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Lanttulaatikko (Rutabaga Casserole)

The Quirky Foodster Team

★ ★ ★ ★ ★ (0)
20 minutes
Prep

Ingredients

  • 1 kg (2.2 lb) Rutabaga (swede), peeled and cubed
  • 200 ml (3/4 cup) Whole milk
  • 1 large Egg
  • 60 g (1/2 cup, plus extra for topping) Breadcrumbs
  • 2 tbsp Dark syrup or golden syrup
  • 30 g (2 tbsp) Butter
  • 1/4 tsp Ground nutmeg
  • to taste Salt and white pepper

Method

  1. Boil the rutabaga cubes in salted water for 20-25 minutes until very tender, then drain well.
  2. Mash the rutabaga until smooth, or blend for an extra-silky texture.
  3. Stir in the milk, egg, breadcrumbs, syrup, half the butter, nutmeg, salt and pepper until well combined.
  4. Pour into a buttered baking dish, smooth the top, sprinkle with a little extra breadcrumbs, and dot with the remaining butter.
  5. Bake at 175°C (350°F) for 45-50 minutes until set and golden on top.

Introduction: Lanttulaatikko is a creamy baked rutabaga (swede) casserole and one of the three classic Finnish Christmas laatikko dishes, alongside carrot and potato versions.

Cultural Background: Lanttulaatikko is a creamy baked rutabaga (swede) casserole and one of the three classic Finnish Christmas laatikko dishes, alongside carrot and potato versions. Its gentle sweetness, rounded out with a touch of syrup and nutmeg, has made it a fixture of the Finnish holiday table for generations.

Tips: Draining the boiled rutabaga thoroughly prevents a watery casserole. A splash of syrup rounds out the natural bitterness of the rutabaga without making it taste like dessert.

Variations: Make the equivalent carrot casserole (porkkanalaatikko) using the same method with carrots. Add a pinch of ground ginger alongside the nutmeg for extra warmth.

Storage: Refrigerate in an airtight container for up to 4 days; freezes well for up to 2 months.

Reheating: Reheat covered in a 160°C (320°F) oven for about 20 minutes until hot throughout.

FAQs:

Q: Is this the same as the carrot casserole?

A: They are sister dishes made the same way with different root vegetables, and both traditionally appear at Christmas.

Q: Can I prepare it ahead of Christmas?

A: Yes, it can be assembled a day ahead, refrigerated unbaked, then baked fresh before serving.

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