Swedish shrimp sandwich

swedish_shrimp_sandwich

Sweden is known for a variety of foods - from meatballs to cinnamon buns - but one dish that doesn’t get enough credit is the classic Swedish shrimp sandwich. Also known as smörgås, this open-faced sandwich is a staple in Scandinavian countries, particularly Sweden where it’s often enjoyed as a light lunch or snack.

The Swedish shrimp sandwich typically consists of a thin slice of bread (often rye bread) topped with a generous heap of fresh, succulent shrimp, mixed with a creamy mayonnaise-based sauce and a variety of toppings such as dill, lemon and cucumber.

The history of the Swedish shrimp sandwich dates back to the early 20th century where it was primarily served in expensive restaurants as a luxury item. However, as it became more popular amongst Swedes, the shrimp sandwich transitioned into a more affordable and widespread option, eventually finding its place at cafes, bakeries and grocery stores across the country.

The simplicity of the Swedish shrimp sandwich lies in its fresh, high-quality ingredients. The key to getting this sandwich right is sourcing the freshest shrimp possible - often locally caught - possibly from the waters of the Baltic Sea. The dressing for the sandwich typically consists of mayonnaise, sour cream or crème fraîche, a squeeze of lemon juice and a sprinkling of fresh dill. The combination of the creamy sauce and fresh shrimp gives the sandwich a perfect balance of flavours, with the dill adding an herbaceous note to the dish.

While the traditional recipe remains fairly consistent, there are many variations to this classic sandwich that Swedes experiment with. Some favour a thinner slice of bread or opt for a more substantial sourdough loaf. Some may add a spoonful of mustard to the dressing, while others prefer to add pickled onions or boiled eggs as additional toppings.

These sandwiches are perfect for a light lunch, but can also be served up as party appetizers. They’re easily customizable and can be prepped in advance for easy entertaining. Swedish shrimp sandwiches pair well with a variety of beverages - from sparkling water to a crisp white wine, making it perfect for an afternoon picnic or an evening cocktail party.

In summary, the Swedish shrimp sandwich is a simple yet delicious dish that has stood the test of time in Sweden. The combination of fresh, high-quality shrimp and a creamy, herbaceous dressing makes it a perfect sandwich for warmer months. The added bonus of its versatility and ease of preparation make it a great option for a quick lunch, dinner or snack.

Ingredients:

  • 1 baguette or 4 slices of bread
  • 1 cup cooked shrimp, peeled and deveined
  • 1/2 cup mayonnaise
  • 1/4 cup sour cream
  • 2 tablespoons chopped fresh dill
  • 1 tablespoon lemon juice
  • 1 teaspoon dijon mustard
  • 1/4 teaspoon salt
  • 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
  • 4 lettuce leaves
  • 4 slices of hard boiled egg
  • 4 slices of cucumber
  • 4 slices of tomato

Instructions:

  1. In a small bowl, mix together mayonnaise, sour cream, dill, lemon juice, mustard, salt and pepper.
  2. Add shrimp to the mayo mixture and stir gently to coat.
  3. Cut the baguette in half lengthwise and lay out the lettuce leaves on one of the halves.
  4. Spoon the shrimp mixture on top of the lettuce leaves.
  5. Arrange egg, cucumber and tomato slices on top of the shrimp mixture.
  6. Cover with the remaining baguette half and press down lightly.
  7. Cut into four equal pieces and serve.

Enjoy your delicious Scandinavian Swedish shrimp sandwich!