishes like ham, fish, or different meats at their Christmas dinner.
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Making Lanttulaatikko
What is it Made From?
Lanttulaatikko is made from a vegetable called rutabaga. First, the rutabaga is boiled until it's soft. Then, it's mashed into a smooth puree.
After mashing, other ingredients are added. These include bread crumbs, egg, and cream. A little bit of treacle (a type of syrup) and butter make it richer. It's also seasoned with salt and warm spices. Common spices used are ginger, cinnamon, and nutmeg.
How is it Cooked?
Once all the ingredients are mixed, the creamy rutabaga mixture is put into a baking dish. Sometimes, people make pretty patterns on top with a fork. Or, they might sprinkle more bread crumbs on top for a nice crust.
The dish is then baked in an oven. It cooks slowly at about 175 °C (347 °F) for about 90 minutes. This slow baking helps all the flavors mix together perfectly.
A Christmas Tradition
Lanttulaatikko is a very important part of the Christmas table in Finland. It's one of several traditional casseroles served during the holidays. These casseroles are usually side dishes. They go well with the main Christmas meats or fish.
This dish has been a part of Finnish Christmas meals for a long time. It helps make the holiday feast special and delicious for families.
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