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Blood Pancake — traditional dish from Turku, Finland
Main course Meat

Food Flavour DNA

Nutritional Values

🔥320kcal
💪25gProtein
🌾28gCarbs
🥑12gFat
🌿2gFibre
⚖️200 gServing

* Per serving · 200 g. May vary.

Allergens

🌾 Gluten

Blood Pancake

How to order / say it
Say it Verilettu — [VEH-ri-let-too]
Order I'd like the blood pancake, please.
Locally Ottaisin veriletun, kiitos.
Say locally

A savory pancake made with blood, flour, and spices.

Why try it?

Verilettu reflects the historical resourcefulness of Finnish cooking, where nothing was wasted. It gives a unique tasting experience that harks back to Turku's rustic past and deep-rooted traditions.

How it tastes

This pancake offers an earthy, umami-rich flavor due to the blood and spices. It's slightly chewy, with the iron-rich taste complementing with hints of allspice. Served typically with lingonberry jam to offset the richness.

Origin & History — first documented: 1920

Verilettu originated in rural Finland, including Turku, during the early 20th century. It utilized locally available ingredients, making it a staple during harsh winters when livestock was scarce.

Recipe

Ingredients

  • 🥩 300 ml pork blood
  • 🌾 150 g wheat flour
  • 🧄 50 g onion
  • 🧂 1 tsp allspice
  • 🥛 200 ml milk
  • 🥛 20 g butter

Method

  1. 1 Mix blood, milk, and flour into a smooth batter.
  2. 2 Grate onion and add with allspice to the batter.
  3. 3 Heat butter on a skillet and pour the batter to form pancakes.
  4. 4 Cook each side until firm and serve with lingonberry jam.

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All Europe recipes — Finland — Turku — Blood Pancake
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