Culinary Marvels: Unveiling the Best of Scandinavian Cuisine

by newbeltane | Oct 6, 2023 | Cuisine

Scandinavian Cooking: Delicious Recipes from the North

Scandinavian cooking is gaining popularity worldwide for its unique flavours and healthy ingredients. From Sweden, Norway, Denmark, Finland, and Iceland, the countries of Scandinavia offer a diverse range of culinary delights that are worth exploring. In this blog post, we will take you on a journey through the flavours of the North and share some delicious Scandinavian recipes that you can try at home.

1. Swedish Meatballs

Swedish meatballs, also known as köttbullar, are a classic Scandinavian dish that is loved by people around the world. These tender and flavorful meatballs are traditionally served with lingonberry sauce and creamy mashed potatoes. You will need ground beef, breadcrumbs, onion, garlic, and a blend of spices to make them. Fry them in butter until golden brown and serve them as an appetizer or as a main course. Here is a recipe you can try:

Swedish Meatballs (Köttbullar) Recipe:

Ingredients

• 500g ground beef
• 250g ground pork
• 1 small onion, finely chopped
• 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
• 1/2 cup milk
• 1 egg
• 1/2 tsp salt
• 1/4 tsp ground black pepper
• 1/4 tsp ground allspice
• 1/4 tsp ground nutmeg
• Butter or oil for frying

For the Cream Sauce

• 2 tbsp butter
• 2 tbsp all-purpose flour
• 2 cups beef or vegetable broth
• 1/2 cup heavy cream
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

• In a large mixing bowl, combine the ground beef and ground pork.
• In a separate bowl, soak the breadcrumbs in milk for a few minutes until they are fully absorbed.
• Add the soaked breadcrumbs, finely chopped onion, egg, salt, black pepper, allspice, and nutmeg to the meat mixture.
• Mix everything together until well combined. It’s best to use your hands for this step.
• Shape the meat mixture into small, round meatballs, about the size of a walnut. You should get around 20-24 meatballs.
• In a large skillet, heat some butter or oil over medium-high heat.
• Add the meatballs to the skillet and cook them until they are browned on all sides and cooked through about 10-12 minutes. You may need to do this in batches to avoid overcrowding the skillet.
• Once the meatballs are cooked, remove them from the skillet and set them aside.
• To make the cream sauce, melt 2 tablespoons of butter in the same skillet over medium heat.
• Sprinkle in 2 tablespoons of all-purpose flour and whisk continuously until it turns a light golden colour, about 2-3 minutes.
• Slowly pour in the beef or vegetable broth while whisking to avoid lumps.
• Add the heavy cream and continue to whisk until the sauce thickens about 5-7 minutes.
• Season the sauce with salt and pepper to taste.
• Return the cooked meatballs to the skillet, and gently simmer them in the sauce for a few more minutes until they are heated through.

Serve the Swedish Meatballs (Köttbullar) hot with lingonberry sauce, mashed potatoes, and lingonberry jam on the side.

Enjoy your delicious homemade Swedish meatballs!

2. Norwegian Salmon with Dill Sauce

Norway is famous for its high-quality salmon, and this recipe showcases the best of Norwegian seafood. Grilled or baked salmon fillets are served with a creamy dill sauce made with fresh dill, sour cream, mayonnaise, and lemon juice. The tender salmon and tangy dill sauce combined are simply irresistible.

Norwegian Salmon with Creamy Dill Sauce Recipe:

Ingredients

• 4 salmon fillets (about 6 ounces each)
• Salt and black pepper, to taste
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 small onion, finely chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 2 tablespoons fresh dill, chopped
• 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
• 1 tablespoon lemon juice
• Lemon wedges and fresh dill sprigs for garnish

Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. Season the salmon fillets with salt and black pepper on both sides.
3. In an ovenproof skillet, heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil over medium-high heat.
4. Place the salmon fillets in the skillet, skin-side down, and sear them for about 2 minutes until the skin is crispy and golden.
5. Carefully flip the salmon fillets over and sear the other side for another 2 minutes.
6. Transfer the skillet with the salmon to the preheated oven and roast for about 10-12 minutes, or until the salmon flakes easily with a fork.
7. While the salmon is roasting, prepare the creamy dill sauce. In a separate saucepan, heat a bit of olive oil over medium heat.
8. Add the finely chopped onion and cook for 2-3 minutes until it becomes translucent.
9. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for an additional 30 seconds until fragrant.
10. Pour in the heavy cream and bring it to a simmer. Let it cook for 2-3 minutes, allowing it to thicken slightly.
11. Add the chopped fresh dill, Dijon mustard, and lemon juice to the cream mixture. Stir well to combine.
12. Season the sauce with a pinch of salt and black pepper to taste. Adjust the flavours as needed.
13. Once the salmon is done roasting, remove it from the oven and place it on serving plates.
14. Spoon the creamy dill sauce over the salmon fillets.
15. Garnish with fresh dill sprigs and lemon wedges.
16. Serve the Norwegian Salmon with Creamy Dill Sauce hot, accompanied by your favourite side dishes, such as steamed vegetables or rice.

Enjoy your delightful Norwegian salmon dish!

3. Danish Smørrebrød

Smørrebrød is an open-faced sandwich that is a staple in Danish cuisine. It consists of a slice of rye bread topped with various ingredients such as pickled herring, smoked salmon, roast beef, or cheese. The toppings are often garnished with fresh herbs, sliced vegetables, and a dollop of remoulade sauce. Smørrebrød is a versatile dish that can be enjoyed for breakfast, lunch, or dinner.

Danish Smørrebrød Recipe:

Ingredients

For the Smørrebrød:

• Slices of dense rye bread (typically 2 per person)
• Butter for spreading
• Sliced cucumber
• Sliced radishes
• Sliced hard-boiled eggs
• Smoked salmon or pickled herring
• Roast beef or liver pâté (for variety)
• Fresh dill, for garnish
• Lemon wedges, for garnish

For the Remoulade Sauce:

• 1/2 cup mayonnaise
• 2 tablespoons Dijon mustard
• 2 tablespoons sweet pickle relish
• 1 tablespoon capers, chopped
• 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, finely chopped
• Salt and pepper, to taste

Instructions

1. Start by making the remoulade sauce. In a small bowl, combine mayonnaise, Dijon mustard, sweet pickle relish, chopped capers, and fresh parsley. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Mix well and set aside.

2. Prepare the dense rye bread by cutting off the crusts and slicing it into manageable portions. You’ll typically use two slices per Smørrebrød.

3. Spread a thin layer of butter on each slice of rye bread.

4. Now it’s time to assemble your Smørrebrød. You can make different varieties:

   a. For a classic option, top one slice of rye bread with slices of cucumber, radishes, and hard-boiled eggs. Drizzle some of the remoulade sauce over the toppings.

   b. For a seafood option, top another slice of rye bread with smoked salmon or pickled herring. Garnish with fresh dill and a lemon wedge.

   c. For a meaty variation, consider using roast beef or liver pâté as the base. Add your choice of toppings and a dollop of remoulade sauce.

5. Repeat the assembly process for as many Smørrebrød variations as you’d like to make.

6. Serve the Danish Smørrebrød on a platter or individual plates, allowing everyone to choose their favourite combinations.

7. Enjoy your delightful Danish open-faced sandwiches as a light and flavorful meal.

Danish Smørrebrød is a versatile dish, so feel free to get creative with your toppings, incorporating fresh ingredients and flavours that you enjoy.

4. Finnish Blueberry Pie

Finland is known for its abundant wild berries, and blueberries are a local favourite. Finnish blueberry pie is a simple yet delicious dessert that showcases the natural sweetness of the berries. The pie is made with a buttery crust filled with fresh blueberries, sugar, and a hint of cinnamon. Serve it warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for the perfect ending to a Scandinavian meal.

Finnish Blueberry Pie Recipe

Ingredients

For the Pie Crust:

• 1 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 cup unsalted butter, cold and cubed
• 3-4 tablespoons ice water

For the Blueberry Filling:

• 4 cups fresh or frozen blueberries
• 3/4 cup granulated sugar
• 1 tablespoon cornstarch
• 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1 tablespoon lemon juice

For Serving:

• Vanilla ice cream (optional)

Instructions

1. Start by making the pie crust. In a large mixing bowl, combine the all-purpose flour and salt.

2. Add the cold, cubed unsalted butter to the flour mixture.

3. Use a pastry cutter or your fingers to work the butter into the flour until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.

4. Gradually add the ice water, one tablespoon at a time, and mix until the dough comes together. Be careful not to overwork the dough.

5. Shape the dough into a disk, wrap it in plastic wrap, and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes.

6. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).

7. In a separate mixing bowl, combine the fresh or frozen blueberries, granulated sugar, cornstarch, ground cinnamon, and lemon juice. Mix gently to coat the blueberries evenly.

8. Take the chilled pie dough out of the refrigerator and roll it out on a floured surface to fit a 9-inch pie dish.

9. Place the rolled-out pie crust in the pie dish, trimming any excess dough from the edges.

10. Pour the blueberry filling into the pie crust.

11. Fold the edges of the crust over the filling, creating a rustic border.

12. Optionally, you can brush the exposed pie crust with a little beaten egg for a golden finish.

13. Bake the Finnish Blueberry Pie in the preheated oven for 45-50 minutes, or until the crust is golden brown, and the filling is bubbly.

14. Remove the pie from the oven and let it cool for a bit before serving.

15. Serve the Finnish Blueberry Pie warm, and for an extra treat, top it with a scoop of vanilla ice cream.

Enjoy this delightful Finnish dessert that highlights the natural sweetness of blueberries, a true Scandinavian delight!

5. Icelandic Lamb Stew

Icelandic lamb stew, or kjötsúpa, is a hearty and comforting dish that is perfect for cold winter days. The stew is made with tender pieces of lamb, root vegetables, and aromatic herbs such as thyme and bay leaves. It is slow-cooked to perfection, allowing the flavours to meld together and create a rich and flavorful broth. Serve it with crusty bread for a complete meal.

Icelandic Lamb Stew Recipe:

Ingredients

• 1.5 lbs (700g) boneless lamb shoulder, cut into bite-sized cubes
• 1 large onion, chopped
• 2 carrots, peeled and sliced
• 2 potatoes, peeled and diced
• 2 celery stalks, sliced
• 4 cups water
• 1 bay leaf
• 1 tsp dried thyme
• 1 tsp dried rosemary
• 1 tsp dried oregano
• Salt and black pepper, to taste
• 1 tbsp butter
• 1 tbsp all-purpose flour
• 1 cup whole milk
• Chopped fresh parsley, for garnish (optional)

Instructions

1. In a large pot, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and cook until it becomes translucent about 3-4 minutes.

2. Add the lamb cubes to the pot and brown them on all sides, about 5-7 minutes. Season with salt and black pepper.

3. Pour in the water and add the bay leaf, dried thyme, dried rosemary, and dried oregano. Stir to combine.

4. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to low, cover the pot, and let it simmer for about 1.5 to 2 hours, or until the lamb is tender.

5. After the lamb has simmered, add the sliced carrots, diced potatoes, and sliced celery to the pot. Continue to simmer for an additional 20-25 minutes, or until the vegetables are tender.

6. In a separate bowl, mix the flour with the whole milk until it forms a smooth paste.

7. Slowly add the milk mixture to the pot, stirring continuously. This will help thicken the stew. Simmer for another 10-15 minutes, allowing the stew to thicken further.

8. Taste the stew and adjust the seasoning with more salt and pepper if needed.

9. Remove the bay leaf from the stew before serving.

10. Ladle the Icelandic Lamb Stew into bowls and garnish with chopped fresh parsley if desired.

11. Serve the stew hot and enjoy the comforting flavours of Icelandic cuisine.

This hearty lamb stew is perfect for warming up on a chilly day and is a classic Icelandic dish.

These are just a few examples of the delicious recipes that Scandinavian cooking has to offer. Whether you are a fan of seafood, meat, or vegetarian dishes, you will find something to suit your taste in Scandinavian cuisine. So why not embark on a culinary adventure and try some of these recipes from the North?