A classic potato and wheat mash, served with delicious crispy bacon.
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About Mulgimaa
Mulgimaa is a cultural-historical region in South Estonia, characterized by its own dialect, distinctive national clothing, and traditional cuisine.
The region comprises present-day Viljandi County and northwestern Valga County. Historically, Mulgimaa was divided into five parishes: Halliste, Helme, Karksi, Paistu, and Tarvastu.
Culinary Region of Estonia
The Estonian Ministry of Regional Affairs and Agriculture designates different parts of Estonia as the Culinary Region of Estonia. Mulgimaa has been selected as the culinary region from May 2023 until April 2024, marking the eighth region overall. This initiative allows various cultural regions of Estonia to showcase their local culinary delights, small-scale producers, and food-related themes to a wider audience. This endeavor is funded by the ministry, LAG Mulgimaa Development Centre, and LEADER projects.
Mulgipuder and UNESCO
The Mulgi Culture Institute, with the support of the Estonian Ministry of Culture, has submitted the preparation and consumption of Mulgi puder (Mulgi porridge) in Mulgimaa to UNESCO's representative list of intangible cultural heritage. UNESCO will make a decision regarding its inclusion by the end of 2024. Mulgi puder holds a unifying significance in Mulgimaa, and its tradition is deeply rooted in the region's cultural heritage. Its potential inclusion in the UNESCO list aims to preserve this cherished tradition for future generations.
History of Mulgimaa and the Mulgi People
The Mulks (Mulgi people) gained prominence in the latter half of the 19th century when affluent farmers from Mulgimaa and their sons began acquiring farms in neighboring areas of Tartu County and North Estonia. Despite stereotypes depicting Mulgi people as stingy, they were known for their wealth, intelligence in managing finances, and hospitality towards visitors. Mulks were pioneers in sending their daughters to school for education. They amassed wealth through flax cultivation and the production of linen cloth, particularly during the World Wars when demand for fabric surged.
Mulgimaa Dialect
The Mulgi dialect is characterized by its unique linguistic features, shaped by both administrative divisions and natural boundaries. Estonia boasts a rich tapestry of dialects, with Mulgi dialect being one among many, reflecting the country's linguistic diversity.
Mulgimaa Folk Costume
The traditional folk costume of Mulgimaa reflects the historical clothing of ancestors, evolving over centuries in response to local customs and influences from neighboring regions. Notably, Mulgimaa is renowned for its distinctive black coats and top hats, which hold significant cultural significance.
Mulgi Puder Recipe
Mulgi puder, a traditional Estonian dish, is prepared with potatoes, barley, and bacon. Below is a recipe for making Mulgi puder:
Ingredients:
- 1.5 kg Potatoes
- 200 g Pre-Soaked Barley (or pearl barley)
- 300 g Bacon or Smoked Bacon
- 2-3 large Onions
- Salt to taste
Instructions:
1. Wash, peel, and quarter the potatoes, placing them at the bottom of the pot.
2. Layer pre-soaked barley on top of the potatoes and add enough water to cover everything, leaving 1-2 cm of water on top. Sprinkle with salt.
3. Simmer on low heat for 2 hours or until the potatoes and barley are soft. Avoid stirring but add water if needed.
4. While the porridge cooks, prepare the bacon by cutting it into cubes and frying it with diced onions until brown and crispy.
5. Once the porridge is soft, mash it to your desired consistency, adding more water if necessary. Salt to taste.
6. Optionally, add butter cubes and mix them into the porridge.
7. Serve the porridge in bowls, topped with the fried bacon and onion mixture, sour cream or butter, pickles, and fresh green herbs.
Note: Mulgi puder thickens over time. Adjust the consistency according to your preference.
Central Europe
Czech Kulajda - A creamy mushroom soup
Hungarian Csirke Paprikash - A creamy paprika stew with chicken
Polish Pierogis - Rich stuffed dumplings served with bacon and onions
Slovakian Bryndzove Halusky - Extra rich and cheesy drop noodles with bacon
Eastern Europe
Belarussian Draniki - Crispy and crunchy potato pancakes
Eastern European Christmas Kutya - A traditional wheat berry and dried fruit dish.
Estonian Mulgipuder - A humble potato and wheat porridge topped with bacon
Finnish Lohikeitto - A light and creamy salmon soup
Latvian Auksta Zupa - A kefir and beet summer soup
Lithuanian Cepelinai - A potato dumpling with a rich meat filling
Moldovan Mamaliga cu Branza - A thick and rich polenta dish with dried, fried pork
Russian Shuba - A unique salad of beets, herring, carrots, and potatoes
Transnistrian Eggplant Rolls - Lightly fried and stuffed eggplant
Ukrainian Borsch - A rustic beetroot stew with beef
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