A very Swe‘dish’ affair

Foodies in the city celebrated the Swedish National Day with the best culinary treats from the Scandinavian nation. Here’s a look:

It’s not every day that one can expect to get a taste of Sweden in Mumbai. However, June 3 was different. Commemorating the Swedish National Day, Fredrika Ornbrant — Consul General of Sweden in Mumbai raised a toast to the longest days of the year in Sweden —Midsummer — that time of the year when the sun never sets. In keeping with the Midsummer festivities a vast array of food, beer and a large spread of authentic Swedish delicacies were served to recreate the atmosphere.

Donning a ‘midsommarkran’ (midsummer flower wreath) to honour the celebrations, Fredrika Ornbrant explained, “The Midnight Sun, which occurs when the sun never sets, is something everyone should experience. Swedes have celebrated the longest day of the year for centuries and according to tales it is a magical night. At this time, Sweden is lush green and bursting with chlorophyll and it is a wonderful time to visit Sweden.”

With distinct flavours and textures, the traditional Swedish cuisine or husmanskot is characterised as simple food in comparison to other European delicacies. Fresh, home-grown ingredients, rich and creamy sauces and seasonal fresh fruits, characterise a Swedish meal.

What was originally was meant to be appetisers for the Swedes have gradually become the main meal. The Swedish smorgasbord, somewhat akin to the Lebanese Mezze or a number of small hot and cold dishes, is served buffet-style.

Swedes love their sea food and Skärgård herring canapés, are a must-have in every Swedish meal. Often paired with flat breads like rye bread or ragbrod and cheese, herring is often on the menu on special occasions. Pickled herring is another favourite, especially in summer. In the east coast, strömming — a small, silvery Baltic herring, is popular and is usually served with boiled potatoes, onions and often rolled into a slice of tunnbröd — a type of thin, flat unleavened bread.

Potatoes signify the year’s first cultivation and are universally enjoyed by the Swedes at each meal, starting summer. Paired with boiled potatoes, the dill and lemon salmon is smoked and marinated with salt. The Swedes love their meat and Kotbullar or meatballs along with fresh lingonberries, are always part of a dinner on special occasions. At times it is swapped for mini sausages or prinskorv.

A traditional accompaniment to Swedish meals is a cold beer and schnapps, preferably spiced. Kalles kaviar or a creamed cod roe spread from Sweden is another favourite and is often spread on egg halves, for a quick evening snack.

No Swedish meal is complete without desserts. While Jordgubbar (Swedish strawberries) are the usual choice especially in summer, either in the form of a cake or with cream. Swedish chocolate balls, apple or rhubarb crumble pie, are equally preferred.

Mini is a food-writer.