Traditional Finnish Rye Flatbread (Rieska)
Rieska is a beloved Finnish flatbread, traditionally made with rye flour and oatmeal. This hearty bread is perfect for accompanying stews, soups, or simply enjoyed with a generous spread of butter for a comforting snack. Its quick preparation and unique flavor make it a favorite in Finnish cuisine, bringing warmth and satisfaction to any meal. Enjoy the rustic taste and delightful aroma of homemade rye flatbread, a true taste of Finland in your kitchen.
N/A
Servings
180
Calories
9
Ingredients
Ingredients
oatmeal
1 cup (rolled oats)
rye flour
1 cup (all-purpose rye flour)
white flour
3 cups (all-purpose white flour)
baking powder
4 teaspoons (standard baking powder)
baking soda
1 teaspoon (standard baking soda)
salt
1 teaspoon (fine sea salt)
sugar
3 teaspoons (granulated sugar)
buttermilk
2 cups (unsweetened buttermilk)
butter
1/2 cup (melted (1 stick))
Instructions
1
Preheat your oven to 475 degrees Fahrenheit (245 degrees Celsius).
2
In a large mixing bowl, combine the oatmeal, rye flour, white flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, and sugar. Mix thoroughly to ensure all dry ingredients are evenly distributed.
3
Slowly add the buttermilk and melted butter to the dry ingredients, mixing gently until a soft dough forms. The dough should be homogenous but slightly sticky.
4
Transfer the dough onto a floured surface and roll it out to about 1/2 inch thickness. Use additional flour as needed to prevent sticking.
5
Carefully place the rolled-out dough onto a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
6
Bake in the preheated oven for approximately 10 minutes, or until the bread is golden brown and sounds hollow when tapped on the bottom.
7
Allow the bread to cool slightly before slicing. Serve warm with butter or alongside your favorite stew or soup.
Nutrition Information
7.8 g
Fat
22.8 g
Carbs
3.6 g
Protein
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Traditional Finnish Rye Flatbread (Rieska)?
Rieska is a beloved Finnish flatbread traditionally made with rye flour and oatmeal, known for its hearty texture and rustic flavor.
What are the primary ingredients for this flatbread?
The main ingredients include rolled oats, rye flour, white flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, sugar, buttermilk, and melted butter.
Is Rieska a quick bread?
Yes, it is classified as a quick bread because it uses baking powder and baking soda as leavening agents instead of yeast.
What is the recommended oven temperature?
The oven should be preheated to 475 degrees Fahrenheit (245 degrees Celsius).
How long does it take to bake Rieska?
It bakes very quickly, taking approximately 10 minutes until golden brown.
Does the dough need time to rise?
No, because there is no yeast in this recipe, the dough does not require any rising time.
How thick should the dough be rolled out?
The dough should be rolled out to a thickness of approximately 1/2 inch.
How many calories are in a serving of this flatbread?
Each serving contains approximately 180 calories.
What is the fat content per serving?
There are 7.8 grams of fat per serving.
How much protein does this bread provide?
Each serving contains 3.6 grams of protein.
What are the carbohydrate counts?
There are 22.8 grams of carbohydrates per serving.
What type of oats should I use?
The recipe calls for 1 cup of oatmeal, specifically rolled oats.
What type of rye flour is best for this recipe?
All-purpose rye flour is recommended for this traditional recipe.
Can I use regular flour for the whole recipe?
This recipe uses a combination of 1 cup rye flour and 3 cups all-purpose white flour to achieve the traditional flavor.
What is the role of buttermilk in Rieska?
Buttermilk provides moisture, a slight tang, and reacts with the baking soda to help the bread rise.
How much butter is needed?
You will need 1/2 cup (which is 1 stick) of melted butter.
Is there any sugar in this bread?
Yes, 3 teaspoons of granulated sugar are added for a hint of sweetness.
What kind of salt should I use?
Fine sea salt is suggested for the best flavor distribution.
How do I know when the bread is finished baking?
The bread is done when it is golden brown and sounds hollow when you tap on the bottom.
What should I serve with Finnish Rye Flatbread?
It is traditionally served warm with butter or alongside hearty stews and soups.
Is the dough sticky?
Yes, the dough should be soft and homogenous but slightly sticky; use extra flour when rolling it out.
How many ingredients are in this recipe?
There are 9 total ingredients in this recipe.
What preparation is needed for the baking sheet?
You should line your baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent the bread from sticking.
Can I substitute the buttermilk?
While unsweetened buttermilk is preferred, a substitute of milk mixed with a teaspoon of lemon juice or vinegar can work in a pinch.
Is this recipe suitable for vegetarians?
Yes, this recipe is vegetarian-friendly as it contains no meat products.
Is Rieska gluten-free?
No, this recipe contains both rye flour and white flour, which contain gluten.
What is the texture of the finished bread?
The bread has a rustic, hearty, and slightly dense texture typical of traditional Finnish flatbreads.
How should I store leftovers?
Store any remaining flatbread in an airtight container or wrap it tightly to keep it from drying out.
Can I make this bread in advance?
It is best enjoyed fresh and warm, but it can be reheated slightly before serving.
Is this a traditional recipe?
Yes, this recipe follows the traditional Finnish method of making Rieska.