Norwegian Smoked Salmon Spread

Norwegian Smoked Salmon Spread Recipe

Region / culture: Norway | Preparation time: 15 minutes | Servings: 6

Introduction

Norwegian Smoked Salmon Spread is a delicious and versatile dish that can be enjoyed as a spread on crostini or as a pasta sauce. This recipe combines the rich and smoky flavor of smoked salmon with creamy cottage cheese and a hint of vodka for a unique and flavorful spread.

History

Smoked salmon has been a popular delicacy in Norway for centuries, with the tradition of smoking fish dating back to the Viking era. This recipe takes inspiration from traditional Norwegian flavors and combines them with modern ingredients to create a delicious and easy-to-make spread.

Ingredients

Smoked Salmon Recipe

8 oz (227 g) of smoked salmon
1.5 cups of non-fat cottage cheese
3 tbsp of pepper-flavored vodka, such as Absolut Peppar
2 tbsp of lemon juice
2 tsp of dijon mustard
1 tsp of prepared horseradish

How to prepare

Cut half of the salmon into chunks.
Dice the remaining salmon.
Place cottage cheese in a fine-mesh sieve and press on it to remove excess moisture.
Transfer the cottage cheese to a food processor.
Add the salmon chunks, vodka, lemon juice, mustard, and horseradish.
Process until smooth.
Transfer the mixture to a bowl and fold in the diced salmon.
Refrigerate until chilled. [2]
Serve on crostini with freshly cracked pepper.
Makes a terrific pasta sauce as well. Add red pepper flakes when tossing with hot pasta. Or serve chilled as a pasta salad, with the addition of minced veggies (great way to empty out the fridge!)

Variations

For a lighter version, you can use low-fat cottage cheese or Greek yogurt instead of regular cottage cheese. You can also add fresh herbs such as dill or chives for extra flavor.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

When making Norwegian Smoked Salmon Spread, be sure to remove excess moisture from the cottage cheese to ensure a smooth and creamy texture. Additionally, folding in diced salmon at the end adds a nice texture to the spread. For a spicier kick, add more horseradish or red pepper flakes to taste.

Serving Suggestions

Serve Norwegian Smoked Salmon Spread on crostini or as a pasta sauce. It also pairs well with crackers, vegetables, or as a filling for sandwiches.

Cooking Techniques

The key to making Norwegian Smoked Salmon Spread is to process the ingredients until smooth and then fold in the diced salmon for added texture. Refrigerating the spread before serving allows the flavors to meld together.

Ingredient Substitutions

If you don't have smoked salmon, you can use regular cooked salmon or smoked trout as a substitute. You can also use cream cheese instead of cottage cheese for a creamier texture.

Make Ahead Tips

Norwegian Smoked Salmon Spread can be made ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Just be sure to cover it tightly to prevent it from drying out.

Presentation Ideas

Serve Norwegian Smoked Salmon Spread in a decorative bowl with a sprinkle of freshly cracked pepper on top. Garnish with fresh herbs or lemon zest for a pop of color.

Pairing Recommendations

Norwegian Smoked Salmon Spread pairs well with crisp white wines such as Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio. It also goes well with sparkling water or a light beer.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Store any leftover Norwegian Smoked Salmon Spread in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. To reheat, gently warm the spread in a saucepan over low heat, stirring occasionally.

Nutrition Information

Calories per serving

Each serving of Norwegian Smoked Salmon Spread contains approximately 150 calories.

Carbohydrates

Each serving of Norwegian Smoked Salmon Spread contains approximately 3 grams of carbohydrates.

Fats

Each serving of Norwegian Smoked Salmon Spread contains approximately 8 grams of fats.

Proteins

Each serving of Norwegian Smoked Salmon Spread contains approximately 12 grams of proteins.

Vitamins and minerals

Norwegian Smoked Salmon Spread is a good source of vitamin D, vitamin B12, and omega-3 fatty acids.

Alergens

This recipe contains fish and dairy (cottage cheese), which may be allergens for some individuals.

Summary

Norwegian Smoked Salmon Spread is a nutritious and protein-rich dish that is perfect for a light and flavorful snack or meal.

Summary

Norwegian Smoked Salmon Spread is a delicious and versatile dish that is perfect for entertaining or enjoying as a light and flavorful snack. With its rich and smoky flavor, creamy texture, and easy preparation, this recipe is sure to become a favorite in your kitchen.

How did I get this recipe?

The memory of finding this recipe for the first time is a special one. It was many years ago, when I was just a young girl living in a small village in Norway. My mother had sent me to the market to pick up some fresh vegetables and fish for our dinner that night. As I wandered through the stalls, I came across a kind old woman selling smoked salmon that had been caught that very morning. Intrigued, I struck up a conversation with her and she shared with me a recipe for a delicious Norwegian smoked salmon spread.

The old woman explained that the recipe had been passed down through generations in her family, and that it was a favorite at all of their gatherings. She told me the secret was in the quality of the ingredients – fresh, locally caught salmon, creamy cream cheese, tangy lemon juice, and a hint of dill. She also emphasized the importance of patience and care in preparing the spread, as it required a delicate balance of flavors to truly shine.

Excited to try out the recipe for myself, I hurried home with my ingredients in tow. I carefully followed the old woman's instructions, mixing the cream cheese with lemon juice and dill until it was smooth and creamy. I then folded in the flaky smoked salmon, being careful not to break it up too much. Finally, I seasoned the spread with a touch of salt and pepper, and let it chill in the fridge for a few hours to allow the flavors to meld together.

When it was time for dinner, I proudly presented my creation to my family. They were skeptical at first, as smoked salmon was not a common ingredient in our village, but one taste was all it took to win them over. The creamy texture of the spread paired perfectly with the smoky flavor of the salmon, and the fresh dill and lemon added a bright, zesty kick that elevated the dish to new heights.

From that day on, the Norwegian smoked salmon spread became a staple in our household. I would make it for every special occasion – birthdays, holidays, and even just for a simple Sunday brunch. Each time I made it, I would think back to that chance encounter with the old woman at the market, and I would be filled with gratitude for her generosity in sharing her family recipe with me.

As the years went by, I continued to hone my skills in the kitchen, experimenting with different variations of the smoked salmon spread. I added in capers for a briny twist, or chopped up fresh chives for a pop of color. Sometimes I would even switch out the smoked salmon for other types of fish, like trout or mackerel, for a unique twist on the classic recipe.

No matter how many times I made it, though, the original Norwegian smoked salmon spread always held a special place in my heart. It was a reminder of my roots, of the traditions and flavors of my homeland that had shaped me into the cook I had become. And as I passed the recipe down to my own children and grandchildren, I knew that it would continue to be a part of our family for generations to come.

So next time you find yourself at a market, talking to a stranger about their favorite recipe, don't be afraid to ask for a taste. You never know – you might just stumble upon a gem like I did with the Norwegian smoked salmon spread. And who knows, maybe one day it will become a cherished tradition in your own family, just like it has in mine.