Finnish new potatoes, or varhaisperunat, are a cherished seasonal delicacy that signals the arrival of summer in Finland. These young potatoes have delicate skins and a fresh, buttery flavor that shines best when prepared simply. Boiled with a bit of sea salt and dill stems in the water, then garnished with fresh chopped dill, they’re a true taste of Nordic summer.
Many Finns enjoy new potatoes alongside pickled herring, a classic pairing that brings together creamy, tangy, and fresh flavors. Other popular accompaniments include smoked salmon, sour cream, and chives. During summer barbecues and Midsummer celebrations, new potatoes often appear on the table alongside grilled sausages and fresh salads. Potato salad made with these tender new potatoes is also a favorite, adding a creamy, tangy twist to the meal.
In our family, some of us enjoy new potatoes by mashing them lightly on the plate with a fork, then sprinkling flaky sea salt and drizzling good-quality olive oil for a simple yet delicious twist. Others prefer the more traditional way, eating the potatoes with fresh, cold butter and a pinch of flaky salt. Both ways highlight the delicate flavor of these early-season gems.
Celebrating Midsummer with New Potatoes
Midsummer, or Juhannus, is one of Finland’s most important holidays, marked by bonfires, saunas, and gatherings with family and friends. New potatoes are a staple at these festivities, perfectly complementing the fresh, seasonal ingredients celebrated during the long, bright days of summer.
Serving Suggestions for Finnish New Potatoes
New potatoes pair wonderfully with a variety of Finnish classics. Try them with my grilled salmon recipe, served alongside mummonkurkut (pickled cucumbers) and horseradish dill sauce for an authentic Nordic meal. Or try my Chanterelle Sauce, a creamy Finnish traditional sauce. Try them also with my Juicy Pork Loin with Herb and Apple Marinade.
Tips for Perfect New Potatoes
For firmer potatoes, start cooking them in cold water and bring to a boil slowly. Cooking times vary depending on size, so check doneness by piercing the potatoes with a fork. It should slide in easily without breaking the potato.
Finnish new potatoes offer a simple, fresh taste of summer that’s hard to beat. Whether enjoyed at a festive Midsummer table or a casual family meal, they bring a delicious touch of Finnish tradition to your plate.
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Finnish New Potatoes Recipe – Simple Early Season Potatoes with Dill
Ingredients
- 1 kg Finnish new potatoes uniform size
- 1.5 liters water
- 2 tsp coarse sea salt
- 1 bunch Fresh dill Dill stems added to the cooking water, chopped dill used as garnish
For serving
- butter, or olive oil, dill, and flaky sea salt
Instructions
- Bring the water to a boil. Thoroughly wash the new potatoes. Using a vegetable brush helps remove dirt and some skins easily from freshly dug potatoes. It’s fine if some skin remains, as it contains many vitamins.
- Add the salt, potatoes, and dill stems to the boiling water. If your potatoes vary in size, add the largest ones first, then add the smaller potatoes after a short time according to their size. Cooking time varies by size and variety, so test doneness by piercing the potatoes with a fork, it should slide in easily.
- Once cooked, drain the potatoes well, remove the dill stems, and return them to the hot pot. Place a clean kitchen towel or paper towel over the potatoes to absorb moisture, then cover with the lid. Let the moisture evaporate before serving with freshly chopped dill.
Notes
