Kainuun rönttönen

Originating from Finland's Kainuun region, Kainuun rönttönen is a small open pie with a crust made from rye and wheat flour that is filled with a combination of potatoes, lingonberries, and rye flour. Unlike today, in the past it was a large pie made at the end of winter by women who wanted to use the remaining leftover ingredients, and given that sugar was scarce, the added potatoes served as a sweetener. As a result of the long tradition of pie-making, Kainuun rönttönen holds a PGI status under the EU law since 2008. Traditionally, the pie was, and still is, paired with soups, but it can also be topped with butter, paired with coffee, and enjoyed as a delicious snack.