Get ready to take a trip to Norway without ever stepping foot outside your kitchen. The cold climate there demands comforting food.
Norway even has a special term called hygge which means the art of being cozy. These 15 recipes will absolutely bring that cozy feeling right into your own home.
You can brighten up a rainy afternoon with some much needed warmth. From hot lunches to sweet treats, I have found a recipe here for everyone.
Enjoy the flavors of this beautiful country with traditional dishes. You might just uncover a new favorite meal in the mix.
Warm up your heart and your house with these comforting foods.
1. Surkal
Just about every culture features some type of fermented vegetable. This is Norway’s version.
You soak tender cabbage pieces in vinegar and butter along with apple pieces and caraway. The final result is a sauerkraut with a slightly sweet flavor profile.
It works perfectly as a side dish on a cold plate or as a palate refresher between courses.
If regular sauerkraut feels too strong for you, then give surkal a try. The simple ingredients help soften the flavor.
It might be exactly what your taste buds need to finally enjoy pickled cabbage.
2. Norwegian Lemon Butter Sauce
You should keep this simple sauce on hand in your fridge so it is ready to serve instantly. The lemon flavor is absolutely delightful.
Almost any dish benefits from a nice drizzle of butter. Your family will likely start relying on this sauce just like they do ranch dressing or ketchup.
3. Norwegian Meatballs
You serve these savory meatballs smothered in a truly irresistible gravy. This meal is a Christmas tradition.
Nothing stops you from enjoying it all year long though. The fragrant meatballs get seasoned with ginger and nutmeg for a flavor that bursts right through the gravy.
That seasoning ties the whole dish together. Serve this with rice or warm bread for a soothing meal.
It is a fantastic way to end your day.
4. Norwegian Almond Cake
Almond flavoring is one of my favorite methods for dressing up a dessert. It has an extra edge that vanilla just lacks.
You can enjoy the taste of sweet almond in this fluffy and light cake. It is subtly sweetened to give you a simple flavor that lets the almond shine.
This cake makes for a beautiful gift thanks to the elegant glaze topping and light crumb color.
5. Norwegian Fish Soup
This creamy soup combines so many delicious flavors. It features everything from herbs and fresh lemon juice to the fish itself.
There is not a gray day that this soup cannot chase away. You should take your time preparing this ultimate comfort food.
Let the soothing aroma of caramelized onions and simmering vegetables fill your house. Serve yourself a bowl then curl up with a good book and a warm blanket.
6. Norwegian Oatmeal Molasses Bread
This sounds so incredibly delicious. Hearty oatmeal combines with molasses to create a sweet bread that is perfect for breakfast.
You can start the day off right with a warm slice of this traditional loaf. The whole grain bread is incredibly sturdy and works perfectly for your favorite spreads.
Try using it for sandwiches or serve it as a side with a favorite meal. This grainy loaf is a multipurpose bread that fits into all your go-to dishes.
7. Norwegian School Bread
I have one word for you: donuts. Norwegian school bread comes filled with vanilla pudding and topped with vanilla custard.
You can make these delicious treats to tuck into a packed lunch for your child. Or you can just make them to eat at home as an indulgent sweet.
8. Lefse
Lefse is a thin flatbread made from potato that is similar to traditional flatbread. It is usually served warm with sugar and butter.
I really like the sound of that combination. You might need a couple of tries to perfect your lefse.
The steps are simple but getting the dough just right for frying such thin pieces takes practice.
It will be worth the effort when you have satisfying and warm slices of lefse on your table.
9. Norwegian Salmon with Dill Sauce
Does this not sound delicious? Salmon possesses a savory natural flavor that complements tangy dill sauce perfectly.
You roast the salmon to perfection in the oven. Then you top it with the cooling dill and yogurt spread.
This is a perfect dish for special occasions or the holidays.
10. Norwegian Porridge
Norwegian porridge is a rice pudding that is boiled and sweetened to perfection. There is no better way to start a day than with a warm and delicious bowl.
You can top the porridge with sweet spices like nutmeg or cinnamon and your favorite dried fruit. This creamy and thick porridge is the very definition of hygge.
Introduce your family to the joy of porridge this weekend for a cozy and slow Saturday.
11. Sveler
Sveler are Norwegian pancakes that come from the northwestern coast. They are a traditional companion for coffee and people enjoy them throughout the morning as a light sweet.
You can top your sveler with a variety of different spreads. Butter, sour cream, and berry jam are all popular favorites.
Introduce your friends to something new at your next brunch party and bring the Norwegian coffee shop atmosphere to them.
12. Norwegian Flatbread
This crispy and thin flatbread makes a perfect addition to any occasion. You can enjoy it plain as a snack or with different toppings as part of a meal.
Try adding warm butter for an afternoon pick-me-up or use orange marmalade for morning toast. You can also top the flatbread with fruits and cheese for a heartier option.
Kick that bagged bread to the curb and make this simple flatbread your new kitchen staple.
13. Norwegian Waffles
You might wonder what Norwegian waffles are and how they differ from traditional American ones. They are shaped like a heart which is so sweet.
Norwegian waffles are also softer and thinner than the American version. They pair perfectly with whipped cream and fresh fruit.
Serve these waffles this Saturday for a sweet surprise that your whole family will love.
14. Lutefisk
Lutefisk is a flaky fish fillet baked in the oven. The dish is traditionally paired with roasted potatoes and pea stew.
Look no further than this classic Norwegian menu if you need a filling meal. The warm fish provides plenty of protein while the potatoes and pea soup bring lots of hygge.
This dish warms you up from the inside out. Serve it at the end of a blustery day to help chase away the chill.
15. Norwegian Potato Dumplings
Dumplings are always a favorite comfort food and these potato versions are no exception. They are fluffy and light with a soft outer layer just like a good dumpling should be.
Nothing says home cooking quite like a homemade dumpling. Give this recipe a try and see how it compares to grandma’s secret family recipe.