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The Scandinavian Open Sandwich

27th November 2017 by Louise
Open Sandwich with Smoked Mackerel and Pickled Beetroot
Open Sandwich with Smoked Mackerel and Pickled Beetroot & Apple

Open sandwiches (smörgås) are a favourite of mine and also one of the simplest things to create. You don’t need a recipe for them, it’s really just about using your favourite kind of bread and adding the toppings that you’d like to go on it.

Begin by spreading just the right amount of butter on your chosen bread. On the subject of bread, it really has had a bad press of late but we’re not talking about the beige, full of preservatives kind, no a lovely dark rye with pumpkin and sunflower seeds will do the job just nicely. For the topping, in Sweden it is common to use the typical, thinly sliced Swedish cheese, to which you can then add whatever you would like, including things like thinly sliced vegetables or fruit and pickles. There are an infinite number of different variations that you could use.

In my case, I am using a dark rye bread flavoured with caraway.  The topping, a generous mound of cream cheese flavoured with freshly grated horseradish, followed by my home hot smoked mackerel (available to buy at all supermarkets) and then lightly pickled beetroot and apple salad. Topped with the garlic of the north, dill!

Open sandwiches make for a marvellous simple snack or, if you have a couple of them, a satisfying lunch too. They are a really delicious way to have a simple, balanced meal.

Print Recipe

Lightly Pickled Beetroot & Apple Salad

Prep Time20 minutes mins
Total Time1 hour hr 20 minutes mins
Course: Lunch
Cuisine: Swedish
Servings: 4 Servings
Author: Louise

Ingredients

  • 50 mls water
  • 35 g Caster Sugar
  • 50 mls Spirit Vinegar or White wine vinegar
  • 2 Medium Beetroot
  • 2 Granny Smith Apples
  • A Sprinkling of Malden Salt
  • a small handful of Dill

Instructions

  • Peel the beetroot and peel and core the apple, cut them into matchsticks size pieces. Combine the sugar, water, salt and vinegar and pour over the beetroot and apple. Cover and refrigerate for an hour and then serve. Add chopped dill or sprinkle on top.
  • Can be stored in the fridge for 2-3 days.

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Category: Autumn, Dinner, Lunch, Nordic, Pickling, Preserving, Snacks, Spring, Summer, Vegetarian, WinterTag: apple, beetroot, lunch, nordic, pickled, rye bread, scandinavian, smoked mackerel
Previous Post:Venison CasseroleVenison Casserole with Pickled Chanterelles
Next Post:Pepparkakor – Swedish Ginger Thins

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Sometimes the greatest pleasures are the simplest: Sometimes the greatest pleasures are the simplest: pan con tomate, the bread still warm, tomatoes at their peak – sun-sweet and softly collapsing into their own juice. A generous glug of good olive oil, a pinch of flaky salt… and, because they’re at their very best, a silver-skinned sardine, seared for a gentle char. So good. 

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The greengages from the other day didn’t last lo The greengages from the other day didn’t last long. I gently cooked them with just a little honey and fresh grated ginger to make a soft, golden compote. It’s very low in natural sugar, so it needs to be kept in the fridge or frozen for later. It’s lovely just as it is, but I’ve shared more ideas on slide 2.

This morning I stirred mine into overnight oats and chia seeds soaked in kefir, then topped it with a dollop of Greek yoghurt, chopped pecans, pistachios, and a drizzle of maple syrup.

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I never say no to a gift of greengages, and nor wi I never say no to a gift of greengages, and nor will I pass up an offering from Mother Nature — wild plums — what a bumper harvest. Stone fruit are at their best right now, and I’m also roasting apricots with honey.

Planning on making plenty of compote, maybe I’ll ferment the wild ones, and definitely a batch of sweet and sour sauce that’s perfect with mackerel too.
Any extra and I’m thinking plum water kefir — or possibly a batch of pickled plums, if I get that far.

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Charred watermelon takes on a whole new personalit Charred watermelon takes on a whole new personality in this summer salad — smoky-sweet from the grill, its juiciness intensified by the heat. Grated halloumi brings a rich, salty contrast that plays beautifully against briny kalamata olives. Peppery rocket and fresh mint add brightness, all tied together with a generous drizzle of an EVOO dressing. It’s a salad that surprises — the flavours just work. No recipe needed, just good ingredients.

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