Finnish Carrot Casserole

Delight in the comforting flavors of Finnish Carrot Casserole, a classic Scandinavian dish that combines the natural sweetness of carrots with the creamy richness of short-grain white rice and milk. This savory-sweet casserole is flavored with a delicate blend of nutmeg and white pepper, creating a dish that’s both heartwarming and subtly spiced. Topped with a golden layer of breadcrumbs, this casserole is baked to perfection, offering a crisp surface that contrasts beautifully with its velvety interior. Ideal as a festive holiday side or a cozy weeknight main, this traditional Finnish recipe is easy to prepare and serves up beautifully for a crowd. With just a handful of pantry staples and wholesome ingredients, Finnish Carrot Casserole is a timeless comfort food that’s as nutritious as it is delicious! Perfectly suited for gatherings or quiet dinners, it pairs wonderfully with roasted meats or fresh greens.

Nutriscore Rating: 68/100

Prep Time:20 mins

Cook Time:100 mins

Total Time:120 mins

Servings: 6

Ingredients

• 500 g carrots
• 500 ml water
• 100 g uncooked short-grain white rice
• 250 ml whole milk
• 50 g unsalted butter, melted
• 1 large egg
• 3 tbsp breadcrumbs
• 0.25 tsp ground nutmeg
• 0.25 tsp ground white pepper
• 1 tsp salt
• 1 tsp butter, for greasing

Directions

Step 1

Peel and chop the carrots into small chunks. Add the carrots and water to a medium pot. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for about 15 minutes or until the carrots are very tender.

Step 2

While the carrots are cooking, rinse the rice under cold water until the water runs clear. In a separate pot, cook the rice with 200 ml of water over low heat until all water is absorbed. This will take about 10 minutes. Remove from heat and let it sit covered.

Step 3

Once the carrots are tender, drain the water and use a food processor or immersion blender to puree the carrots until smooth. Let the puree cool for a few minutes.

Step 4

In a large mixing bowl, combine the carrot puree, cooked rice, milk, melted butter, egg, nutmeg, white pepper, and salt. Mix thoroughly until the ingredients are well incorporated.

Step 5

Preheat your oven to 175°C (350°F). Grease a 1.5-liter casserole dish or baking dish with butter.

Step 6

Pour the carrot mixture into the greased dish, smoothing the top with a spatula. Sprinkle the breadcrumbs evenly over the surface.

Step 7

Bake in the preheated oven for 1 hour, or until the top is golden brown and the casserole is set.

Step 8

Remove from the oven and let the dish rest for 10 minutes before serving. Enjoy this comforting Finnish classic as a main dish or a side!

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	1514.4 grams (1514.4g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	1366

Total Fat 64.50g	83%
Saturated Fat 35.60g	178%
Polyunsaturated Fat 2.70g
Cholesterol 370mg	123%
Sodium 1176mg	51%
Total Carbohydrate 169.50g	62%
Dietary Fiber 16.90g	60%
Total Sugars 39.10g
Protein 32.10g	64%

Vitamin D 170IU	848%
Calcium 587mg	45%
Iron 4mg	24%
Potassium 2113mg	45%

*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.

Source of Calories

Fat: 41.9%

Protein: 9.3%

Carbs: 48.9%