Karelian Pies

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1. 1Step 1: Make the rice porridge filling first so it has time to cool before spreading on the dough.
2. 2Step 2: Fill a pot with water and bring it to a boil. Add the 2 tablespoons of butter, the rice, and a dash of salt, and cook until the rice absorbs most of the water, about 5 minutes.
3. 3Step 3: Pour in the milk and stir often as it simmers until the rice is cooked through, which can take up to 1 hour depending on the rice. The result should be a smooth, creamy pudding.
4. 4Step 4: Set the pudding aside to cool while making the dough.
5. 5Step 5: In a bowl, mix the rye flour, all-purpose flour, and salt until well combined. Gradually add the water, mixing with a spatula first, then knead with your hands until you have a smooth dough.
6. 6Step 6: Form the individual pies.
7. 7Step 7: Take a small portion of dough and roll it out thinly on a floured surface into an oval about the size of your palm. The thinner the dough, the crispier the baked pie.
8. 8Step 8: Place one or two spoonfuls of rice pudding filling in the middle of the dough and spread it evenly, leaving the edges clear.
9. 9Step 9: Fold the two longer sides of the oval inward, then pinch the folded edges from the center to the ends with your thumb and index finger to form the pleats.
10. 10Step 10: Place the finished pies on a tray lined with parchment paper.
11. 11Step 11: Preheat the oven to 260° C/ 500° F.
12. 12Step 12: Bake the pies for about 15 minutes, until the porridge filling turns golden brown.
13. 13Step 13: While the pies bake, prepare the egg and butter spread.
14. 14Step 14: Boil the eggs for 8 minutes, then rinse under cold water or place in an ice bath to cool and make shelling easier.
15. 15Step 15: Once shelled, mash the eggs finely with a fork or dice them finely with a knife, then combine well with the softened butter.
16. 16Step 16: Season with salt to taste.
17. 17Step 17: When the pies come out of the oven, brush them with butter and cover with baking paper to steam as they cool.
18. 18Step 18: Serve topped with the egg and butter mixture.