Over the past few years, searches for top Scandinavian recipes have increased and for good reason. It turns out that the world loves the same foods that those from Denmark, Sweden, Norway, Iceland, and Finland enjoy as well. Listed below are some of the most delicious and popular Scandinavian food recipes. Check out the rest of the blog for more food recipes practical tips from Eva-Marie Berry.

Swedish Meatballs

How could we start a top Scandanavian food recipes list without mentioning Swedish meatballs? Though these tasty meatballs are often attributed to Sweden, they were actually brought to Sweden by King Charles XII in the 18th century. Nonetheless, the Swedes have certainly popularized the dish. The meatballs are typically made from a combination of beef and pork. They can be served as an appetizer, side-dish, and/or the main course (just add noodles to your dish). They are traditionally served with sweet-tart lingonberry jam. However, if you are unable to find it, red-currant jelly can also be served with your Swedish meatballs. 

Pan-Seared White Fish With Mussels, Cabbage Shoots, and Cream 

This is a favorite dish among the Danes. They love preparing fresh white fish as the fish are abundant in the area. This particular recipe takes into account a bit of old Danish culture as well as the present. This dish is comprised of crispy seared white fish topped with a foamy cream sauce and cabbage shoots that are infused with the tasty mussel juice. Though it’s a simple meal, it is a hearty dish that packs a punch to your tastebuds. Some choose to lightly bread and fry the white fish, while others prefer the pan-seared variety. No matter your preference, this is a dish that is sure to leave you with a smile and a taste of Scandinavian culture.

Semla

Semla is a traditional pastry that is typically served at the beginning of each year in Sweden (also on Tuesdays). It can be made with a brioche or bun flavored roll with cardamom, served with almond paste, and topped off with a light dusting of sugar or icing. Semla is the most popular type of bread in Sweden. This is especially true of South Sweden and Swedish Finland. For a traditional semla, it is recommended that you use a sweet dough. Also, many Swedish chefs add a touch of ammonium carbonate to the yeast to help it to expand better as it bakes. If you do not know where to find ammonium carbonate, a bit of baking soda will do the trick.

Kroppkakor

Kroppkakor actually means “body cookies.” Though the nexus of that name is unclear, what is clear is that this is a delicious dish that is easy to cook and light. It can be served as an appetizer or eaten as a quick snack. They are essentially potato dumplings filled with onion, spices, and cured pork. Many choose to serve Kroppkakor with clarified butter as well as lingonberries.

 Crayfish With Beer and Dill Flowers 

The Swedes love this dish so much that they have crayfish parties every August (where a lot of drinking and eating takes place). As you can tell by the name, the crayfish are cooked in beer. That’s not it though. Add sugar, salt, as well as dill flowers while cooking. They are often served with a side of potatoes.