“What’s for dinner?” has always been a tricky question for me. After a long day of school or work, I’m often too exhausted to cook, and ordering takeout every day or buying ready-made food from the supermarket simply isn’t sustainable for my wallet. So, I wondered, are there any simple recipes that are quick to prepare and can last for at least two days?
Homemade Estonian food is the answer I’m looking for. Here, I’ll introduce you to five easy but tasty Estonian recipes you can whip up in 30 minutes!
1-Kartulid hakklihakastmega: Potatoes with mincemeat sauce

The first quick and tasty meal that comes to my mind is kartulid hakklihakastmega or potatoes with mincemeat sauce, a staple in many Estonian households. As easy to prepare as its name suggests, to make this beloved dish, simply boil or mash your potatoes, then prepare the star of the show — mincemeat sauce. This sauce is typically made with onions, ground meat, flour, and water, seasoned with salt and pepper to taste. Pour the sauce over the potatoes, and you’re ready to enjoy! For a personalized touch, you can add sour cream and green vegetables to your liking.
Find a recipe for kartulid hakklihakastmega here.
2-Kotlet: Cutlet

If you’ve ever embarked on a culinary adventure through Eurasia, you’ve likely encountered kotlet, a dish with diverse names and cooking styles across the region. In Estonia, kotlet is often prepared by combining minced meat, onion, garlic, breadcrumbs, eggs, milk, salt, and pepper in a bowl. The mixture is then shaped into patties and fried until golden brown in a hot pan. It can be enjoyed between burger buns, like a hamburger, but the most traditional pairing is with pan-fried or mashed potatoes.
Find a recipe for kotlet here.
3- Riisiroog: Rice dish

As soon as I tried riisiroog, I was immediately reminded of its Chinese counterpart, known as “手抓饭” (hand-picked rice), which is traditionally prepared with lamb. While Estonians have embraced a wider range of protein options, including chicken, lamb, pork, and beef. The preparation of riisiroog is surprisingly straightforward. Sauté the onions and carrots until softened, then introduce the meat and cook until nicely browned. Next, add the rice and spices, followed by a generous amount of water. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat and let it simmer patiently, allowing the rice to reach a fluffy perfection and the flavour to intertwine seamlessly.
Find a recipe for riisiroog here.
4- Kartulisalat: Potato salad

If you have attended any parties hosted by an Estonian family, you have probably tried this one already. Kartulisalat is one of the traditional salads at every Estonian gathering, from casual get-togethers to formal celebrations. Its presence even extends to Christmas Eve. What makes this humble dish so beloved? Well, it’s incredibly easy to make with just a handful of simple ingredients and minimal preparation. Plus, it’s light and refreshing, making it the perfect addition to any other meal.
To prepare kartulisalat, you’ll need a few boiled potatoes, boiled eggs, mayonnaise, sour cream, salt, pepper, and (as a highly recommended addition) an apple. You will be instantly captivated by the crunchy texture the apple imparted. Kartulisalat is a godsend for busy weeknights, as it can be prepared in advance and stored in the refrigerator for up to 2 days.
Find a recipe for kartulisalat here.
5- Küpsisetort: Biscuit cake

Opening an Estonian fridge, chances are you’ll stumble upon a küpsisetort, a popular Estonian-style biscuit cake stashed in a food container. Don’t worry! You don’t have to be the world’s top pastry chef like Pierre Hermé to make this easy and tasty treat! Plus, this biscuit cake is an ideal dessert for students residing in dorms without ovens.
Estonian-style biscuit cake is a layered delight made with creamy curd cheese and sweet square Kalev biscuits. Feel free to go wild with different Kalev biscuit flavours, like condensed milk, vanilla, raisins, or lemon. If you’re looking for a lighter option, try swapping out the creamy curd cheese for yoghurt. And to make it even more personal, add a layer of your favourite fresh fruits, like bananas or blueberries, to each layer. The longer it sits, the better it gets, as the biscuits soften and blend perfectly with the cream, creating an explosion of flavours.
Find a recipe for küpsisetort here.