Lörtsy

Lörtsy is a traditional Finnish pastry, originating from the region of Savonlinna. It is a half-moon shaped pastry, typically filled with either a sweet or savory filling. The most common fillings are apple, meat, or rice. The pastry is then deep-fried, resulting in a crispy and flaky texture.

History

The Lörtsy was first created in the 1960s by a bakery in Savonlinna, a small city in Eastern Finland. The bakery, known as Gabriel Bakery, wanted to create a unique product that would set them apart from other bakeries in the region. The result was the Lörtsy, a pastry that quickly became popular among locals and tourists alike.

Preparation

The dough for a Lörtsy is made from flour, water, and a small amount of yeast. It is then rolled out into a thin sheet and cut into circles. The filling is placed on one half of the circle, and the other half is folded over and sealed. The pastries are then deep-fried until golden brown.

Sweet Lörtsy

The sweet version of the Lörtsy is typically filled with apple. The apples are peeled and chopped, then cooked with sugar and cinnamon until they form a thick sauce. This sauce is then spread on the dough before it is folded and sealed.

Savory Lörtsy

The savory version of the Lörtsy is typically filled with meat or rice. The meat is usually ground beef or pork, which is cooked with onions and spices before being used as a filling. The rice is cooked until tender, then mixed with egg and spices.

Cultural Significance

The Lörtsy has become a symbol of Savonlinna and is a popular treat at local festivals and events. It is also commonly sold at bakeries and street stalls throughout Finland.