Latvian Recipes

In Poland and Germany, herring is considered a bearer of good fortune. In this recipe, salt-cured herring becomes a lavish centerpiece when layered with apples and a sour cream-mayonnaise dressing.

These small bacon and onion pies are a staple of Latvian festive tables. We prefer double-smoked bacon, but any thick-cut bacon will do.

A delicious way to use leftover rye bread, this sweet pudding enhances the bread’s tangy flavor with the addition of spices and dried fruits.

These waffle cones are filled with a mixture of sweetened farmer’s cheese and fresh berries. Get the recipe for Waffle Cones Filled With Sweet Cheese and Berries (Pilditas Vafeles) »

Sour cream and tart pickles complement earthy beets in this salad made by home cook Maija Kalnina. See the recipe for Pupiņi un Biešu Salāti (Beet and Bean Salad) » Back to Riga Revisited »

When grated and mixed with heavy cream and farmer’s cheese, kohlrabi makes a creamy yet refreshing slaw. See the recipe for Kolrābju salāti (Kohlrabi Salad) » Back to Riga Revisited »

Use Yukon Golds or other waxy potatoes, such as red or new potatoes, for this simple, comforting side dish. Get the recipe for Boiled Potatoes With Dill »

This one-pot dish of pork shoulder, vegetables, and prunes in a sweet and sour tomato sauce is a specialty of home cook Anita Rūtīte’s. See the recipe for Cūkgaļas Sautējums (Pork Stew) » Back to Riga Revisited »

Farina undergoes an unexpected transformation from hot cereal to airy pudding in this tart-sweet Latvian dessert, which is typically served with milk poured on top. Back to Riga Revisited »