Remembering Grandma Rauha’s Finnish Pancakes: A Taste of Home

Note: These Finnish pancakes are called letut, lätyt, räiskäleet or ohukaiset - a crepe like dish from Finland. We also make oven pancakes, but that is whole another story..

Growing up, my life was imbued with the rich traditions of Finnish cooking, all thanks to my Grandma Rauha (her name means peace in Finnish), who lived with us. This wasn't typical in Finland, where the elderly often reside in their own homes, but it meant that our kitchen was always alive with the aroma of her cooking. This does not mean that my mom did not cook, oh no, she is a wonderful cook. My fondest memories are of preparing dinner with either of them, that happens in Finland usually around 5 or 6 PM, followed by evening coffee at 7 or 8 PM.

We lived in Suomenlinna sea fortress, a beautiful yet touristic place composed of four islands just a 15-minute ferry ride from Helsinki city center. From a young age, I participated in the cooking, finding immense joy in it.

Grandma Rauha, like all grandmas, had a soft spot for her grandchild and often made my favorite foods, recipes passed down from her own grandmother who raised her. She was born in 1908, and her cooking carried the essence of generations before her. Her own mother did not share recipes, she did men's heavy work, e.g. in the log forests.

I remember coming home from school and immediately knowing that Grandma was making pancakes. The aroma would fill the kitchen, drawing me in. These weren’t just any pancakes; they were THE pancakes—thin, crispy on the edges, and infused with love and tradition.

A Legacy of Love

Finnish pancakes are unique. They are very different from American pancakes, they are thin and lace-like, with tiny holes, like crepes. Watching Grandma pour the batter onto the hot griddle was mesmerizing. The batter would sizzle and bubble on butter, the edges of pancake curling slightly as they turned golden brown. But the magic was not just in the sight or smell; it was also in the sound. She would sprinkle granulated sugar between each pancake, creating a delightful crunch that echoed the love she poured into every batch.

The traditional way to enjoy these pancakes is with just sugar. However, jams, particularly homemade strawberry, blueberry, or apple, also make for a wonderful treat. My favorite way is with jam and whipped cream, although ice cream and fresh berries are also delightful.

The Art of Pancake Making

Grandma Rauha’s pancake-making was an art form perfected over decades. She never used a written recipe; it was all about intuition. She whisked the eggs, poured the milk and added the flour by feel, her movements fluid and precise. She would whisk eggs, milk, and a pinch of salt until smooth, then gradually add flour, ensuring the batter was lump-free. After letting the batter thicken, it was time to fry.

She preheated the griddle (a cast iron pan) to the perfect temperature, added a generous amount of butter, and ladled a small amount of batter onto the hot surface. By tilting the griddle, she spread the batter thinly and evenly and perfectly. The kitchen would soon be filled with the mouthwatering aroma of pancakes cooking to perfection. Each pancake was added to a pile, with sugar sprinkled between layers, and covered with a plate to keep them warm.

A Sound and Taste to Remember

Eating those pancakes fresh off the griddle was an unparalleled experience. The warmth of the pancake, the sweetness of the sugar, and that satisfying crunch were magical. We would sit in the kitchen, rolling and eating the pancakes, talking and laughing. These simple moments were where our bond grew stronger. I like to think that in many ways we are quite similar, resilient with Finnish sisu.

Tradition and Heritage

Grandma's pancakes were more than just a treat; they were a link to our Finnish heritage. Each bite carried stories of the old country, traditions passed down through generations. She would share tales of her childhood, interwoven with the taste of her pancakes, creating memories I cherish to this day.

Food connects us to our past and roots. Grandma’s pancakes were a tangible reminder of where we came from, a delicious thread tying us to our Finnish ancestors. They symbolized the resilience and love that defined our family, transcending time and distance.

Passing It On

As I grew older, I realized the significance of Grandma’s pancakes. I wanted to keep this tradition alive and share it with future generations. Today, I still make these pancakes, following her steps. The crunch of sugar brings her back to me in an instant.

To the ones with Finnish heritage, embrace your traditions. Remember the flavors and sounds of your past. Share your precious recipes with your children and grandchildren. 

They are more than food; they are memories and connections to our heritage.

I love to share Finnish food recipes and the love Grandma poured into every pancake she made. Her legacy lives on through these delicious reminders of our Finnish heritage. It’s not just about the food; it’s about the connection, memories, and love woven into every bite, honoring those who came before us and keeping their spirit alive in our kitchens and hearts.

Rauha’s Finnish Thin Pancakes Recipe

• 2 cups milk
• 1-2 eggs (1 large or 2 small)
• 1 cup all-purpose flour
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1 tablespoon sugar
• Butter for frying
• Sugar for layering
• Jam, on top

1. Whisk milk and egg(s) in a bowl.

2. Gradually add flour, whisking constantly to a soup-like consistency.

3. Mix in salt and sugar. Let sit for 30+ minutes.

4. Mix again; the batter should have thickened.

5. Heat a pan, add a teaspoon of butter.

6. Pour a thin layer of batter into the pan, spreading it by tilting the pan.

7. Cook, then flip. Adjust heat if needed.

8. Repeat with remaining batter, adding butter as needed.

9. Store on a plate covered with another plate.

10. Enjoy with sugar or jam.

See my making Finnish pancakes video:

 

It's easy!

Even my first boyfriend loved these pancakes so much that he learned to make them himself, despite never cooking before, so don’t be afraid if you haven’t cooked and give these a try!

By the way, this is the recipe that was the first thing I wrote down when over 30 years ago I first time started to write down recipes. That’s how much I cherish it!

So, let’s keep our Finnish heritage alive and pass on these beautiful memories and flavors to the next generation. Our culture and the love that comes with it will continue to thrive.