Kalalaatikko — a traditional Finnish fish casserole that fills the home with warmth 0 6

Kalalaatikko is not a complicated dish with many stages of preparation and not a gastronomic experiment. It is the embodiment of home warmth, coziness, and that very simplicity that is so lacking in everyday hustle.

When you crave comfort and tranquility, it’s worth turning to Scandinavian cuisine. The Finnish casserole kalalaatikko combines simplicity of preparation with true northern character. Tender fish fillet, potatoes, and cream are ordinary ingredients from which an astonishingly harmonious dish is born.

The History of Kalalaatikko

Kalalaatikko is a classic casserole made of fish and potatoes that appeared in Finnish villages several centuries ago. In those times, the inhabitants of the North used everything they had: a bit of fresh fish, a couple of potatoes, and their beloved cream — an indispensable product of Finnish cuisine. This dish was born out of necessity: fishing was the main source of sustenance, and it was necessary to cook something simple, hearty, and nutritious for the long winters.

Over time, kalalaatikko ceased to be an exclusively rural dish and became an important part of Finland's gastronomic culture. It is served both on holidays and at everyday dinners. But the most valuable thing is that the casserole has not lost its simplicity. For Finns, it remains a symbol of coziness, warmth, and home tradition.

Kalalaatikko Today

Modern recipes for kalalaatikko preserve the traditional foundation, although more refined versions can be found in restaurants. The main ingredients remain unchanged: fish (most often herring), potatoes, onions, cream, and a bit of spices. Sometimes carrots or greens are added for color, but the essence of the dish remains the same — a simple, nutritious, and heartfelt meal that is easy to prepare.

For Finns, kalalaatikko is not just food. It is the taste of childhood, a memory of home, of evenings when one could take their time and peacefully enjoy every bite. Just as pies or grandmother's porridge are for us, kalalaatikko is part of family memories for them.

How to Prepare Kalalaatikko at Home

Making kalalaatikko is simple, and it does not require special skills.

Ingredients:

• 500 g of fresh herring fillet (or another white fish)
• 4–5 potatoes
• 1 large onion
• 300 ml of cream (20% fat)
• Salt and black pepper to taste
• Oil for greasing the baking dish

Preparation:

1. Slice the potatoes into thin rounds, the onion into half-rings, and the fish into small pieces.
2. Grease the baking dish with oil. Lay half of the potatoes, sprinkle with a little salt and pepper. Then add some of the onion and fish. Repeat the layers, finishing with potatoes.
3. Evenly pour the cream over the layers so that they are completely covered.
4. Bake at 180°C for about an hour, until the potatoes are soft and the top is golden brown.
5. Serve kalalaatikko directly in the dish or portion it out, garnished with greens.

Kalalaatikko is a simple and hearty dish with a northern character that fills the home with aroma and warmth. Sometimes it is these uncomplicated recipes that bring the greatest pleasure.