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Finnish Meatballs — traditional dish from Turku, Finland
Main course Meat

Food Flavour DNA

Nutritional Values

🔥450kcal
💪30gProtein
🌾20gCarbs
🥑30gFat
🌿2gFibre
⚖️250 gServing

* Per serving · 250 g. May vary.

Allergens

🌾 Gluten 🥚 Eggs 🥛 Dairy

Finnish Meatballs

How to order / say it
Say it Lihapullat — [LEE-ha-pool-laht]
Order I'd like the Finnish meatballs, please.
Locally Haluaisin lihapullat, kiitos.
Say locally

Tender meatballs typically served with mashed potatoes and lingonberries.

Why try it?

Lihapullat are a key comfort food in Finnish homes, representing family tradition and daily Finnish life. In Turku, it is a connection to Finnish hospitality, warmth, and rural practices.

How it tastes

These meatballs are succulent, with a delicate balance of spices, and they often come with a rich, creamy sauce that enhances their flavor. The lingonberries add a delightful tartness.

Origin & History — first documented: 1750

Dating back to the 18th century, Finnish meatballs adapted from broader Scandinavian influences. They became popular as a nourishing meal, embraced by households across Finland, including Turku.

Recipe

Ingredients

  • 🥩 300 g ground beef
  • 🌾 50 g breadcrumbs
  • 🥛 100 ml milk
  • 🥚 1 eggs
  • 🧄 50 g onions
  • 🧂 1 tsp white pepper

Method

  1. 1 Combine ground beef, breadcrumbs, milk, and egg in a bowl.
  2. 2 Finely chop onions and add them with seasoning to the mix.
  3. 3 Shape into meatballs and bake or fry until cooked through.
  4. 4 Serve with mashed potatoes and lingonberry sauce.

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All Europe recipes — Finland — Turku — Finnish Meatballs
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