10+ Swedish Food Recipes Authentic: Discover Traditional Flavors for Your Kitchen

Swedish cuisine offers a delightful mix of flavors and comforting dishes that can bring a taste of Scandinavia to your home. Exploring authentic Swedish food recipes allows you to experience the rich culinary traditions that have been passed down through generations. These recipes often highlight fresh ingredients and simple techniques that make cooking both enjoyable and rewarding.

From sweet pastries to savory meatballs, you can find a wide array of dishes that showcase the unique taste of Sweden. As you dive into these recipes, you’ll find them not only delicious but also easy to prepare, making them perfect for any meal or gathering. Exploring this cuisine can be a fun way to expand your cooking skills while enjoying the flavors of another culture.

Gravlax with Mustard Sauce

Gravlax is a traditional Swedish dish made with salmon cured in a mix of salt, sugar, and dill. This dish is simple but full of flavor. You can enjoy it as a starter or on a sandwich.

To make gravlax, start with a fresh salmon fillet. Combine salt, sugar, and chopped dill, then coat the salmon with this mix. Let it cure in the fridge for a few days. This enhances its taste and texture.

For the mustard sauce, you will need mild Swedish mustard, Dijon mustard, sugar, vinegar, and oil. Mix these ingredients well until they’re smooth. Adding chopped dill gives the sauce an extra burst of flavor.

You can serve gravlax thinly sliced with the mustard sauce on the side. It pairs well with rye bread or crackers.

Ingredients

• 750 g fresh salmon fillet
• 4 tbsp sugar
• 4 tbsp sea salt
• 100 g chopped dill
• 2 tsp crushed white pepper
• 2 tbsp mild Swedish mustard
• 1 tsp Dijon mustard
• 2 tbsp sugar (for sauce)
• 1½ tbsp red wine vinegar
• 200 ml oil (not olive oil)
• Chopped dill (for sauce)

Cooking Instructions

1. Mix salt, sugar, and dill.
2. Coat the salmon with the mixture.
3. Wrap and refrigerate for 2-3 days.
4. For the sauce, combine mustard, sugar, vinegar, and oil in a bowl.
5. Add chopped dill to the sauce.
6. Slice gravlax thinly and serve with mustard sauce.

Swedish Meatballs

Swedish meatballs, or “köttbullar,” are a beloved dish in Sweden. You will enjoy their rich flavors and tender texture. They are commonly served with creamy gravy, lingonberry sauce, and mashed potatoes.

To make delicious meatballs, start by mixing ground beef and pork with soaked bread crumbs, chopped onions, egg, and spices like allspice and pepper. Shape the mixture into small balls.

Next, cook your meatballs in a skillet over medium heat until they are browned and cooked through. This should take about 15 minutes.

For the sauce, use the drippings from the pan, adding flour, beef broth, and cream. Stir it until thickened, then serve it over the meatballs.

Ingredients

• 1 cup bread crumbs
• 1/2 cup milk
• 1 pound ground beef
• 1 pound ground pork
• 1 egg
• 1 onion, chopped
• 1 teaspoon allspice
• Salt and pepper
• 2 tablespoons butter
• 2 tablespoons flour
• 1 cup beef broth
• 1/2 cup heavy cream
• Lingonberry jam for serving

Cooking Instructions

1. Soak bread crumbs in milk.
2. In a bowl, mix meats, egg, onion, allspice, salt, and pepper.
3. Form mixture into small meatballs.
4. In a skillet, melt butter and brown meatballs over medium heat for about 15 minutes.
5. Remove meatballs and prepare sauce with pan drippings, flour, broth, and cream.
6. Serve meatballs with sauce and lingonberry jam.

3) Smoked Salmon Sandwich

A smoked salmon sandwich is a tasty and simple dish. It often features layers of flavor with fresh ingredients. You can enjoy it as a quick lunch or a light dinner.

Start with a slice of rye or sourdough bread. Spread a layer of cream cheese on top. You can mix in herbs like dill or chives for extra flavor. Then, add slices of smoked salmon on the cream cheese.

For a crunchy touch, include thinly sliced cucumber. A few capers can add a nice salty bite. You might also want to sprinkle some fresh arugula on top.

Finish by adding a squeeze of lemon juice. This adds brightness to your sandwich. Now, it’s ready to be enjoyed!

Ingredients

• 1 slice of rye or sourdough bread
• 2 tablespoons cream cheese
• 2-3 ounces smoked salmon
• 1 small cucumber, thinly sliced
• A few capers
• A handful of fresh arugula
• Lemon juice to taste

Cooking Instructions

1. Spread cream cheese on the slice of bread.
2. Layer the smoked salmon on top.
3. Add cucumber slices and capers.
4. Top with fresh arugula.
5. Squeeze lemon juice over the sandwich.

4) Raggmunk with Lingonberries

Raggmunk is a traditional Swedish dish that features delicious potato pancakes. These pancakes are often served with sweet and tangy lingonberries, making them a perfect comfort food.

To make Raggmunk, you start with grated potatoes mixed with flour, milk, and eggs. This simple batter is then pan-fried until golden and crispy. The crispy exterior contrasts nicely with the soft inside.

Serve your Raggmunk hot, topped with lingonberry jam. This combination adds a burst of flavor that complements the savory pancakes.

You can enjoy Raggmunk as a meal or a snack. It pairs well with bacon or even just a dollop of sour cream.

Ingredients

• 4 large potatoes, peeled and grated
• 1 cup all-purpose flour
• 2 cups milk
• 1 large egg
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Butter for frying
• Lingonberry jam for serving

Cooking Instructions

1. Peel and grate the potatoes.
2. In a bowl, mix grated potatoes, flour, milk, egg, salt, and pepper.
3. Heat butter in a frying pan over medium heat (about 350°F/175°C).
4. Pour batter into the pan, forming pancakes.
5. Cook until golden brown on both sides, about 3-4 minutes each.
6. Serve warm with lingonberry jam.

5) Surströmming

Surströmming is a unique Swedish delicacy made from fermented herring. It’s known for its strong smell, which can surprise first-time tasters. This dish has deep roots in Swedish tradition.

To enjoy Surströmming, it is typically served on flatbreads with various toppings. Many people pair it with boiled potatoes, onions, and sour cream for added flavor.

This dish might not be for everyone, but if you’re adventurous, it’s worth a try. The taste is salty and tangy, providing a truly one-of-a-kind experience.

Ingredients

• Surströmming (fermented herring)
• Flatbread
• Boiled potatoes
• Sour cream
• Chopped onions

Cooking Instructions

1. Open the can of Surströmming carefully to avoid the strong smell.
2. Slice the boiled potatoes.
3. Place Surströmming on a piece of flatbread.
4. Top with sliced potatoes, sour cream, and chopped onions.
5. Fold the flatbread and enjoy!

Köttbullar

Köttbullar, or Swedish meatballs, are a beloved dish known for their savory flavor and comforting texture. You can find them in homes and restaurants across Sweden.

These meatballs are typically made from a mix of ground beef and pork, seasoned with simple ingredients. You can enjoy them in a rich cream sauce, often served with mashed potatoes or lingonberry sauce.

To make köttbullar, start by mixing the meats with breadcrumbs, eggs, and spices. Shape them into small balls, and then fry or bake until they are golden brown.

Serve your köttbullar hot with your favorite sides for a delicious meal!

Ingredients:

• 1 lb (450 g) ground beef
• 1 lb (450 g) ground pork
• 1 cup (100 g) breadcrumbs
• 1 egg
• 1 onion, finely chopped
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon pepper
• 1/2 teaspoon allspice
• 1/2 cup (120 ml) milk

Cooking Instructions:

1. Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. In a bowl, combine ground beef, ground pork, breadcrumbs, egg, onion, salt, pepper, and allspice.
3. Mix until well combined.
4. Shape the mixture into small balls.
5. Heat oil in a skillet over medium heat and cook the meatballs until browned on all sides.
6. Transfer the meatballs to the oven and bake for 10-15 minutes.

7) Kalops (Swedish Beef Stew)

Kalops is a warm and comforting Swedish beef stew that you’ll enjoy making. It features tender beef, flavorful vegetables, and a rich sauce. This dish has a long history in Sweden and is perfect for family gatherings or chilly days.

To start, cut your beef into chunks and coat it in flour. This will help thicken the sauce later. In a large pot, heat some butter and brown the beef. Then, add chopped onions and carrots for extra flavor.

Next, pour in a bit of wine and let it boil briefly. Add enough water to cover the meat and bring it to a simmer. Cover the pot and let it cook on low heat for about an hour.

The result is a hearty stew that pairs wonderfully with potatoes or bread.

Ingredients

• 2 pounds (900g) beef stew meat
• 1/3 cup (40g) flour
• 2 tablespoons butter
• 2 onions, chopped
• 2 carrots, peeled and chopped
• 1 cup (240ml) red wine
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Water to cover

Cooking Instructions

1. Cut beef into chunks and coat with flour.
2. In a large pot, heat butter and brown beef.
3. Add onions and carrots, cooking until soft.
4. Pour in wine, boiling for 1 minute.
5. Add enough water to cover the beef.
6. Cover the pot and simmer on low heat for 1 hour.

8) Jansson’s Temptation

Jansson’s Temptation, or Janssons frestelse, is a popular traditional Swedish dish. It is a creamy potato and anchovy casserole that is easy to make.

You can often find it served during festive meals, especially at Christmas. The dish brings warmth and comfort with its rich flavors.

To prepare this classic, you’ll need a few simple ingredients. The combination of potatoes, anchovies, and cream creates a deliciously satisfying experience.

This dish is perfect for family gatherings and can be enjoyed any time of year. Making Jansson’s Temptation can be a fun way to explore Swedish cuisine in your own kitchen.

Ingredients

• 2 pounds (900 g) potatoes
• 2 onions
• 1 can (about 2 ounces or 50 g) anchovies
• 1 cup (240 ml) heavy cream
• 1 cup (240 ml) milk
• 1 tablespoon (15 g) butter
• Salt and pepper to taste

Cooking Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. Peel and slice the potatoes thinly.
3. Slice the onions and sauté them in butter until golden.
4. In a baking dish, layer the potatoes, onions, and anchovies.
5. Pour cream and milk over the top.
6. Season with salt and pepper.
7. Bake for 45-60 minutes until the potatoes are tender and bubbly.

9) Crayfish Party Crayfish (Kraftor)

Crayfish parties are a fun Swedish tradition, especially during late summer. These gatherings are all about enjoying the taste of crayfish while celebrating with friends and family.

To prepare your crayfish, you want to start with fresh ones if possible. They are commonly available in local markets during the season. You can even boil your own for that special touch.

The key to delicious crayfish is in the cooking solution. A classic recipe includes dill, salt, and beer to bring out great flavors.

Feel free to set the mood with colorful paper lanterns and cheerful songs. This is all part of the experience!

Ingredients

• 2 kg fresh crayfish
• 20 dill seeds
• 2 bottles of porter beer
• 2 dl salt
• Water

Cooking Instructions

1. Boil water in a large pot.
2. Add salt and dill seeds to the boiling water.
3. Pour in the porter beer.
4. Add the crayfish and cook for about 5-10 minutes.
5. Allow to cool and serve chilled.

10) Princess Cake

Princess Cake, or Prinsesstårta, is a beloved Swedish dessert. This cake is known for its colorful layers and a dome shape. It’s often covered in green marzipan, which makes it look beautiful.

To make this cake, you start with light sponge cake. It’s layered with rich vanilla custard and whipped cream. The contrast of flavors is delightful.

A typical decoration includes a pink rose made from marzipan on top. This adds a touch of elegance to the cake. Princess Cake is popular at birthdays and celebrations in Sweden.

Ingredients

• 4 eggs
• 140 g caster sugar
• 2 dl self-raising flour
• 25 g melted butter
• Vanilla or custard cream
• Marzipan (green)
• Whipped cream

Cooking Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. Grease a round cake pan.
3. Mix eggs and sugar until fluffy.
4. Fold in flour and butter gently.
5. Bake for 25-30 minutes.
6. Cool, then slice into layers.
7. Add cream and custard between layers.
8. Cover with marzipan and decorate.