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Vilnius (Lithuania)
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Main course
Meat
Food Flavour DNA
Nutritional Values
750kcal
18gProtein
95gCarbs
35gFat
6gFibre
350 gServing
* Per serving · 350 g. May vary.
Žemaičių Blynai
How to order / say it
Say it
Žemaičių Blynai — [zhe-MAI-chew BLEE-nye]
Order
One plate of Žemaičių Blynai, please.
Locally
Prašau vieną lėkštę Žemaičių Blynų.
Say locally
Potato pancakes filled with meat, then fried.
Why try it?
Žemaičių Blynai represents the rich culinary traditions of Lithuania, being a comforting and fulfilling dish that locals cherish. Its importance lies in its ability to convey the essence of home-cooked Lithuanian food, often bringing a nostalgic touch to festivals and family gatherings.
How it tastes
These potato-based pancakes are crispy on the outside with a soft, savory filling of minced meat, offering a delightful contrast in texture. The aroma is invitingly rich, often accompanied by a hint of fried onions that are commonly used in the filling.
Origin & History
Žemaičių Blynai originated in the Samogitia region of Lithuania, with written records from the 19th century noting its presence in rural celebrations. Traditionally prepared using local ingredients, this dish showcases the resourcefulness of Lithuanian cooks in creating hearty meals. Over time, it has become a staple across the country, particularly enjoyed in urban centers like Vilnius.
Recipe
Ingredients
- 🥕 600 g Potatoes
- 🥩 200 g Ground pork
- 🧄 1 medium Onion
- 🥚 1 Egg
- 🧂 1 tsp Salt
- 🧂 0.5 tsp Black pepper
- 🥛 30 g Butter
- 🫒 2 tbsp Vegetable oil
Method
- 1 Boil and mash the potatoes until smooth.
- 2 Mix the ground meat with sautéed onions and season with salt and pepper.
- 3 Form potato mixture into patties and place a spoonful of meat filling in the center of each.
- 4 Flatten and shape into pancakes.
- 5 Fry in oil until golden brown on both sides.
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© Wikimedia Commons
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Main course
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Cepelinai
tse-peh-LEE-nai
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Snack
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Kibinai
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Savory turnovers with a meat filling, traditional to the Karaim community in Vilnius.
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Vegetarian
Švilpikai
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Dessert
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Raguolis
rah-GWOH-lis
A traditional cake with a spiky surface, often served at celebrations.
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Snack
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Kastinys
KAHSS-tee-nees
A unique Lithuanian fermented dairy product served with potatoes or bread.
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Main course
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bub-kuh
A savory potato pudding baked in an oven.