Although it is commonly believed that Danish cuisine does not actually exist and is only a combination of other Scandinavian cuisines, the Danes certainly do not agree with this, because by drawing on neighboring flavors they have developed their own interesting recipes and created unique delicacies. So let’s get to know Danish food!
Danish cuisine is based mainly on beef, pork and poultry, as well as potatoes, fish, cooked and canned vegetables and sauces. Fish is served boiled, baked or with vegetables. Any marinades (even sour and spicy ones) are welcome as an addition to dishes.
Smørrebrød
Smorrebrod it a National Danish Dish in the form of a sandwich made of wholemeal bread with a paste made of ground liver, bacon and onion, with the addition of mayonnaise and tartar sauce. Currently, the preparation method is significantly different from the classic recipe. The requirements for healthy food and adapting to current fashion forced some modifications to the sandwich, such as thicker bread or reducing the amount of butter and sauces so as not to overpower the taste of other ingredients.
But actually, sandwiches can be prepared with various ingredients: lettuce leaves, pieces of tomato and cucumber, salmon, sometimes scrambled eggs, and even herring. There are also even richer variants: with caviar, roast and shrimp. There are dozens of ideas for sandwiches and they can be a perfect breakfast, lunch or dinner.
Herring
Herrings are very important in Denmark, they are loved and prepared in various ways: hot smoked, served with a slice of bread with butter and spices, marinated in vinegar and herbs, sweet and sour herring in mustard sauce or curry, herring fried in butter, eaten with potatoes and red cabbage. Herring is often served with snaps.
Smoked cheese
It is produced in smokehouses using oat straw, which is cut in a specific way, thus eliminating the risk of cracking. The cheese is left there for only 30 seconds to give it a specific flavor and then taken out.
Meat and fish
Danish food is rich, and meat is often on the tables: from poultry to game. Frikadelle, i.e. meatballs made of minced meat, are very popular. They are usually served with potatoes, sauce, pickled cucumbers and beetroot salad (these two vegetables are a very popular addition to meat dishes). Since Denmark is a coastal country, there is an infinite amount of fish eaten here and in an infinite number of ways! Baked and fried, as well as smoked and marinated, are equally popular. Danes don’t like to waste food, so uneaten leftovers go into a dish called biksemad, in which you can find pieces of meat, potatoes and onions. All this is stewed together and finally enriched with a fried egg.
Coffee and sweets
Just like in other Scandinavian countries, people drink a lot of coffee in Denmark. Usually it is even a few cups a day! Although black and strong mocha predominates, cafes also serve many types of latte and cappuccino. And various sweets: cakes, buns, cinnamon rolls and great poppy seed buns. Try desserts with cream – Danish cream is quite sweet, which completely changes the taste of the filling.
Beer
However, when it comes to alcohol, the Danes love beer above all else. Popular beer brands that can be found here are Carlsberg, Tuborg, Harboes and Faxe, but recently several interesting microbreweries have been established.
Pølsevogn
When we talk about Danish cuisine, we cannot forget about Danish fast food, i.e. Danish hot dogs with fried onions and pickled cucumbers. Hot dogs are often served with red sausage, i.e. rød pølse, remoulade or ketchup, to which fried onions and cucumbers are added. Hot dogs are sold at street stands called pølsevogn.
Risalamande
Risalamande is a traditional dessert usually served during Christmas. Risalamande is rice cooked in milk mixed with whipped cream. Vanilla and almond pieces are added. The whole thing is often served with a thick cherry sauce.
