Finnish-style Crispy Kaak Warka

Ingredients

In this Finnish adaptation of Kaak Warka, we have replaced the traditional Tunisian fillings with Finnish ingredients. Instead of using meat or vegetables, we have incorporated smoked salmon, dill, and cottage cheese to give the dish a distinct Nordic flavor profile. The cooking technique remains the same, with the warka pastry being layered and baked to achieve a crispy texture. We alse have the original recipe for Kaak warka, so you can check it out.

• 10 sheets of warka pastry 10 sheets of warka pastry
• 200g (7 oz) smoked salmon, thinly sliced 200g (7 oz) smoked salmon, thinly sliced
• 200g (7 oz) cottage cheese 200g (7 oz) cottage cheese
• 2 tablespoons fresh dill, chopped 2 tablespoons fresh dill, chopped
• 1 tablespoon lemon juice 1 tablespoon lemon juice
• Salt and pepper to taste Salt and pepper to taste
• Olive oil for brushing Olive oil for brushing

Nutrition

• Calories (kcal / KJ): 250 kcal / 1046 KJ
• Fat (total, saturated): 12g, 4g
• Carbohydrates (total, sugars): 15g, 2g
• Protein: 20g
• Fiber: 1g
• Salt: 1g

Preparation

1. 1.
   Preheat the oven to 180°C (350°F).
2. 2.
   In a bowl, mix the cottage cheese, chopped dill, lemon juice, salt, and pepper until well combined.
3. 3.
   Lay one sheet of warka pastry on a clean surface and brush it lightly with olive oil.
4. 4.
   Place another sheet of warka pastry on top and brush it with olive oil as well. Repeat this process until you have used all the pastry sheets.
5. 5.
   Cut the layered pastry into squares or triangles.
6. 6.
   Spoon a small amount of the cottage cheese mixture onto each square or triangle of pastry.
7. 7.
   Top the cottage cheese mixture with a slice of smoked salmon.
8. 8.
   Fold the pastry over the filling to form a triangle or square shape, pressing the edges to seal.
9. 9.
   Place the filled pastries on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
10. 10.
    Brush the tops of the pastries with olive oil.
11. 11.
    Bake in the preheated oven for 15-20 minutes, or until the pastries are golden and crispy.
12. 12.
    Remove from the oven and let them cool slightly before serving.

Treat your ingredients with care...

• Warka pastry — Handle the delicate warka pastry sheets gently to prevent tearing. If warka pastry is not available, you can substitute with phyllo pastry.
• Smoked salmon — Opt for high-quality smoked salmon for the best flavor. Ensure the slices are thinly cut for easy folding into the pastries.
• Cottage cheese — If you prefer a smoother texture, you can blend the cottage cheese in a food processor before mixing it with the other ingredients.

Tips & Tricks

• To add an extra layer of flavor, sprinkle some freshly chopped chives or red onion on top of the cottage cheese mixture before adding the smoked salmon.
• If you prefer a vegetarian version, you can substitute the smoked salmon with marinated grilled vegetables such as zucchini, bell peppers, and eggplant.
• Serve the Crispy Kaak Warka warm as an appetizer or alongside a fresh salad for a light meal.
• Make sure to seal the edges of the pastries well to prevent the filling from leaking out during baking.
• If you want to make the dish ahead of time, you can assemble the pastries and refrigerate them until ready to bake. Just brush them with olive oil right before baking.

Serving advice

Serve the Finnish-style Crispy Kaak Warka as an appetizer at a dinner party or as part of a festive brunch. Arrange the pastries on a platter and garnish with fresh dill sprigs for an elegant presentation.

Presentation advice

To enhance the visual appeal, dust the finished pastries with a sprinkle of paprika or a pinch of dill before serving. The vibrant colors will make the dish even more enticing.