From the innovative kitchens of Noma to comforting home-cooked meals, Scandinavian Food offers a diverse culinary landscape. While global travel might be on hold, your taste buds don’t have to miss out. Let’s embark on a virtual gastronomic journey through Denmark, Sweden, and Norway, discovering authentic Scandinavian dishes you can recreate in your own kitchen. Get ready to explore the heart of Nordic cuisine and uncover some delightful recipes.
1. Norwegian Fish Cakes with Dill Mayonnaise (Fiskekaker)
When you think of Scandinavian food, seafood is likely one of the first things that comes to mind. The extensive coastlines and numerous lakes of the Nordic region provide an abundance of fresh catches, making fish a cornerstone of the cuisine. Among the many beloved seafood dishes in Norway, fiskekaker, or fish cakes, hold a special place. These savory patties are a favorite across all ages, and while they may seem simple, their unique flavor profile is hard to find elsewhere. Inspired by the renowned Swedish chef Magnus Nilsson, this recipe, drawn from his comprehensive “Nordic Cook Book,” promises an authentic taste of Norway. Nilsson’s cookbook is a treasure trove of Nordic home cooking, compiled from recipes gathered from kitchens across the region, including his own grandmother’s.
Click to find the full recipe for these mouthwatering Norwegian fish cakes here.
Tip: For a truly authentic Norwegian experience, serve your fiskekaker with boiled potatoes and a side of freshly grated raw carrots.
2. Classic Swedish Meatballs (Köttbullar)
Meatballs are a culinary staple across Scandinavia, with regional variations in each country. However, it’s the Swedish version, köttbullar, that has captured hearts worldwide. While IKEA has undoubtedly played a role in their global recognition, homemade Swedish meatballs are in a league of their own. Köttbullar are a comfort food classic in Sweden, typically served with creamy mashed potatoes or boiled potatoes and the quintessential lingonberry jam, adding a touch of sweetness to the savory dish. These meatballs are more than just a meal; they are a symbol of Swedish home cooking and hygge.
Click to find the full recipe for classic Swedish Meatballs here.
Tip: For that signature soft and tender texture, incorporate breadcrumbs or rusk crumbs that have been soaked in milk into your meatball mixture.
3. Danish Open-faced Sandwich (Smørrebrød) on Rye Bread
If you’ve ever visited Scandinavia, you’ve likely encountered smørrebrød, the iconic Danish open-faced sandwich. This traditional dish consists of a slice of buttered rye bread, generously topped with an array of spreads and decorative garnishes. The beauty of smørrebrød lies in its versatility; from smoked salmon and pickled herring to prawns with egg, sliced cheese, and ham, the topping possibilities are truly endless. The robust rye bread base is crucial, providing the perfect foundation to support the flavorful toppings. Smørrebrød is not just a sandwich; it’s a showcase of Danish culinary artistry and a delightful representation of Scandinavian food culture.
Tip: Danish rye bread is known for its excellent keeping quality due to its high water content. It stays fresh for several days, and it also freezes beautifully.
4. Norwegian Lamb Stew (Fårikål)
Fårikål holds a special place in Norwegian hearts, often hailed as the national dish of Norway. This comforting lamb stew is remarkably simple to prepare, requiring just a few key ingredients: lamb, green cabbage, and peppercorns, all layered in a pot and simmered to perfection, traditionally served with boiled potatoes. Fårikål gained popularity in Norway during the 20th century and has become deeply ingrained in Norwegian culinary tradition. Its significance is so profound that Norway even celebrates a National Fårikål Day on the last Thursday of September each year. To truly experience the taste of Norway, fårikål is an excellent starting point.
Click to find the full recipe for this classic Norwegian lamb stew here.
Tip: For the most flavorful fårikål, opt for lamb shoulder, which has a higher fat content than leg meat, resulting in a richer and more succulent stew.
5. Danish Breaded Pork Patties (Krebinetter)
Krebinetter, or Karbonader depending on the region in Denmark, are a beloved Danish specialty. These substantial meat patties are typically made with minced pork or a combination of pork and veal. The patties are dipped in egg, coated in seasoned breadcrumbs, and pan-fried until golden brown and irresistibly crispy on the outside. A quintessential Danish comfort food, krebinetter are often served with oven-roasted potatoes and boiled carrots and peas, often accompanied by a creamy parsley sauce, creating a complete and satisfying Scandinavian meal.
Click to find the full recipe for these breaded pork patties here.
Tip: For extra crispy krebinetter, try breading the pork patties twice for a thicker, more satisfying crust.
6. Norwegian Fish Soup (Fiskesuppe)
On a chilly day, nothing quite compares to a bowl of creamy Norwegian fish soup, or fiskesuppe. This comforting soup is a staple in Scandinavian households, offering warmth and nourishment during the colder months. Not only is fiskesuppe incredibly flavorful, but it’s also a healthy and relatively easy dish to prepare. The foundation of this soup is fresh fish and root vegetables, but you can customize it with your favorite seafood such as cod, salmon, shrimp, or mussels. While recipes may vary, the focus remains on highlighting the fresh, high-quality seafood, a hallmark of Scandinavian cuisine.
Click to find the full recipe for Norwegian fish soup from Bergen here.
Tip: Flexibility is key with fiskesuppe. Feel free to use a mix of whatever fresh seafood is available to you, but ensure you use a good quality fish stock as the base for optimal flavor.
7. Swedish Pickled Herring (Inlagd Sill)
Pickled herring, or inlagd sill, is a prominent feature of the Swedish smörgåsbord, but it’s equally enjoyable on its own. While the pickling process itself is quick, patience is required as the herring needs a couple of days to marinate and develop its characteristic flavor. Inlagd sill recipes vary across regions and personal preferences in Sweden, offering a diverse range of flavor profiles. Enjoying pickled herring is simple: try it on crispbread (knäckebröd) for a classic Swedish snack, or serve it as a lunch dish with boiled potatoes and a sliced boiled egg for a more substantial meal, both showcasing the versatility of Scandinavian food traditions.
Click to find the full recipe for this easy Swedish pickled herring here.
Tip: When preserving pickled foods like inlagd sill, sterilizing your jars before storing is crucial for food safety and longevity.
8. Danish Pork Roast (Flæskesteg)
Danish pork roast, flæskesteg, is a quintessential Danish dish, deeply rooted in tradition. The secret to an exceptional flæskesteg lies in keeping the skin intact, which transforms into incredibly crispy and flavorful cracklings during roasting. While flæskesteg can be enjoyed year-round, it takes center stage during festive occasions, particularly as a highlight of a Nordic Christmas feast, embodying the warmth and celebratory spirit of Scandinavian gatherings.
Click to find the full recipe for this Danish pork roast with crackling here.
Tip: When purchasing pork for flæskesteg, ask your butcher to leave the skin on; it’s essential for achieving perfect crackling.
9. Norwegian Fish Casserole (Fiskegrateng)
For many Norwegians, fiskegrateng is the ultimate comfort food. This beloved fish casserole is popular throughout Norway and is a wonderful way to use leftover cooked fish. The core components of fiskegrateng are white fish, a creamy béchamel sauce, macaroni, and a breadcrumb topping. Each bite of fiskegrateng offers a sense of coziness and warmth, reminiscent of mac and cheese but with a distinctly Scandinavian twist, making it a comforting and approachable introduction to Nordic flavors.
Click to find the full recipe for this fish casserole with macaroni & garlicky breadcrumbs here.
Tip: Fiskegrateng is a fantastic way to introduce seafood to children or anyone who might be hesitant, as the mild flavors and creamy texture are generally appealing.
10. Cinnamon Buns (Kanelbolle)
No exploration of Scandinavian food would be complete without mentioning cinnamon buns, or kanelbolle in Norwegian. This cherished baked treat is a quintessential Nordic delight, deeply associated with hygge (coziness) and fika (coffee break). Beyond their delicious taste, the aroma of freshly baked cinnamon buns fills your home with a comforting and inviting atmosphere, perfectly embodying the essence of Scandinavian homeyness.
Click to find the full recipe for these easy cinnamon buns here.
Tip: Cinnamon buns freeze exceptionally well. Baking a large batch and freezing them ensures you always have a delightful treat readily available whenever cravings strike.
This selection is just a glimpse into the rich and diverse world of Scandinavian cuisine. If you’re eager to discover more Nordic culinary treasures, let us know!
