Norwegian cuisine everyone can enjoy

Every year, Norway attracts around five million tourists who come in search of adventure, to witness stunning glaciers, and to chase the Northern lights.

The Scandinavian adventures are also reflected in the delightful cuisine that Norway has to offer. Traditional Norwegian dishes feature an array of fish, the local fruits of their agricultural sector, and locally bred cattle.

National dish of Norway

Norway’s national dish is mutton and cabbage stew – known locally as fårikål – and is celebrated nationwide on the last Thursday of September.

Simple to make with just four main ingredients: lamb, cabbage, salt and pepper, this hearty casserole is the perfect dinner party dish for friends and family to share together.

Ingredients used in Norwegian cuisines

The Norwegian landscape ranges from farms and fields to forests, lakes and glaciers, along with 1,625 miles of jagged coastline. So, it’s no wonder that their food and cuisine includes a variety of ingredients sourced from these different parts of the country.

Seafood

Seafood is one of the most celebrated ingredients in Norway. With a country that covers such a vast area of water, it’s home to both typical European seafood, as well as Arctic species found closer to the North Pole.

From cod to salmon, scallops to trout, crab to lobster and so many more – Norway offers a huge variety of seafood. The HelloFresh Fried Salmon with Dill Sauce embodies the beautiful simplicity of Norwegian cuisine, which allows the delicious taste of the fish to shine through.

Game

The organic, wild conditions available to Norwegian animals mean that their game meat is some of the best of its kind. Variations in soil and surroundings, from region to region, mean that you can travel to two similar parts of the country and enjoy very different, unique flavours.

In Norwegian cuisine, there is an emphasis on using every edible part of the animal, resulting in dishes that are infused with natural flavours. So, the need for extra flavouring is very rarely required.

Norway is renowned for its selection of game meats that are frequently featured on their menus, such as reindeer, moose, deer and grouse.

Fruit

Norway takes full advantage of the abundance of fruits available to complement their fish and game dishes. The differing regions across the country offer several types of apples, cherries, pears, plums, strawberries and raspberries. Fruit is used in every course, from starters to mains and especially desserts, Norwegian recipes make the most of the natural sweetness of their fruits.

Vegetables

Given the widespread agricultural industry across the country, it comes as no surprise that vegetables are key components of Norwegian cuisine. With the climate, root vegetables such as potatoes, carrots, onions, turnips and parsnips are key all-season ingredients in most dishes, accompanying game and fish and providing simple yet delicious recipes.

Cheese

Norwegian cuisine boasts an array of pungent blue cheeses and the ever-popular Gouda. However, the true star of Norwegian recipes is the distinctively rich and flavorful Norwegian brown cheese – or Brunost as it’s known in Norway. This is a brown-coloured whey cheese with a distinctive sweet taste, similar to caramel or butterscotch, used often in desserts or even as pizza toppings.

Norwegian cuisine is a tribute to the rich, cultivated land that nurtures and cherishes its ingredients. Key ingredients unlock the diverse landscape and harness the contrasting climates that can be discovered as you travel through the country.

There’s no need to dig out your passport to experience the flavours of Norwegian cuisine. With HelloFresh, you can bring the Nordic flavours to your home, in a few easy steps. Explore the collection of Norwegian recipes and go on a culinary adventure today.