Lanttulaatikko
Typically a Christmas dish, this Lanttulaatikko recipe (or Finnish rutabaga casserole) is delicious anytime of year.
Rutabagas are another one of those root vegetables that are not only tasty, but versatile and nutritious. This wonderfully spiced casserole is an excellent side dish whether it is Christmas, Thanksgiving, Sunday dinner, or any day you want to add a flavourful addition to a meal.
As someone of Estonian decent, I often look to the homelands of my parents and ancestors, which includes Finland, for delicious dishes that echo the flavours with which I grew up. To take those dishes and convert them to gluten-free, dairy-free and vegan so all my friends can enjoy them too is something in which I take great pleasure.
This is also a dish that freezes well, and can be meal prepped. Stop short of adding the breadcrumb topping and store the rutabaga purée in a freezer-safe container. When it's time to use, thaw, transfer to a casserole dish, top and bake as usual.
Ingredients
(Makes 8 servings)
7 cups rutabaga, peeled, evenly diced
1 teaspoon salt
calorie-free non-stick baking spray
1/3 cup dark syrup (or molasses)
2 tablespoons plant-based butter
1 teaspoon pumpkin pie spice
1 egg
salt and ground white pepper to taste
Topping:
1/2 cup gluten-free breadcrumbs
1 tablespoon plant-based butter cut into 3 cubes
Directions
In a medium saucepan on medium-high, place the rutabaga and cover with water. Add salt. Boil the rutabaga until it is tender (about 30 minutes).
Once the rutabaga is cooked, drain and transfer to a large mixing bowl. Then, preheat oven to 325°F / 160°C and grease a medium-sized casserole dish and set aside.
Returning to the rutabaga, use a potato masher or immersion blender to roughly mash or purée the rutabaga. Add the syrup, butter, spice and egg, then mix well. Taste and add white pepper and salt as needed.
Transfer the rutabaga mixture to the casserole dish and smooth the top. Cover the top with breadcrumbs, and if desired, use a utensil to add a decorative pattern to the top. Add butter cubes to the top and place the casserole into the centre of the oven. Bake for 60 to 75 minutes, or until the surface is golden brown. Serve and enjoy.
Nutritional Information Per Serving:
total calories = 134 | total fat = 3.1g | saturated fat = 0.99g | cholesterol = 24.38mg | sodium = 156.77mg | carbohydrates = 24.54g | dietary fibre = 2.93g | sugars = 14.85g | protein = 2.68g
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