Estonia Flag Estonia

Võrtsjärv Suitsukala (Meat and Vegetable Casserole)

This local, dairy-based casserole is simple comfort food that is hearty and filling. Leftovers such as ground meat or suitsukala (smoked fish) are re-purposed to create this tasty dish. The pickled beets help to cut through a rich mouthfeel.

Prep Time
15 minutes
Cook Time
1 hour 20 minutes
Total Time
1 hour 35 minutes
Vegetarian
Vegan
Gluten Free
Dairy Free
Kosher
Halal

Ingredients

  • 2 Tbsp (30 g) butter
  • 2 cups (480 g) squash, chopped
  • 2 cups (480 g) ground meat
  • 1 Tbsp (15 g) red onion, chopped
  • 1 cup (240 ml) tomato sauce
  • 1 Tbsp (15 g) green herbs (basil, chives, green onion), chopped
  • ½ tsp (2.5 g) salt
  • ½ tsp (2.5 g) pepper
  • 3 large eggs
  • 1 cup (240 ml) milk
  • ¼ cup (60 g) pickled beets, chopped (for garnish)

Directions

  1. Preheat oven to 350°F (180°C) and grease a large casserole dish with butter.
  2. Layer into the dish the squash then ground meat and onion.
  3. In a bowl, mix tomato sauce with herbs, salt, and pepper.
  4. Pour sauce over squash and meat.
  5. In a medium mixing bowl, beat eggs then add milk and mix well.
  6. Pour into casserole dish, adding more milk if needed until squash is covered.
  7. Cover and bake for one hour.
  8. Turn off heat, and let casserole continue to cook without lifting off cover for 10 minutes.
  9. Garnish with pickled beets to serve.