I am going to our neighbor today for a birthday party. I asked what could I bring with me and paprika-ham pie was the wish. Piirakka means pie in Finnish, it does not matter if it is sweet or sour. I think this falls more into the category of quiche, but I will call it a pie. Some times translating recipes and finding the exact corresponding words in Finnish and English can be challenging.

Savory pies or quiches have always been popular in Finland. They are group pleasers in big gatherings o just lovely and easy lunch or evening snack to be enjoyed with family and friends. I like savory pies because it’s easy to use leftovers in the fridge and get rid of them. Monday is usually in our house savory pie day, because I am using leftovers into it from the weekend.

You can vary the flour in the crust as you wish. I like using rye flour with parmesan or Bergkäse. Whole Wheat Spelt is also one of my favorites. Try different spices in the crust. Cummin tastes really good with strong cheese. Just keep the ingredient amounts the same. Be creative! Filling the same thing. Keep the ratio of fluids and eggs, otherwise feel free experimenting with different fluids and cheeses. I mix usually at least two different kids of cheeses together for the filling.

This is my basic recipe for the crust and filling. It makes one big pie or quiche. I used 31 x 37 baking sheet for my pie. If you want to make small half the ingredients use 28cm pie or spring form for baking.

Ingredients for 16 servings 

CRUST 

• 150 g butter or margarine 
• 4 dl wheat flour 
• 1 tsp baking powder
• ½ tsp salt 
• 1 dl grated cheese 
• 1 dl cold water 
• 1 tbs Italian herbs mixture

FILLING 

• 350 g ham 
• 1 bell pepper 
• 1 leek/spring onion/onion 
• 2½ dl crème fraîche /yogurt/sour cream 
• 2 ½ dl cream/milk
• 4 eggs 
• ½ tsp salt 
• 1 tsp mixed pepper 
• 4 dl grated cheese
• 1 tbsp Italian Herb mixture

Instructions:

1. Dice the butter/margarine and place it in a bowl. Add wheat flour, salt, and grated cheese. Mix the ingredients together with your fingers.
2. Add water and mix until smooth. Place the dough in the refrigerator for a while
3. Cut the ham into small cubes. Clean and dice the bell pepper. Finely chop the halved leek.
4. Spread the dough onto a small baking sheet lined with parchment paper (about 35 cm × 30 cm). Prick the base with a fork and pre-bake at 225 degrees Celsius for 10 minutes on the lowest oven rack.
5. Mix crème fraîche, light cream, and eggs. Add the spices.
6. Spread the vegetable-ham mixture onto the pie crust. Sprinkle grated cheese on top and finally pour the cream mixture over it.
7. Bake the pie at 200 degrees Celsius for 20-30 minutes on the middle rack of the oven or until the eggs have set.

I like to serve this savory pie with salad.