Detailed data on the history of the development of modern Swedish cuisine is extremely scarce. And the reason for this is not only the rich past of this country, which is a series of endless wars and confrontations for territory and power. But also severe weather conditions, which significantly narrowed the range of ingredients used in cooking. And, as a result, they forced the inhabitants of Sweden to be content with little. However, despite all these obstacles, today this state boasts an exquisite, hearty and original cuisine, which is based on nutritious and incredibly tasty dishes.
It is worth noting that Swedish culinary traditions were formed mainly under the influence of Denmark and Norway. However, later France, Germany and Turkey played a huge role in their development, thanks to which the Swedes began to pay attention not only to the taste and nutritional properties of dishes, but also to their appearance.
Initially, Swedish cuisine was not very diverse. It was based only on products subject to long-term storage. First of all, these are pickles, marinades, dried and smoked meats. By the way, in the old days, turnips were widely used here. The beloved potato appeared on the territory of Sweden only in the 18th century and subsequently successfully replaced it.
In addition to it, meat and fish are very popular here. The Swedes have been preparing dishes from them for centuries, which is not surprising. After all, cattle breeding and fishing were the main types of fishing for them. And only over time, agriculture was added to them. The favorite type of fish in Sweden is herring. Not a single feast is complete without it. Moreover, the Swedes know a huge number of recipes for its preparation. It is salted, marinated in mustard or wine, fermented, stewed, baked in the oven or grilled, sandwiches and all kinds of fish dishes are made from it. The Swedish delicacy with fermented herring, which was once included in the list of the most terrible dishes in the world, deserves special attention.
From meat in Sweden they prefer pork, venison and game. In addition, dairy products, in particular, milk, cheeses, butter, kefir, curdled milk or yogurt, are held in high esteem by the Swedes. They love cereals, mushrooms, as well as vegetables, fruits and berries. But they practically do not use spices, successfully replacing them with delicious sauces.
By the way, the concept of "buffet" really came from Sweden. The fact is that in the old days, guests came to various events for a long time. Therefore, they were offered long-term storage dishes, which were taken out to a cool room and left on a long table. Thus, each newcomer could take as much food as he needed, on his own, without bothering either the hosts or other guests.
The main ways of cooking in Sweden:
True Swedish cuisine differs from the cuisines of other Scandinavian countries by the presence of a bright, sweetish flavor in the dishes. After all, the Swedes love to add sugar everywhere and are sincerely proud of it. Meanwhile, this is far from the only feature of Sweden. After all, only in this kingdom they prepare not just gourmet dishes of haute cuisine, but truly unique or even exotic ones. Like, for example, chicken baked in clay. It is worth noting that before cooking it is not plucked, but simply gutted, washed and coated with clay. And then they are baked on stones in order to subsequently enjoy the unique taste of the most delicate roast. In this case, all unplucked feathers remain on the clay. This recipe has been known since Viking times.
In addition to it, in Swedish cuisine there are other, no less interesting dishes:
swedish meatballs
Christmas ham
Fried chanterelle mushrooms
Swedish bread
Sweet cinnamon buns
Cane caramel
Swedish cake "Princess"
Useful properties of Swedish cuisine
Sweden is a country with a high standard of living. That is why only high-quality products are used for food here, which subsequently has a positive effect on the health of the nation. Even alcoholic drinks here are of very high quality. But the inhabitants of Sweden drink them moderately.
In addition, the food of the Swedes is incredibly diverse. They are very fond of meat and fish, but successfully combine them with vegetables, fruits or berries and complement them with soups. Almost all the ingredients for Swedish cuisine are produced in the country itself.
Sweden is a country with a high standard of living. That is why only high-quality products are used for food here, which subsequently has a positive effect on the health of the nation.
Even alcoholic drinks here are of very high quality. But the inhabitants of Sweden drink them moderately. In addition, the food of the Swedes is incredibly diverse. They are very fond of meat and fish, but successfully combine them with vegetables, fruits or berries and complement them with soups.
Almost all the ingredients for Swedish cuisine are produced in the country itself. At first glance, it may seem that the Swedes eat too much fatty and sweet food. However, this is a forced measure necessary for normal life in a rather harsh climate.
It does not in any way affect the state of health of the nation. The best proof of this is statistics. Swedes have an average life expectancy of almost 81 years, and only 11% of the population is overweight. Over the past years, Swedish national cuisine has been called one of the healthiest. Simply because it consists mainly of dishes based on the gifts of the sea and rivers.
Swedish cuisine recipes. Dishes for the holidays. National New Year's recipes.
First meal:
- Engamat soup
- Finnish milk soup
- Salmon soup (Laxsoppa)
- Swedish beer soup
- Tokmach (noodle soup)
- Pea soup with bacon and ham
- Rosehip soup
Main dishes:
- Cutlets "Wallenberg"
- Meatballs with lingonberry sauce, pickled cucumber and brown sauce
- "The Temptation of Janson"
- Swedish Meatballs
- Swedish Christmas meatballs
- Swedish meatballs with Brunsås sauce
- Salmon in cream sauce
- Escabeche from guinea fowl
- Chicken with star anise and stewed onions
- Homemade meatballs
- Venison terrine with currant sauce
- Potato casserole with horseradish
- Meatballs with creamy sauce (Kottbullar)
- Baked potatoes with cheese in the oven
- Blood sausage in the oven
- Potato dumplings with pork (Kroppkakor)
- Meatballs with rice in tomato sauce
- Swedish salmon with mustard sauce
- Fried bacon with quince and apples
- Shink loda (potato casserole)
- Braised Red Cabbage with Apples (Rodkal)
- Meat stewed in beer
- Salted herring (Inlagd sill)
Salads:
- Salad with liver
- Swedish potato salad
Snacks:
- SOS: herring, cheese and snaps
- Smyorgostorta
- Gravlax with potato salad
- Shrimp Skagen Toast
- Gravlax
- Swedish appetizer for bread
- Cheese fondue pies
- Cheese fondue in pumpkin
- Meatloaf
- Baked potato gassel with dill
- Salaka in Swedish
Dough dishes and desserts:
- Swedish cinnamon rolls
- Lussebullar
- Cake "Princess"
- Gingerbread cookies with icing
- Swedish Christmas cookies
- Cinnamon bun
- Swedish chocolate pie
- Kalitki (Karelian pies) stuffed
- Chocolate fondue with fruit skewers
- Chokladsnitt (Chocolate Cookies)
- Puff pastry almond cake
- Kanelbullar (Cinnamon Buns)
- Sokerkaka (Biscuit)
- Colasnitt (Toffee Cookies)
- Drömmar (Dream Cookies)
- Brusselskekes (Brussels Cookies)
- Finnish pinnar (Finnish sticks)
- Shakrutor (Checkers Cookies)
- Skurna-syultkakor (Squares with jam)
National drinks:
- Glög with almonds, raisins and spices
- Rhubarb compote
- Rhubarb juice
Detailed data on the history of the development of modern Swedish cuisine is extremely scarce.
And the reason for this is not only the rich past of this country, which is a series of endless wars and confrontations for territory and power. But also severe weather conditions, which significantly narrowed the range of ingredients used in cooking. And, as a result, they forced the inhabitants of Sweden to be content with little. However, despite all these obstacles, today this state can boast of an exquisite, satisfying and original cuisine, which is based on nutritious and incredibly tasty dishes.
It is worth noting that Swedish culinary traditions were formed mainly under the influence of Denmark and Norway. However, later France, Germany and Turkey played a huge role in their development, thanks to which the Swedes began to pay attention not only to the taste and nutritional properties of dishes, but also to their appearance.
Initially, Swedish cuisine was not very diverse. It was based only on products subject to long-term storage. First of all, these are pickles, marinades, dried and smoked meats. By the way, in the old days, turnips were widely used here. The beloved potato appeared on the territory of Sweden only in the 18th century and subsequently successfully replaced it.
In addition to it, meat and fish are very popular here. The Swedes have been preparing dishes from them for centuries, which is not surprising. After all, cattle breeding and fishing were the main types of fishing for them. And only over time, agriculture was added to them. Herring is considered a favorite type of fish in Sweden. Not a single feast is complete without it. Moreover, the Swedes know a huge number of recipes for its preparation. It is salted, marinated in mustard or wine, fermented, stewed, baked in the oven or grilled, sandwiches and all kinds of fish dishes are made from it. The Swedish delicacy with fermented herring, which was once included in the list of the most terrible dishes in the world, deserves special attention.
From meat in Sweden they prefer pork, venison and game. In addition, dairy products, in particular, milk, cheeses, butter, kefir, curdled milk or yogurt, are held in high esteem by the Swedes. They love cereals, mushrooms, as well as vegetables, fruits and berries. But they practically do not use spices, successfully replacing them with delicious sauces.
By the way, the concept of "buffet" really came from Sweden. The fact is that in the old days, guests came to various events for a long time. Therefore, they were offered long-term storage dishes, which were taken out to a cool room and left on a long table. Thus, each newcomer could take as much food as he needed, on his own, without bothering either the hosts or other guests.
True Swedish cuisine differs from the cuisines of other Scandinavian countries by the presence of a bright, sweetish flavor in the dishes. After all, the Swedes love to add sugar everywhere and are sincerely proud of it. Meanwhile, this is far from the only feature of Sweden. After all, only in this kingdom they prepare not just gourmet dishes of haute cuisine, but truly unique or even exotic ones. Like, for example, chicken baked in clay. It is worth noting that before cooking it is not plucked, but simply gutted, washed and coated with clay. And then they are baked on stones in order to subsequently enjoy the unique taste of the most delicate roast. In this case, all unplucked feathers remain on the clay. This recipe has been known since Viking times.
Among drinks, the Swedes, like many Europeans, choose coffee, and from fortified drinks - vodka, whiskey, beer. In terms of coffee consumption, the Swedes are second only to the Finns - this is the second country in the world in terms of coffee consumption.
Despite the fact that "buffets" are usually bursting with a large number of different dishes, the national cuisine is not so diverse. Due to the almost complete lack of spices, it can be called rather restrained. But in Swedish cuisine, great importance is given to natural flavors, which makes it unique and memorable.
Features of Swedish cuisine
The formation of the cuisine of this European country was greatly influenced by the Scandinavian culinary traditions, as well as the climate and geographical location. It is precisely because of the proximity to the sea and the harsh cold climate that Swedish national dishes are easy to prepare, not distinguished by sophistication, but hearty and tasty.
Most Swedish dishes are made from products that can be stored for a long time at low temperatures. In the cuisine of Sweden, it is unlikely that you will find exquisite desserts or complex dishes. When cooking, locals mainly use the following technologies:
- salting;
- smoking;
- canning;
- fermentation;
- drying;
- pickling.
Unlike Danish and, Sweden's national cuisine uses more fatty fish and meat. That is why the majority of the inhabitants of this country are alien to such a thing as vegetarianism. Traditional Swedish foods are high in fat and sugar, making them filling. Also, in the process of roasting the ingredients, pork fat is used, which also increases the calorie content of the dish.
Basic components of Swedish cuisine
Due to the fact that this cuisine can be called homemade or rustic, it is based on the most common and simple components - cheese, sausage, bread, meat and fish, minced meat and game. The national food of Sweden also includes mushroom dishes, dairy products and berry desserts. To enrich the taste of dishes, some Swedes add lingonberry jam to food.
The main components of traditional Swedish dishes are fish (especially herring and seafood). Local restaurants serve salted herring, herring with mustard or onions, with white sauce or in wine, with lemon, baked or grilled.
Of the seafood in Swedish dishes, mainly crabs, squids, crayfish, mussels and other inhabitants of coastal waters are used.
As soon as the Swedes learned to hunt, elk, venison, pork and poultry meat were added to the traditional Swedish fish dishes.
National dishes of Swedish cuisine
The first delicacy that every foreign tourist gets acquainted with in this country is surstromming(surstromming) - fermented pickled herring. For its preparation, the Baltic herring is caught in the spring, fermented in barrels for several months, and then preserved in jars. For about 6-12 months of canning, fermentation products are released, due to which the jars take on a rounded shape.
The ready-made national dish of Sweden is sour salted fish, which has a pungent odor. To mask this unpleasant aroma, potatoes, chopped onions, dill, sour cream, aged hard cheese, boiled eggs and large slices of bread are served with herring. Surströmming is one of the main components of the festive table, which is served at Easter, New Year, Christmas and (Midsummer).
Other traditional Swedish dishes include:
- meatballs (Kottbullar);
- Swedish crayfish (Kraftor);
- sandwich cake (Smorgastarta);
- pea soup with pancakes (artsoppa och pannkakor).
Sweet lovers will also find a lot of interesting things in this cuisine. The main component of Swedish desserts are berries (gooseberries, blueberries, lingonberries). Soufflés, pies, cakes, jams and marmalades are prepared from them. To enrich the taste of desserts, the Swedes use almonds, cinnamon, rhubarb, saffron and other spices.
Swedes' favorite non-alcoholic drink is coffee, followed by lemonade, fruit and berry juices, mineral water and light beer. Sweden is one of the three countries that are ardent fans of coffee.
Liqueurs, whiskey, vodka, grog, punch and tinctures made from herbs and berries are popular here.
About the buffet
The average traveler is unlikely to know what a "smergosburd" is. But the concept of "buffet" is familiar even to those tourists who have never been to Sweden or even traveled outside their country. The "buffet" has long gone beyond the national cuisine of Sweden. He became the property of the global restaurant business.
This way of serving food has a long history. The Swedes began to serve tables in this way in those days when guests from the most distant places came to their feasts. In order to feed all those gathered and not leave anyone hungry, local residents began to serve self-service tables.
Every year from December 1 to December 23, each family has a Christmas buffet, which can consist of 50 dishes. Most often, these are the national dishes of Sweden - salted or smoked fish, hot fish and meat dishes, all kinds of sausages, pies, pastries and sweet desserts.
Food culture in Sweden
Swedish national dishes are undoubtedly close to people with an open Slavic soul. The menu, traditional for the Scandinavian country, is full and simple, typical for a peasant table. The menu of many restaurants and cafes in many ways resembles the Slavic menu, and if you are interested in real Swedish cuisine, original treats that have come down from the depths of centuries, it is better to go to remote regions of the country.
Characteristic features of the national cuisine of Sweden
Tables in Sweden are often bursting with pickles, but the national cuisine cannot be called diverse. Largely due to the fact that spices are not used for cooking. Swedish cuisine is unique because of its natural flavors. Thanks to this, many national treats are remembered and seem special.
For centuries, Swedish national cuisine has been shaped by Scandinavian culinary traditions. Of course, the climate and the location of the country on the world map had a special influence on the local cuisine. Given the proximity of the Scandinavian country to the sea, and the predominance of low temperatures, most of the dishes are distinguished by simple cooking technology and an affordable set of ingredients, but hearty and no less tasty.
Interesting fact! The basis of Swedish dishes are products that can be stored for a long time in a cold climate. In the traditional menu there are no gourmet desserts, treats with a complex composition.
The main food processing technologies in Scandinavian cuisine:
- salting and canning;
- drying and pickling;
- smoking.
Fatty varieties of fish and meat are considered traditional for the Swedish menu. By the way, there are practically no vegetarians in the country - with such culinary principles it is very difficult to survive in a country where a cold climate prevails.
Good to know! To increase the calorie content of the dish, products are fried on pork fat.
The main ingredients of national cuisine
Swedish cuisine is traditionally called homemade and rustic, it is dominated by the simplest products - meat, fish, cheeses, game, bread. Mushrooms, berries, dairy products are also used. The locals add lingonberry jam instead of a bouquet of spices and season a wide variety of dishes with it.
Many Swedish dishes, traditional in the national cuisine, are prepared from ordinary herring, served with a special sauce, light wine, mustard, and seasoned with lemon. Be sure to try seafood dishes, most often served with mussels, squid, oysters, crabs. The Swedes are excellent hunters, so they can skillfully cook any game - venison, poultry, pork, elk.
Surely people who are far from traveling are familiar with the concept of "buffet", it has long gone beyond the borders of the country. This method of serving dishes appeared in Sweden a long time ago. When guests came to the Swedish castle, and it was necessary to feed a lot of people, hospitable hosts laid tables with the possibility of self-selection of dishes.
Interesting fact! Every year in December, many Swedish families set up a traditional festive table, the menu often exceeds 50 dishes. These are sausages, meat delicacies, salty, sweet pastries, pates.
buffet etiquette
Locals strictly adhere to certain table etiquette. If you are invited to a party, do not:
- leave food on the plate;
- start drinking before the toast is made;
- cut the cake - it is always served whole;
- eat from a common meal.
The Swedes treat food with great respect and attention; they prefer to salt and bake their own products.
Swedish Cuisine - Traditional Swedish Dishes
Culinary tours to the Scandinavian country are becoming very popular today. The explanation for this is simple - traditional Swedish dishes are made from organic products and do not have synthetic flavors. Local chefs rarely use spices in their work, the main task of the cook is to emphasize the natural, pure taste of each ingredient.
The traditional buffet consists of salads, cuts, a wide variety of sandwiches. Be sure to try the canape with salmon smoked on juniper twigs.
Fish and seafood
Most traditional fish dishes involve the use of herring. The national Swedish dish surströmming, due to the smell that literally knocks you down, can only be tasted by the most courageous gourmets. The Swedish rotten herring dish is undoubtedly one of the top 10 Swedish dishes. The fish is caught in the first half of spring, fermented in wooden containers for several months, then canned.
Good to know! Due to the fermentation process, the jars become round.
Surströmming
The Swedish dish is traditionally prepared for the holidays. To hide the specific smell, it is served with potatoes, bread, herbs, sour cream and cheese. In Sweden, they only eat rotten fish outside, because the smell is hard to bear in the house.
Traditional crayfish parties are common in Swedish cities, usually held in August. Freshwater crayfish are caught, boiled in large containers with dill and, sitting comfortably right on the balcony or terrace, they eat them, washed down with beer and schnapps. In the 16th century, only representatives of the aristocracy could afford this dish, gradually crayfish became a national dish accessible to all segments of the population.
So the locals call a special shrimp cocktail laid out on a crispy toast. The national dish is traditionally prepared for the holidays, decorated with red caviar on top. In addition to shrimp, the composition includes pickled onions, lemon, dill, Dijon mustard and mayonnaise. White bread is dried in a pan or in a toaster and shrimp salad is spread on top.
Interesting fact! On Sundays, many Swedish families cook pike, casserole with potatoes and sprats, bake mackerel with cream.
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Meat dishes
What to try in Sweden from food for lovers of meat delicacies? A special place in the national cuisine is given to game. Most popular dishes:
- venison - fried, cutlets, meatballs are also prepared for soup;
- elk - fried, prepare a delicious pate.
Meat is often served with home-made dairy products - yogurt, soft cheese. Traditional Swedish dishes are high in calories. Game is usually fried in lard.
Good to know! Beets and potatoes are used as a side dish for meat dishes. Be sure to serve a lot of bread. It is noteworthy that in each region bakery products are baked according to their own recipe. For example, in Norrland they use barley flour, while in the central regions they prefer crispbread.
An old national dish that has been preserved since the time of the Vikings. There are many recipes for the dish, but everything is united by one fact - the composition includes boiled meat (beef, lamb, pork) and vegetables (beans, cabbage, peas).
There is a version that grutta recipes have been preserved in modern national cuisine only due to the fact that for a long time in areas remote from the capital there were no gas and electric stoves, respectively, the products were cooked in the old fashioned way - over the hearth in a large saucepan.
Interband
It is difficult to imagine a traditional buffet without spicy pork sausages - insterband. They have a bitter taste that not every tourist from Europe will like.
Putippana is a national dish that resembles a traditional hodgepodge. In Sweden, this is a stew of various deli meats and potatoes. For its preparation, they use everything that is left in the house - kupaty, boiled chicken, cutlets, add bacon and stew with potatoes.
Swedish meatballs are well known all over the world. These are ordinary meat balls with spices, fried in a pan. Meat treats are served with mashed potatoes, cranberry jam, hearty gravy.
Interesting fact! The cost of meatballs is low, so students buy them and eat them all year round.
First meal
This is beer based soup. Quite simple to prepare and hearty national dish. Instead of the traditional broth, one of the most popular drinks in the world is used - beer. The dish is common in the Scandinavian countries and Germany, but it is best prepared in Sweden. It is believed that the Swedish recipe is classic. In addition to beer, eggs, flour, salt, sugar, milk are needed.
The cooking technology is as follows:
- boil beer;
- beat flour in milk, pour into beer;
- add salt, sugar;
- separate the proteins from the yolks;
- beat the whites with flour, combine with the base;
- beat the yolks, pour into the soup before serving.
Served with crackers. Initially, the dish was prepared for sailors, as the soup warms up perfectly in cold weather.
Pea soup with pancakes will make you feel like a real Swede. In addition, the treat is associated with a specific day of the week, because the national dish is prepared only on Thursday. A tradition originated in the past - with the help of a hearty soup, people prepared themselves for the Friday fast. Many restaurants serve traditional pea soup and pancakes with lingonberry jam on Thursdays.
Interesting fact! There is another version of the appearance of an interesting culinary tradition - pea soup with pancakes was prepared for servants who worked on Thursday mornings.
Nasselsuppa-lead-egg
Do you want to treat yourself to a delicate, dietary dish? Order Nasselsuppa Lid Egg Oyster Cream Soup. Liquor and oatmeal are added to it, and traditionally served with sweet punch. 
In Sweden, it is difficult to resist the temptation, because a considerable number of treats flash before the eyes of tourists. To give the dessert a rich taste, local chefs add almonds and rhubarb.
Interesting fact! Bring natural marmalade and handmade chocolate candies to your friends from Sweden as a souvenir.
Beverages
The status of the most sought-after soft drink among Swedes has been held by coffee for a long time. Local coffee varieties - Zoegas (rich, dark roast), as well as Gevalia (with a touch of hazelnuts) at first glance seem not strong enough, however, the Swedes drink it only with almonds and marzipan. Sweetness is sure to be served with a cup of fragrant drink. Locals love to sit and chat with friends over a cup of coffee punch with cognac.
Gevalia In summer, locals drink a lot of lemonades and natural fruit juices. As for alcoholic drinks, liquor, vodka, punch, herbal tinctures are very popular.
Interesting fact! According to statistics, Sweden is the third largest coffee drinker in the world.
What to warm up?
Branvin Alcoholic drinks are an indispensable attribute of the local cuisine and festive table. Punch is traditionally prepared, and on winter evenings they warm up with glögg - this is mulled wine with vodka and a set of spices. For a gift to a man, experienced tourists offer to buy branded tincture Branvin or Aquavit.
Absolute Citron In the Scone region, grapes are grown and quite good wine is made. Barley is grown in the north of the country - beer and whiskey are produced here. The most famous alcoholic brand is Absolut vodka, which has been produced since 1879. The shape of the bottle is used by analogy with the usual pharmacy container, and the absence of a label allows you to see the contents. Today the concern produces vodka with the taste of blackcurrant, black pepper, citrus flavor, raspberry flavor.
Swedish cuisine captivates with its simplicity, natural tastes and, of course, common features with Slavic culinary traditions. The best way to learn about the gastronomic habits and traditions of the Swedes is to go on a food tour.
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Swedish cuisine has been formed over the centuries and its main creators are Scandinavian traditions and rather difficult, harsh natural conditions. This explains the fact that food that is suitable for long-term storage is still very popular in the country - these are marinades, pickles, sugar, and also fats. Among the most common foods used in cooking and the most practical are game, fish, pork, potatoes, eggs and dairy products, grains and vegetables.
Very often, fish dishes are served on the table - the most beloved herring among the Swedes, the preparation of which can be the most diverse. Eggs or salads are served with fish dishes.
Meat dishes are no less popular. What kind of meat dishes the guest will not see on the table! Here and chopped venison, and Christmas ham, and pork roll. Meatballs and meatballs are also often fried. Soup is a must. And there are a lot of varieties of soups - noodle soup, and beer soup, and oyster, and bean soup are served. Sweet pastries are irreplaceable. Usually it is generously supplemented with raisins, almonds, spices. Mistresses also give preference to the preparation of puddings, mousses.