If you are looking for a proper fishing adventure or simply love to eat fish, Finland should be on the top of your travel list. With 188,000 lakes, 647 major rivers, and over 1,000 kilometers of coastline you're always close to fresh fish which is a staple in this nordic cuisine.
The dish we make today showcases the fishing culture and the abundance of fish found in Finland. Vendaces can be found in any lake in Finland, most notably in Pyhäjärvi, which is the largest lake of southwestern Finland.
Check out the fishing maps on the wonderful www.gone71.com.
World's Oldest Fishing Net
Finland has been continuously inhabited since the end of the last ice age. The oldest confirmed evidence of post-glacial human settlements is from the area just north of Helsinki, from 8900 BC. Among the evidence is the net of Antrea, the oldest fishing net ever to have been excavated in the world.
What is Vendace/Muikku?
Muikku is a small freshwater fish that is really common in the Nordic Countries. It can also be found in the diluted brackish waters of the Gulfs of Finland and Bothnia, both of which are in the Baltic sea.
Fried Vendace is a Traditional Finnish Food
Although most popular as a summer street food, this dish can be enjoyed year round. You can find it sizzling all day at outdoor market stalls and is especially popular at the harbors in downtown Helsinki. The popularity of the fired vendace is apparent as the dish is considered one of Finland’s traditional delicacies.
Paistetut Muikut Recipe
Ingredients
400 g muikku 1 lb. vendace
½ dl ruisjauho ¼ cup rye flour
½ tl suola ½ tsp salt
¼ tl valkopippuri ¼ tsp white pepper
1 rkl kasviöljy 1 Tbsp Vegetable Oil
5 + 1 rkl voita 5 + 1 Tbsp Butter
Directions
Prepare the flour coating by mixing the rye flour, salt, and pepper in a shallow dish.
Toss the fish in the flour to coat.
Put the oil and butter in a skillet and heat on high. Stir to mix.
Add the fish to the frying pan, enough to form a single layer of fish. Fry in the pan for 3 - 4 minutes or until nicely seared. Flip over the fish to cook on other side. Add the last Tbsp of butter to the pan after you flip. Leave the fish untouched long enough to get a good sear and allow the rye flour to form a crust.
Remove from the pan onto a serving dish. Serve with lemon wedges and sprinkle with salt and dill.
Serve with mashed potatoes and a simple salad. Goes well with a creamy lemon and garlic dipping sauce.
Hyvää ruokahalua! Good Appetite!
Resources:
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/History_of_Finland