10+ Best Lithuanian Recipes You Need To Try Once

Lithuanian cuisine is a hidden gem in the world of food. It’s hearty, comforting, and packed with flavors that’ll make you feel like you’re sitting in a cozy Lithuanian kitchen.

From potato-based dishes to sweet treats, Lithuanian recipes are all about simplicity and tradition.

If you’re a foodie looking to explore something new, you’re in for a treat.

Get ready to dive into a culinary adventure that’ll have you bookmarking these recipes faster than you can say skanaus (that’s “delicious” in Lithuanian).

Whether you’re a seasoned cook or just starting out, these dishes are easy to make and impossible to resist. Let’s get cooking!

1. Cepelinai (Lithuanian Potato Dumplings)

Cepelinai, also known as “zeppelins” because of their shape, are the ultimate comfort food in Lithuania.

These giant potato dumplings are stuffed with a savory filling and served with a dollop of sour cream or crispy bacon bits.

Ingredients:

• 6 large potatoes (peeled and grated)
• 2 large potatoes (boiled and mashed)
• 1 cup ground meat (beef or chicken)
• 1 small onion (finely chopped)
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Sour cream for serving

How to make it:

1. Grate the raw potatoes and squeeze out the excess liquid using a cheesecloth.
2. Mix the grated potatoes with the mashed potatoes to form a dough.
3. In a bowl, combine the ground meat, chopped onion, salt, and pepper.
4. Take a handful of the potato dough, flatten it, and place a spoonful of the meat mixture in the center. Shape it into an oval dumpling.
5. Boil the dumplings in salted water for about 25-30 minutes until they float to the top.
6. Serve hot with sour cream.

Why we chose it: Cepelinai are the heart and soul of Lithuanian cuisine. They’re filling, flavorful, and perfect for a cozy dinner. Once you try them, you’ll understand why they’re a national treasure.

2. Šaltibarščiai (Cold Beet Soup)

This vibrant pink soup is a Lithuanian summer staple.

Šaltibarščiai is refreshing, tangy, and packed with fresh veggies. It’s served cold, making it perfect for hot days.

Ingredients:

• 4 medium beets (cooked and grated)
• 2 cups buttermilk
• 1 cup sour cream
• 1 cucumber (diced)
• 2 hard-boiled eggs (sliced)
• 2 green onions (chopped)
• Fresh dill (chopped)
• Salt and pepper to taste

How to make it:

1. In a large bowl, mix the grated beets, buttermilk, and sour cream.
2. Add the diced cucumber, green onions, and dill.
3. Season with salt and pepper.
4. Chill in the fridge for at least 2 hours.
5. Serve cold with sliced hard-boiled eggs on top.

Why this made it to our list: Šaltibarščiai is a unique and refreshing dish that’s unlike anything you’ve tried before. It’s a must-try for anyone looking to explore Lithuanian flavors.

3. Kugelis (Lithuanian Potato Pudding)

Kugelis is a baked potato dish that’s crispy on the outside and soft on the inside. It’s often served as a main course or a side dish.

Ingredients:

• 6 large potatoes (peeled and grated)
• 1 onion (finely chopped)
• 2 eggs
• 1 cup milk
• 2 tbsp flour
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Butter for greasing

How to make it:

1. Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. Grate the potatoes and squeeze out the excess liquid.
3. Mix the grated potatoes with chopped onion, eggs, milk, flour, salt, and pepper.
4. Pour the mixture into a greased baking dish.
5. Bake for about 1 hour or until the top is golden brown.
6. Serve with sour cream or applesauce.

Why we selected it: Kugelis is a simple yet satisfying dish that showcases the humble potato in the best way possible. It’s a crowd-pleaser for sure.

4. Kibinai (Lithuanian Meat Pastries)

Kibinai are flaky pastries filled with a savory meat mixture. They’re perfect for a quick snack or a light meal.

Ingredients:

• 2 cups flour
• 1/2 cup butter (cold and cubed)
• 1/2 cup sour cream
• 1 egg
• 1 cup ground meat (beef or chicken)
• 1 small onion (finely chopped)
• Salt and pepper to taste

How to make it:

1. In a bowl, mix the flour and butter until crumbly. Add the sour cream and egg to form a dough.
2. In a separate bowl, combine the ground meat, chopped onion, salt, and pepper.
3. Roll out the dough and cut it into circles.
4. Place a spoonful of the meat mixture in the center of each circle and fold it into a half-moon shape.
5. Bake at 375°F (190°C) for 20-25 minutes until golden brown.

Why this made it to our list: Kibinai are portable, delicious, and perfect for any time of day. They’re a great introduction to Lithuanian flavors.

5. Bulviniai Blynai (Lithuanian Potato Pancakes)

These crispy potato pancakes are a Lithuanian favorite. They’re easy to make and incredibly versatile.

Ingredients:

• 4 large potatoes (peeled and grated)
• 1 small onion (grated)
• 2 eggs
• 2 tbsp flour
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Oil for frying

How to make it:

1. Grate the potatoes and onion, then squeeze out the excess liquid.
2. Mix the grated potatoes and onion with eggs, flour, salt, and pepper.
3. Heat oil in a pan and drop spoonfuls of the mixture into the hot oil.
4. Fry until golden brown on both sides.
5. Serve with sour cream or applesauce.

Why we chose it: Bulviniai blynai are crispy, savory, and oh-so-satisfying. They’re a must-try for potato lovers.

6. Varškėčiai (Lithuanian Curd Cheese Pancakes)

These sweet and tangy pancakes are made with curd cheese and are a popular dessert in Lithuania.

Ingredients:

• 2 cups curd cheese
• 2 eggs
• 1/4 cup sugar
• 1/2 cup flour
• 1/2 tsp vanilla extract
• Butter for frying

How to make it:

1. Mix the curd cheese, eggs, sugar, flour, and vanilla extract in a bowl.
2. Heat butter in a pan and drop spoonfuls of the mixture into the pan.
3. Fry until golden brown on both sides.
4. Serve with jam or fresh berries.

Why this made it to our list: Varškėčiai are a delightful treat that’s both sweet and tangy. They’re perfect for breakfast or dessert.

7. Balandėliai (Stuffed Cabbage Rolls)

Balandėliai are cabbage rolls stuffed with a savory filling and simmered in a flavorful sauce.

Ingredients:

• 1 large cabbage head
• 1 cup cooked rice
• 1 cup ground meat (beef or chicken)
• 1 onion (finely chopped)
• 2 tbsp tomato paste
• 1 cup broth
• Salt and pepper to taste

How to make it:

1. Blanch the cabbage leaves in boiling water until soft.
2. Mix the cooked rice, ground meat, chopped onion, salt, and pepper.
3. Place a spoonful of the mixture on each cabbage leaf and roll it up.
4. Place the rolls in a pot and add the tomato paste and broth.
5. Simmer for about 1 hour.

Why we selected it: Balandėliai are a comforting and hearty dish that’s perfect for a family dinner.

8. Šakotis (Tree Cake)

Šakotis is a unique Lithuanian cake that’s as beautiful as it is delicious. It’s made by layering batter on a rotating spit, creating a tree-like shape.

Ingredients:

• 6 eggs
• 1 cup sugar
• 1 cup flour
• 1 cup butter (melted)
• 1 tsp vanilla extract

How to make it:

1. Beat the eggs and sugar until fluffy.
2. Add the flour, melted butter, and vanilla extract.
3. Pour the batter onto a rotating spit and bake over an open flame or in a special oven.
4. Layer the batter until the cake forms a tree-like shape.

Why this made it to our list: Šakotis is a show-stopping dessert that’s perfect for special occasions.

9. Kepta Duona (Fried Bread with Garlic)

This simple yet addictive snack is a staple in Lithuanian pubs and homes.

Ingredients:

• 1 loaf of rye bread
• 2 cloves garlic (minced)
• Salt to taste
• Oil for frying

How to make it:

1. Cut the bread into thick slices.
2. Fry the bread in hot oil until crispy.
3. Rub the fried bread with garlic and sprinkle with salt.

Why we chose it: Kepta duona is a quick and easy snack that’s packed with flavor.

10. Lietiniai (Lithuanian Pancakes)

These thin and delicate pancakes are a Lithuanian breakfast favorite.

Ingredients:

• 2 cups flour
• 2 eggs
• 2 cups milk
• 1 tbsp sugar
• Butter for frying

How to make it:

1. Mix the flour, eggs, milk, and sugar to form a thin batter.
2. Heat butter in a pan and pour a ladleful of batter into the pan.
3. Cook until golden brown on both sides.
4. Serve with jam or fresh fruit.

Why this made it to our list: Lietiniai are light, fluffy, and perfect for a sweet start to your day.

11. Grybų Sriuba (Mushroom Soup)

This hearty mushroom soup is a Lithuanian classic, especially during the colder months.

Ingredients:

• 2 cups mushrooms (sliced)
• 1 onion (chopped)
• 2 potatoes (diced)
• 4 cups broth
• 1 cup cream
• Salt and pepper to taste

How to make it:

1. Sauté the mushrooms and onion in a pot until soft.
2. Add the potatoes and broth, and simmer until the potatoes are tender.
3. Stir in the cream and season with salt and pepper.

Why we selected it: Grybų sriuba is a comforting and flavorful soup that’s perfect for chilly days.

Conclusion

Lithuanian cuisine is a treasure trove of hearty, flavorful, and unique dishes that deserve a spot in your kitchen.

From the iconic Cepelinai to the refreshing Šaltibarščiai, these recipes are sure to impress your taste buds.

So, what are you waiting for? Grab your apron, pick a recipe, and start cooking!