Scandinavian cuisine boasts a diverse range of dishes, from hearty comfort foods to delicate seafood dishes. Here are ten Scandinavian dishes that you should try:
Smørrebrød
These open-faced sandwiches are a Danish specialty, typically topped with a variety of ingredients such as pickled herring, smoked salmon, roast beef, or cheese, and served on rye bread.
Gravlax
A popular Swedish dish, gravlax is thinly sliced, cured salmon that is often served with a dill and mustard sauce. The salmon is cured with a mixture of sugar, salt, and dill, resulting in a delightful combination of flavors.
Köttbullar
Swedish meatballs are a classic Scandinavian dish, typically made from a mixture of ground beef and pork. These flavorful meatballs are usually served with creamy gravy, lingonberry sauce, and a side of mashed potatoes or lingonberry jam.
Lutefisk
This unique Norwegian dish consists of dried whitefish, typically cod or lingcod, that has been soaked in lye to rehydrate and then boiled. It is often served with melted butter, boiled potatoes, peas, and a white sauce.
Fårikål
Considered Norway’s national dish, fårikål is a stew made with lamb, cabbage, whole black peppercorns, and a touch of flour to thicken the sauce. It is slow-cooked until the meat is tender and the flavors are well-blended.
Rødgrød
This traditional Danish dessert is a vibrant red berry compote thickened with potato starch or cornstarch. It is typically served with a dollop of whipped cream or a drizzle of cream.
Janssons frestelse
A Swedish casserole dish made with layers of thinly sliced potatoes, onions, and anchovies or sprats. Also, cream is added in between the layers, giving it a rich and creamy flavor. The dish is then baked until golden and crispy.
Smörgåstårta
Literally translated to “sandwich cake,” this Swedish delicacy is a savory cake made of layers of bread filled with various ingredients such as smoked salmon, shrimp, dill, cream, and mayonnaise. It is often served at special occasions like birthdays and celebrations.
Rakfisk
A traditional Norwegian dish, rakfisk consists of fermented freshwater fish, typically trout or char. The fish is cured for several months in a brine solution before being enjoyed. It is often served with flatbread, sour cream, onions, and boiled potatoes.
Danish pastries
Known worldwide, Danish pastries are a delicious treat enjoyed for breakfast or as a sweet snack. These flaky, buttery pastries come in a variety of flavors and fillings, such as custard, fruit jams, or almond paste.
Therefore, these are just a few examples of the delectable Scandinavian dishes you should try. Also, Scandinavian cuisine is rich in flavors and traditions, and exploring its diverse offerings is sure to be a gastronomic delight!
