Facts About Joulupöytä
The Joulupöytä is Finland's festive Christmas feast, akin to the Swedish julbord. This lavish spread is all about sharing a variety of seasonal dishes that bring warmth and joy to the holiday season.
The Main Attraction: Christmas Ham
At the heart of the joulupöytä is a large Christmas ham, often adorned with mustard or bread. This succulent centerpiece sets the tone for the meal, offering a hearty and flavorful start.
Fish and Casseroles
Fish dishes are a staple, with options like gravlax (cured salmon) and pickled herring commonly featured. Casseroles, known as laatikko, come in a variety of flavors, including potato, carrot, liver, and rutabaga. These comforting dishes are a must-have on any joulupöytä.
Sides and Salads
Boiled potatoes and an array of salads, such as rosolli (a beetroot salad) and mushroom salad, add color and texture to the meal. Complementary sauces are also part of the spread.
Traditional Beverages
To wash down all this delicious food, traditional beverages include schnapps as an appetizer, special Christmas beers, milk, and glögi (mulled wine). Although wine isn't traditionally Finnish, it has become a popular choice at many Christmas tables.
Sweet Endings
Desserts are an essential part of the joulupöytä. Prune jam pastries (joulutorttu), gingerbread cookies (piparkakku), mixed fruit soup, and rice pudding are just a few of the sweet treats you might find. A fun tradition involves hiding an almond in the rice porridge, with the finder receiving a gift or a wish. Ice cream with jam, various confectioneries, coffee (pannukahvi), and tea round out the dessert offerings.
Glögi
Glögi, a non-alcoholic mulled wine, is a popular beverage that adds a cozy, festive touch to the meal.