Here are a few of the most cherished dishes of Norway.
1. Fårikål (Mutton and Cabbage Stew)
It is a traditional dish and is a part of Norwegian tradition for generations. It is basically called "mutton and cabbage" in English. This dish is the national dish of Norway. It is specifically enjoyed during the time of winter as it is basically a stew that is cooked on slow heat until all the flavors of cabbage and mutton aren't immersed in the water. The soup is seasoned with black pepper and salt and is then served hot.
2. Kjøttkaker (Minced Beef Balls)
Kjøttkaker is a very simple yet the most delicious dish of all. This dish can be easily prepared at home and is also available in almost every supermarket in Norway. It contains balls made of minced beef and is flavored with different spices. Furthermore, these rounds are served with cabbage, brown sauce, and mashed potatoes. It not only contains the traditions but carries so many memories as it is one of the staple dishes of Norway.
3. Sursild (Pickled Herring)
Sursild is pickled herrings in English. Herring slices are pickled in a jar with onions and are then flavored with all spices, cloves, and mustard. The mixture is then topped up with a dressing of water, vinegar, and sugar. The sursild accompanies heavier meals and sometimes is enjoyed on its own.4. Pinnekjøtt (Dried Lamb Ribs)
It is a classic traditional dish of Norway, especially during Christmas. The dish basically consists of lamb ribs. The lamb is first marinated and sucked well with some oil, salt, and pepper and then is kept still for a long time so that all the flavors can be induced in it. Afterward, it is cooked on a slow flame with utmost patience and is served with mashed potatoes and sausage. It is garnished with fresh parsley and is then served hot. It can be enjoyed all around the year but the real joy of eating it is during Christmas.5.
5. Vafler (Waffles)
Vafler is actually waffles. These waffles are a part of staple food in Norway. Traditionally, these were served outside the Norwegian church to the visitors. It is served differently in different places in Norway, like somewhere it is topped with maple syrup and somewhere it is served with sausages, depending on the customer's preference.
6. Lapskaus (Meat and Vegetable Stew)
It is a traditional stew prepared with a combination of meat and vegetables. The stew stores the essence of diced meat and chopped vegetables including carrots, potatoes, and cabbage, and then is boiled together for some time so that it develops that warmth. Afterward, it is seasoned with black pepper and salt and served hot. The dish is traditional, easily available, and extremely simple to prepare and this makes it one of the most loved dishes in Norway.
7. Skolebolle (School Bun)
Skollebolle can also be called a school bun in English. It is a popular dessert bread in Norway which is comfort food for the localities there. The preparation includes the inclusion of cardamom in the dough and then the dough is shaped in the form of buns. The buns, after being prepared in the oven, are filled and scooped in with vanilla custard and are then glazed with powdered sugar and shredded coconut. This one is a classic dairy dish that is comfortable for the people of Norway. Since it's a dessert, it is enjoyed after meals and also as a snack.
8. Julekake (Christmas Bread)
It is known as Christmas bread as it is specifically prepared during the Christmas season. This is a classic bakery item in the culture of Norway. The dough of this bread is prepared with the addition of cardamom to it (the most commonly used spice in bakery items in Norway), and some chopped fruits and nuts. Nuts include raisins, currants, almonds, and walnuts. After the break is properly baked, it is glazed with butter and sugar syrup for that sweet touch. It is then served with jam/brown cheese/ butter, whichever is preferred, and is enjoyed with coffee on the side. This particular bread brings in the joy of Christmas and the feeling of the beginning of festivities.
9. Rosettbakkels (Moulded Cookies)
These are Norwegian traditional fried cookies that are loved because of their shape and crispiness. These cookies are made using interesting molds in the shape of stars, and Christmas trees. Cookies are then drizzled with honey and served hot. Not only do these taste delicious but also bring the joy of festivities with them as they are prepared during the time of Christmas.
10. Finnbiff (Reindeer Stew)
Norway loves meat and stew prepared from meat. This is another one of Norway’s favourite dishes which is basically a reindeer stew. This stew is prepared from chopped or sliced meat of reindeer, which is first marinated with seasonings so that it stores the flavors of seasonings, It is then cooked with added water, sour cream, milk, brown cheese, lingonberry jam, thyme, and few other sauteed vegetables including mushroom and onion. After being simmered for some time, the stew is served hot with seasoned vegetables and mashed potatoes on the side. All these ingredients give a creamy, spicy, and a little bit sweet flavor to the stew, making it a perfect delicacy during winters, summers, and in the festive season.11. Eplepai (Apple Pie)
Eplepai is a cozy traditional apple pie that is made out of love for apples. It is generally made during the autumn season wherein the apples arrive. The above layer of the pie is crunchy and the layer below it is soft, creamy, and fluffy. The Eeplepai is enjoyed during all times of the year as it brings so many memories and also is an easily available and accessible bakery item.
12. Krumkake (Crispy Cone-shaped Waffle Cookie)
Krumkake is known as a curved cake or cookie in English. This particular dessert is popular because it attracts the eyes with its creativity. The crispy cookie is imprinted with a festive design and then it is rolled in the shape of a cone. It is either eaten simply the way it is or is enjoyed by adding things into it like whipped cream and berries. It is a delightful treat for the people of Norway.
13. Sandbakelse (Sand Rakers)
These are also known as sand rakers. These are shortbread cookies that are enjoyed the year. Sandbakelse traditionally refers to cookies in sand molds. Sand molds have interesting designs and patterns. These cookies are delicate, crumbly, and rich in flavor so to add to the sweetness, they are topped with jam or whipped cream and are then served and accompanied with tea or coffee. These cookies show precision in cooking and love for food as so many efforts are being made to make the cookies represent the tradition.
In conclusion, Norwegian food provides a fascinating tour of the country's tastes, customs, natural resources, and festivals. Norwegian cuisine demonstrates a strong link to the nation's landscapes and cultural legacy via the freshness of its seafood, the richness of its dairy products, and the hearty comfort of its traditional meals. The food here emphasizes tradition and simplicity of premium ingredients like cardamom. The nation's abundant coastline offers a bounty of seafood, while its mountainous coastline gives possibilities for the best meat. Fårikål, lutefisk, and gravlaks are some of the traditional Norwegian foods that offer a look into the long-standing culinary customs of the country. Norwegian cooking features the practical preservation of food and offers a blend of international influences with local ingredients and flavors. Norway offers some of the best views in the world including the northern lights, and the rich food makes the experience a memorable one.