Lörtsy - Finnish Sweet Pastry

Ingredients

• For the pastry: For the pastry:
• 2 cups (250g) all-purpose flour 2 cups (250g) all-purpose flour
• 1/2 teaspoon salt 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1 cup (225g) unsalted butter, cold and cubed 1 cup (225g) unsalted butter, cold and cubed
• 1/2 cup (120ml) cold water 1/2 cup (120ml) cold water
• For the filling: For the filling:
• Choose one of the following options: Choose one of the following options:
• Lingonberry jam Lingonberry jam
• Raspberry jam Raspberry jam
• Custard Custard
• Cream cheese filling Cream cheese filling
• Ground meat filling (e.g., beef or pork) Ground meat filling (e.g., beef or pork)
• For the topping: For the topping:
• Powdered sugar, for dusting Powdered sugar, for dusting

Nutrition

• Calories (kcal / KJ): Approximately 300 kcal / 1255 KJ per serving
• Fat: 18g total, 11g saturated
• Carbohydrates: 30g total, 10g sugars
• Protein: 4g
• Fiber: 1g
• Salt: 0.2g

Preparation

1. 1.
   In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour and salt. Add the cold, cubed butter and use a pastry cutter or your fingertips to cut the butter into the flour until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
2. 2.
   Gradually add the cold water, a little at a time, and mix until the dough comes together. Be careful not to overmix.
3. 3.
   Divide the dough into 8 equal portions and shape each portion into a ball. Cover with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes.
4. 4.
   Preheat the oven to 200°C (400°F) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
5. 5.
   On a lightly floured surface, roll out each dough ball into a thin circle, approximately 15cm (6 inches) in diameter.
6. 6.
   Place a spoonful of your chosen filling on one half of the dough circle, leaving a small border around the edges.
7. 7.
   Fold the other half of the dough over the filling and press the edges together to seal. You can use a fork to create a decorative edge.
8. 8.
   Transfer the filled pastry to the prepared baking sheet and repeat the process with the remaining dough balls and filling.
9. 9.
   Bake in the preheated oven for 15-20 minutes, or until the pastries are golden brown.
10. 10.
    Remove from the oven and let the Lörtsy cool slightly. Dust with powdered sugar before serving.

Treat your ingredients with care...

• Lingonberry jam — Use a high-quality lingonberry jam for the best flavor.
• Raspberry jam — Opt for a seedless raspberry jam to ensure a smooth filling.
• Custard — Make sure the custard is thick and cooled before using it as a filling.
• Cream cheese filling — Beat the cream cheese with powdered sugar and vanilla extract for a creamy and sweet filling.
• Ground meat filling — Cook the ground meat with onions and seasonings until fully cooked before using it as a filling.

Tips & Tricks

• For a flakier crust, make sure the butter is cold and handle the dough as little as possible.
• Experiment with different fillings to find your favorite combination.
• Serve the Lörtsy warm for a delightful experience.
• Dust the pastries with powdered sugar just before serving to add a touch of sweetness.
• These pastries are best enjoyed fresh but can be stored in an airtight container for up to 2 days.

Serving advice

Serve the Lörtsy as a delightful dessert alongside a cup of coffee or tea. It can also be enjoyed as a sweet snack or a special treat during gatherings.

Presentation advice

Arrange the Lörtsy on a serving platter, dusted with powdered sugar. You can garnish with fresh berries or a sprig of mint for an extra touch of elegance.