The way you feel or even approach this can of surströmming makes you nervous and uneasy, but this part of Nordic tradition certainly leaves a mark on the spirit. This recipe embodies the essence of New Nordic Cuisine, which emphasizes purity, freshness, and simplicity in food. It is the only one I would challenge anyone to try as a meal worthy of its name, showcasing sustainable practices and local terroir. It’s not bad at the end, especially when you consider the use of seasonal ingredients that enhance its flavor.
Celebrating traditional cooking techniques
Ingredients
- For the Surströmming Dish:
- 1 can of surströmming
- 1 cup of finely diced red onions
- 1 cup of diced tomatoes
- 1/2 cup of capers
- Fresh dill, for garnish
- Tunnbröd (Swedish flatbread), for serving
- For the Accompaniments:
- 2 avocados, sliced
- 1 lemon, juiced
- Sea salt and freshly cracked black pepper to taste
Instructions
- Prepare the Accompaniments: In a bowl, combine the diced tomatoes, red onions, and capers. Drizzle with olive oil and season with salt and pepper. Set aside to allow the flavors to meld.
- Prepare the Avocados: Slice the avocados and toss them gently with lemon juice, salt, and pepper to prevent browning.
- Plate the Dish: On a serving platter, arrange the tunnbröd. Top each piece with a slice of surströmming, followed by a generous spoonful of the tomato onion caper mixture.
- Garnish: Decorate with fresh dill sprigs and avocado slices on the side for a vibrant presentation.
- Serve: Enjoy this dish as an appetizer or a light meal, allowing guests to assemble their own bites with the flavorful components.
Recipe 2: Caramelized Surströmming in Vinegar Sauce
- For the Caramelized Surströmming:
- 1 can of surströmming, drained and rinsed
- 1 cup of white wine vinegar
- 1/2 cup soy sauce
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- Fresh ginger, sliced (optional)
- For the Creamy Rice:
- 2 cups cooked rice (jasmine or basmati)
- 1/2 cup crème fraîche
- Fresh mint leaves, for garnish
Instructions
- Prepare the Marinade: In a saucepan over medium heat, combine white wine vinegar, soy sauce, sugar, and ginger slices. Stir until the sugar dissolves completely.
- Caramelize the Surströmming: Add the drained surströmming to the saucepan and simmer for about 10 minutes, allowing it to absorb the flavors and caramelize slightly in the sauce.
- Prepare the Creamy Rice: In a separate bowl, mix the cooked rice with crème fraîche until well combined. Season with salt to taste.
- Plate the Dish: On each plate, create a bed of creamy rice. Top it with a generous portion of caramelized surströmming.
- Garnish: Decorate with fresh mint leaves for a refreshing contrast to the rich flavors of the dish.
- Serve: This dish is perfect as an elegant main course that showcases surströmming in a unique way while balancing its bold flavors with creamy rice and aromatic mint.
Presentation Tips
- Use elegant dinnerware to enhance visual appeal.
- Consider pairing these dishes with a crisp white wine or sparkling water to complement their flavors.
- For added sophistication, serve with seasonal vegetables sautéed in olive oil as a side dish.
These recipes not only highlight surströmming but also incorporate noble ingredients that elevate its unique flavor profile while providing an exquisite dining experience!