No doubt the Norwegians have some fantastic recipes on offer, easy to make even for a less experienced cook, such as myself. Below are a few of my absolutely favourite dishes, evoking a passion to pass it on to the next generation.
Norway has long standing traditions for sourcing and preserving what’s available of fresh foods, from fish and meat to vegetable and herbs. Klippfisk, as seen in the image below, is dried fish that’s used in several dishes, such as Norwegian version of Bacalao, introduced by Spanish seafarers in 15th century.
Nowadays you may spot fish that’s been hung to dry several places in Norway, such as in Lofoten.
So without further ado, here are a few of our very best Norwegian traditional recipes!
Klippfisk – Green pea soup with dried cod and bacon
Add dryed cod or ‘Klippfisk’ as we call it to the simmering soup, alternatively fry until golden, place in a bowl and pour the pea soup over. garnish with crisp bacon, fresh parsley and ground pepper.
Lapskaus – Norwegian stew
Lapskaus is a very traditional Norwegian dish made of meat and vegetables, diced together and cooked into a stew. The meat is usually roasted or boiled beef or pork, often left-over from a Sunday Roast. Find the recipe here.
Norwegian Meatballs
Mums meatballs or ‘Mors Kjøttkaker’ as we call them is arguably the most traditional dish of Norway. It’s a healthy and hearty meal; meatballs, cabbage stew, mushed peas, boiled potatoes and gravy. We found a wonderful recipe here, including all elements of the dish, at the blog Artic Grub. All you have to do is to add ‘tyttebærsyltetøy’ cowberry jam.
Sourcream Porridge
1/2 Liter Sour-cream 1/2 Liter Milk 2 dl All purpose white flour 1/2 ts Salt Sugar Cinnamon Butter makes a sublime porridge. Traditionally served on special occasions, together with cured meat, crisp bread and a cup of homemade squash. See recipe here.
Norwegian Waffles
Scandinavian style waffles are thin and heart-shaped with a buttery taste, fantastically delicious when served together with a dash of Crème fraîche, strawberry jam and a slice of brown cheese. Our very best recipe is here.
Image source
Norwegian Meatballs: Aperitif
Sourcream porridge: mmforsberg.com
Norwegian Waffles: tine.no
My mother and grandmother use to make a dish with beef neckbones and spices and we ate it on pancakes ( Koowerst?) Is anyone familiar with this?
Eric Hensler – I think you might be looking for Bankekjott; https://www.matprat.no/oppskrifter/tradisjon/bankekjott/
Hi Marianda. It’s called småsuppe (and it’s my mother in laws favourite soup, or vegetable stew!). I would try this recipe As you’ve asked, I can make it too, with the recipe in English. Bare with me… tbc. 😉 Best, Bianca
i’m looking for a Norwegian soup recipe called “Smål suppe”. Not sure if the spelling is correct. Consist of salted pork belly, carrots, leeks, celery, cabbage and so on. It is a watery soup.
I have been scouring the web looking for a recipe for what my grandmother called “Bonke Beef.” I must have it spelled wrong Can you help me find a recipe (and a spelling) for this fantastic dish? I’m getting quite hungry just thinking about it!
Thanks so much for the shout out – great description and summary of our traditional dishes! Sunny @Arcticgrub.com 🙂