A fun way to make the most out of a vacation to a new country is to sample the local cuisine. Scandinavia is a Northern European region consisting of Norway, Sweden, Denmark, and sometimes Iceland and Finland. Though it may not be possible to travel across Europe for a vacation yet, here are some highlights of Scandinavia's distinctive cuisine.

The History of Scandinavian Cuisine

Scandinavian food culture spans thousands of years and draws influence from ancient Nordic and Viking traditions. Though many people associate Scandinavian food with fish because it is a primary staple that's readily available in many varieties throughout the region, it's not the only food available. For centuries, countries in the region have sourced food from land and sea, including seafood, beef, apples, potatoes, cucumbers, beets, poultry, and pork.

The fresh ingredients are used to make basic yet delicious dishes with roots in Nordic and Viking cuisine. For instance, meals that draw inspiration from Nordic traditions may include cured freshwater salmon, deer, and bear meat. It's also common for most Scandinavian feasts to have more salt content because locals have salted their meat and fish for centuries to prolong their freshness during long winters. 

Popular Scandinavian Dishes

Swedish meatballs are a popular Scandinavian dish and staple in Sweden. The perfectly cooked minced beef and pork are blended with traditional Scandinavian spices and often paired with potatoes and lingonberry jam.

Another favorite meal is lamb fårikål from Norway. It consists of stewed cabbage, boiled potatoes, and bone-in lamb shoulder. The meat and vegetables cook in a savory, peppery broth designed to make people feel warm and cozy on a cold day.

If you would like to try a Scandinavian seafood meal on a future vacation, the poached salmon and cucumber salad is an excellent choice. Another treat from Norway, this dish features poached salmon topped with a creamy chive sauce. Pickled cucumber slices with salt, sugar, and rice wine vinegar perfectly complement the fresh fish's flavor. 

Swedish Meatball Recipe

This classic Swedish dish features traditional Scandinavian spicing. Serve the meatballs with mashed or boiled potatoes and lingonberry jam, and garnish with chopped parsley. My favorite meatballs happen to be served at IKEA, where you can also buy them frozen should you not wish to make them from scratch!

INGREDIENTS:

Olive oil
1 large white onion
1 lb (450g) minced beef
1 lb (450g) minced pork
3 oz (85g) panko breadcrumbs
2 eggs, separated
5 fl oz (150ml) milk
½ tsp allspice
½ tsp ground nutmeg
Salt and pepper

FOR THE GRAVY:
2 tbsp butter
2 tbsp all purpose (plain) flour
1 pint (475ml) chicken or veal stock
4 fl oz (120ml) heavy (double) cream
Parsley

Heat one tablespoon of olive oil in a large frying pan. Finely chop the onion, then cook gently until translucent. In a large bowl, combine the minced beef, minced pork, breadcrumbs, egg yolks, milk, allspice, nutmeg, and cooked onion. Season with salt and pepper. Mix well with clean hands, then roll the mixture into golf ball-sized meatballs. Add a further tablespoon of olive oil to the pan, then cook the meatballs in batches, taking care not to crowd the pan, until all sides are brown. Transfer to a plate. In a clean pan, melt the butter, then add the flour and whisk for one to two minutes until pale and bubbling. Add the stock slowly, whisking constantly. Bring to the boil, then turn down the heat and add the cream. Return the meatballs to the pan and cook for a further 10 minutes, stirring occasionally. Serve immediately with mashed or boiled potatoes, a spoonful of lingonberry jam, and a sprinkling of chopped parsley. Click here for the recipe.

Click here for a Poached Salmon & Cucumber Salad recipe.

Click here for a Salmon Gravlax on Rye Bread with Mustard Dill Sauce recipe. 

When you're ready to book a vacation to Scandinavia to sample the region's cuisine firsthand, turn to DiMaria Travel Agency in Rochester, NY. For more than 40 years, this family-owned and –operated travel agency has helped people plan various trips, whether for leisure or business. Their team's mission is to ensure that every client has a fun, memorable trip without worrying about the travel arrangements. To learn more about their vacation packets, visit them online today or call (585) 271-0100 to speak with a travel consultant.