
Millet Karjalanpiirakka – Karelian Pies are delicious rustic pies with a simple rye crust and rich sweet and savory millet filling.

This post was originally posted in March 2016. I have uploaded the new photos while the main text and recipe remains the same.
As I mentioned a few weeks back, I am currently having a kick on millet. And I am so happy to share the recipe most of you might have never heard of. Ladies and gentleman, please welcome Millet Karjalanpiirakka – Karelian Pies.
Indeed, one year ago I already introduced these delicious rustic pies (with mashed potato filling) on this blog, but since most of you didn’t know me that time yet, I am kindly reminding you that recipe.
Personally, I have always loved a mashed potato filling. Because it just works for my taste buds. You cannot go wrong with potatoes. You know, creamy rich baked potatoes mash (Yes, liberally buttered. And yes, calories do not count here). Then all this goodness is slathered over a delicious thin rye crust. Then baked until golden and brushed again with butter. Yes, please, count me on.
I do not know how these things work, but potatoes and rye crust are fantastic friends!
On the other hand, I have never been a huge fan of Millet Karjalanpiirakka. I mean, I can eat a Millet Karjalanpiirakka once in a while, but if there’s a choice, I will always choose a potato one. Don’t judge me, please. That was the reason I had never made millet pies by myself.
However, this time, I was willing to give this Millet Karjalanpiirakka a try. I was not quite sure how to make the right millet filling since there are lots of options. As that often happens, many families have developed based on the authentic recipe the nuances and carried them throughout the generations. When I asked a friend of mine did she know the secret of the delicious millet filling, she replied…it should be delicious! Well, I kind of figured out on my own. But what she really meant, there’s no one perfect recipe – I should trust my taste buds.
Not a biggie! I always trust them.
Which is why I ended up adding the condensed milk which worked fantastically. Besides, I added a truly Karelian and Finish ingredient – maple syrup:)
These Millet Karjalanpiirakka – Karelian Pies turned out very delicious, and the millet filling is rich, creamy, and slightly sweet thus being a good contrast to the crust. And I probably found out the reason I am not a huge fan of a millet filling. Millet dries out fast compared to the potato one. You can keep the potato karjalanpiirakka for a few days just covered (Or better covered in the fridge), and they will be fine. This does not really work with millet. Being lovely and soft once warm, a few hours later the millet filling starts to develop a crispy crust which won’t really soften once warmed up. I think it’s the nature of the millet and its ability to absorb as much liquid as possible. Try making an overnight millet!
I am still happy I made these delicious Millet Karjalanpiirakka – Karelian Pies.
But next time I’m making potato ones! And you?
Millet of potato filling?


Millet Karjalanpiirakka – Karelian Pies
Notes
havocinthekitchen.com
Ingredients
- 1/2 dough as in this recipe
Filling:
- 2,5 cups water
- 1,5 cups millet
- 1/3-1/2 cup unsweetened condensed milk
- 1 tablespoon maple syrup (or sugar)
- good pinch of salt
- 1 tablespoon butter
- 2 tablespoon sour cream
Instructions
- Prepare the dough as recommended in the recipe. Remember that the mixture of the rye flour, sour cream, and milk is very tacky (quite hard to work with) and may require a lot of dusting.
- Bring the water to a boil, add the millet, and decrease heat to medium. Cook, stirring, for about 12-15 minutes. If the water evaporates too fast, decrease to a simmering. Also, you may need add a bit more water.
- Ad the condensed milk, salt, and maple syrup, and cook for another 3-5 minutes or until the most of the liquid has been absorbed.
- Off heat. Add the butter and sour cream, cover, and let stand for 10 minutes. Fluff with a fork and continue making the pies as recommended in the given recipe.
- Baked pies brushed with butter, cover with a clean kitchen towel, and leave for 15 minutes.
- Enjoy!

Hi – I’m Ben, a blogger, recipe developer, and food photographer. I’m glad you’re here! I hope you will enjoy hundreds of delicious recipes and a pinch of havoc in the kitchen.
Never heard of this but the name alone caught my attention. I remember catching these on IG and loving the idea. The rye dough sounds fantastic. I may take your heed and make this as a breakfast porridge and use potatoes in the pie version though. Looks delicious and most creative Ben. :)
Kevin | Keviniscooking recently posted…Peppercorn Romano Zoodles
Sounds like the perfect plan, Kevin!:)
Wow, these look super delicious, Ben! I have never heard of anything like this before, but I’m pretty sure I would love them!
Evi @ greenevi recently posted…Vegan White Chocolate Mousse + GIVEAWAY
I’ve never heard of Karelian Pies but I think I’ve been missing out! I love that it’s on the sweeter side…and its appearance is so warm and inviting. Another special recipe, my friend!
annie@ciaochowbambina recently posted…Spicy Pasta with Chickpeas and Herbs
I don’t think most of the people outside the Norther part of Europe now these pies. But they’re worth to be known. Thanks, Annie!
I don’t think most of the people outside the Norther part of Europe know these pies. But they’re worth to be known. Thanks, Annie!
These are amazing Ben! I remember when you did the potato ones. I had never heard of them and I was so impressed. I’ll have to try making these but I bet they don’t try out as well as yours :). By the way, it’s pie day today so this post is perfect timing!
karrie @ Tasty Ever After recently posted…Preserved Lemon Martini with Spicy Olives
Oh really? I didn’t know it’s pie day today. I’ve been a bad blogger recently having missed a number of good food days. If you decide to try some, choose the potato filling, Karrie!
I don’t think I’ve ever eaten millet. I mean, not knowingly. Not willfully. Not on purpose. But call anything a pie and count me in. Plus, I never met anything with condensed milk in it that I did not love. As a pirogi fan, though, I know that a good potato filling can’t be beat.
Never had millet? You should fix it, Jeff! Try making a porridge (adding condensed milk) – you may like it. I’ve recently posted a recipe for creamy millet porridge.
Ben Maclain|Havocinthekitchen recently posted…Millet Karjalanpiirakka â Karelian Pies
So – Millet Karjalanpiirakka – Karelian Pies are totally new to me and sadly, I missed your potato version of these. But – seeing the filling to these rustic, GORGEOUS, pies are made with condensed milk and maple syrup – gosh, darn, I’d LOVE to eat ’em all up! I am so intrigued by these! Thanks so much for sharing the recipe, Ben – maybe, you have a spare one or 3 to share with me? :)
xx
Shashi @ RunninSrilankan recently posted…Chicken Keema
Thank you, Shashi! I’ve put your name on a list of the folks asking to send them some these pies. If your request is approved, I’ll send you a few:)
Ben Maclain|Havocinthekitchen recently posted…Millet Karjalanpiirakka â Karelian Pies
I have never heard of Karelian Pies before, and I have yet to try millet, so clearly I am thankful you are posting these, Ben! All your pies look delish, and this one is no different! You should totally send me some of these since I am feeling lazy. ;) Cheers, buddy!
Cheyanne @ No Spoon Necessary recently posted…Sweet Pea & Ricotta Crostini with Spring Onion Gremolata {+ A Giveaway}
I’ll definitely send you some. Just make sure I get those parcels you’ve been trying to send me for ages first – I need the return address:)
Ben Maclain|Havocinthekitchen recently posted…Smoked Salmon Sweet Potato Hash
So I must admit that I’ve never heard of Karelian Pies before, Ben. But I am familiar with millet due to bread baking. I’m willing to give these pies a shot…they sound super comforting! Although to be honest, potatoes always hold a special place in my heart. Especially with a dash of lavender tossed in. Haha…who am I kidding there! :-) I still would love to try these Karelian Pies, though…send me a couple?
David @ Spiced recently posted…Coffee Ice Cream
When you visit Finland, you can look for them – believe me, you’ll find these in most supermarkets:) I guess you visiting Finland happens faster than the pies I may send you, haha:)
Ben Maclain|Havocinthekitchen recently posted…Smoked Salmon Sweet Potato Hash
Ben! I have never tasted millet! and I remember your potato filled pies, so so far I am leaning towards the potatoes! I will look up the millet and try to find some, so I can taste it! :-)
Gaila recently posted…Salt Cod Fritters
Never tried millet? Wow, you should fix this, Gaila!
Ben Maclain|Havocinthekitchen recently posted…Smoked Salmon Sweet Potato Hash