Get ready to feast like a Viking! The Vikings were known for their love of food, feasting, and merriment. Their hearty recipes were often inspired by the rich resources of their Scandinavian homeland and the thrill of exploration and conquest. In this article, we’ll explore 18 Viking-inspired recipes that are perfect for modern gatherings with friends and family.
From slow-cooked lamb stew to roasted venison with berry sauce, these dishes showcase the bold flavors and robust ingredients that define Viking cuisine. Whether you’re a history buff or just looking for some inspiration in the kitchen, these recipes will transport you back in time to the era of horned helmets and epic battles. So grab your sword (or spatula) and let’s dive into the world of Viking cooking!
Honey-Glazed Viking Pork Ribs
Transform your pork ribs into a sweet and savory masterpiece with this simple recipe. Perfect for a gathering of friends or a special occasion, these honey-glazed Viking pork ribs are sure to impress.
Ingredients:
– 2 pounds pork ribs
– 1/4 cup honey
– 2 tablespoons brown sugar
– 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
– 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
– Salt and pepper, to taste
– 1 tablespoon olive oil
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. In a small bowl, whisk together honey, brown sugar, apple cider vinegar, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper.
3. Remove the membrane from the back of the ribs (this will help the glaze penetrate better). Cut the ribs into individual portions if desired.
4. Brush the honey-glaze mixture evenly onto both sides of the ribs.
5. Drizzle with olive oil and place on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper, leaving some space between each rib.
6. Bake for 20-25 minutes or until the glaze is caramelized and the meat is tender.
Cooking Time: 20-25 minutes
Nordic Barley Bread with Seeds
Inspired by the rustic traditions of Nordic baking, this barley bread recipe combines wholesome ingredients with a hint of sweetness from brown sugar. Perfect for snacking or serving alongside your favorite Scandinavian dishes.
Ingredients:
– 1 cup rolled oats
– 1/2 cup pearled barley
– 1/4 cup whole wheat flour
– 1/4 cup brown sugar
– 1 teaspoon active dry yeast
– 1/2 teaspoon salt
– 1/4 cup sunflower seeds
– 1/4 cup flaxseeds
– 1 tablespoon caraway seeds
– 1 cup lukewarm water
Instructions:
1. In a large bowl, combine oats, barley, flour, brown sugar, yeast, and salt.
2. Add lukewarm water and mix until dough forms.
3. Knead for 5-7 minutes, then add sunflower seeds, flaxseeds, and caraway seeds. Mix well.
4. Place dough in a greased bowl, cover, and let rise in a warm place for about 1 hour, or until doubled in size.
5. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Shape dough into a round loaf and bake for 35-40 minutes, or until golden brown.
Cooking Time: 35-40 minutes
Smoked Salmon with Dill and Mustard Sauce
This recipe combines the rich flavor of smoked salmon with the brightness of fresh dill and a tangy mustard sauce, perfect for a quick and elegant appetizer or light lunch.
Ingredients:
– 6 oz smoked salmon, sliced into thin strips
– 1/4 cup plain Greek yogurt
– 2 tbsp whole-grain mustard
– 2 tbsp chopped fresh dill
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Fresh lemon wedges (optional)
Instructions:
1. In a small bowl, mix together the yogurt and mustard until smooth.
2. Stir in the chopped dill.
3. Arrange the smoked salmon strips on a serving plate or platter.
4. Spoon the dill-mustard sauce over the salmon.
5. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
6. Serve immediately, with lemon wedges on the side if desired.
Cooking Time: 5 minutes
Viking-Style Roasted Root Vegetables
As the Northern Lights dance across the winter sky, gather your tribe and roast a medley of root vegetables in the Viking spirit! This hearty dish will warm your belly and your soul.
Ingredients:
– 2 large carrots, peeled and chopped
– 1 large sweet potato, peeled and chopped
– 1 large turnip, peeled and chopped
– 2 tablespoons olive oil
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Optional: 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley for garnish
Instructions:
1. Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C).
2. Toss the chopped vegetables with olive oil, salt, and pepper in a large bowl until they’re evenly coated.
3. Spread the vegetable mixture on a baking sheet in a single layer.
4. Roast for 45-50 minutes, or until the vegetables are tender and caramelized, flipping them halfway through the cooking time.
5. Garnish with chopped parsley, if desired.
Cooking Time: 45-50 minutes
Slow-Cooked Lamb Stew with Juniper Berries
This hearty stew is a classic winter warmer, infused with the subtle, piney flavor of juniper berries. Perfect for a cold evening, it’s a comforting and flavorful dish that’s sure to become a family favorite.
Ingredients:
– 1 pound lamb shoulder or shanks, cut into 2-inch pieces
– 2 medium carrots, peeled and chopped
– 1 large onion, chopped
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 cup juniper berries
– 1 cup beef broth
– 1/4 cup red wine (optional)
– 2 tablespoons tomato paste
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Fresh parsley or thyme for garnish (optional)
Instructions:
1. Heat oil in a large Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Brown lamb pieces, then set aside.
2. Add carrots, onion, garlic, and juniper berries to the pot. Cook until vegetables are tender, about 10 minutes.
3. Add browned lamb back to the pot, along with beef broth, red wine (if using), tomato paste, salt, and pepper.
4. Bring mixture to a boil, then cover and transfer to slow cooker. Cook on low for 8 hours or high for 4 hours.
5. Serve hot, garnished with parsley or thyme if desired.
Cooking Time: 4-8 hours
Rye Flatbread with Herbed Butter
A crisp and flavorful flatbread infused with the earthy taste of rye flour, paired with a fragrant herbed butter that adds a burst of freshness.
Ingredients:
– 1 cup rye flour
– 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
– 1/4 teaspoon salt
– 1/4 teaspoon sugar
– 1/2 cup warm water
– Herbed Butter (see below)
Herbed Butter:
– 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
– 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley
– 1 tablespoon chopped fresh chives
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. In a large bowl, combine rye flour, all-purpose flour, salt, and sugar.
2. Gradually add warm water while stirring until a shaggy dough forms.
3. Knead the dough for 5-7 minutes until smooth and elastic.
4. Divide the dough into 2 equal pieces.
5. Roll out each piece into a thin circle, about 1/8 inch thick.
6. Heat a non-stick skillet or griddle over medium heat.
7. Cook flatbread for 30-45 seconds per side, until slightly puffed and golden.
8. Spread herbed butter on warm flatbread.
Cooking Time: 2-3 minutes per flatbread
Fermented Fish (Gravlax) with Lingonberries
This classic Scandinavian dish is a perfect blend of sweet and savory flavors, made by fermenting salmon fillets in a mixture of salt, sugar, and spices, and served with a tangy lingonberry jam.
Ingredients:
– 1 lb salmon fillet
– 1/2 cup brown sugar
– 1/4 cup kosher salt
– 2 tbsp black pepper
– 2 tbsp mustard seeds
– 2 tbsp coriander seeds
– 2 cups water
– 1 cup lingonberry jam (homemade or store-bought)
Instructions:
1. Preparing the cure: Mix brown sugar, kosher salt, black pepper, mustard seeds, and coriander seeds in a bowl.
2. Curing the salmon: Place the salmon fillet in a shallow dish and cover it with the prepared cure. Let it sit at room temperature for 3-4 days, flipping the fish every day.
3. Rinsing and drying: After curing, rinse the fish under cold running water, pat dry with paper towels, and refrigerate overnight.
4. Serving: Slice the gravlax thinly and serve with lingonberry jam on toasted rye bread or crackers.
Cooking Time: None, as it’s a fermented dish.
Wild Boar Sausages with Mead Glaze
This recipe combines the rich flavor of wild boar sausages with the sweetness of a mead glaze, creating a unique and delicious dish perfect for special occasions.
Ingredients:
– 4 wild boar sausages
– 1/2 cup mead (sweet or dry)
– 2 tablespoons honey
– 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
– 1 tablespoon olive oil
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. Preheat grill or grill pan to medium-high heat.
2. In a small saucepan, combine mead, honey, and Dijon mustard. Bring to a simmer over low heat until reduced and syrupy (about 5-7 minutes).
3. Grill sausages for 5-6 minutes per side, or until browned and cooked through.
4. Brush sausages with olive oil and season with salt and pepper.
5. Serve sausages with mead glaze spooned over the top.
Cooking Time: 15-20 minutes
Traditional Viking Fish Soup
As the sun sets on a Nordic evening, warm up with a hearty bowl of fish soup, reminiscent of the Viking feasts that once filled the great halls. This recipe is inspired by the traditional cooking methods of the Vikings, using local ingredients and simple techniques to create a flavorful and comforting broth.
Ingredients:
– 1 pound of whitefish (such as cod or haddock), cut into bite-sized pieces
– 2 medium onions, chopped
– 3 cloves of garlic, minced
– 2 medium carrots, peeled and chopped
– 2 medium potatoes, peeled and chopped
– 2 cups of fish stock (homemade or store-bought)
– 1/4 cup of whole grain rye flour
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Fresh parsley, chopped (optional)
Instructions:
1. In a large pot, sauté the onions, garlic, carrots, and potatoes in a little bit of oil until tender.
2. Add the fish pieces and cook for 3-4 minutes or until opaque.
3. Pour in the fish stock and bring to a boil. Reduce heat and simmer for 10-12 minutes or until the vegetables are tender.
4. Stir in the rye flour to thicken the soup slightly.
5. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
6. Serve hot, garnished with chopped parsley if desired.
Cooking Time: 25-30 minutes
Oat Porridge with Honey and Nuts
Begin your day with a warm and comforting bowl of oat porridge, sweetened with honey and topped with crunchy nuts. This simple recipe is perfect for busy mornings when you need a quick and healthy breakfast.
Ingredients:
– 1 cup rolled oats
– 2 cups water or milk (dairy or non-dairy)
– 2 tbsp honey
– 1/4 cup chopped nuts (walnuts, almonds, or hazelnuts work well)
Instructions:
1. In a medium saucepan, bring the water or milk to a simmer.
2. Add the oats and reduce heat to low. Cook for 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the porridge has thickened.
3. Stir in the honey until dissolved.
4. Top with chopped nuts and serve warm.
Cooking Time: 10-12 minutes
Enjoy your delicious and nutritious oat porridge with a hint of sweetness and crunch!
Roasted Venison with Berry Sauce
This recipe combines the rich flavor of roasted venison with the sweetness of a berry sauce, creating a delicious and savory meal perfect for any occasion.
Ingredients:
– 1 pound venison steaks (such as backstrap or tenderloin)
– 2 tablespoons olive oil
– 1 tablespoon brown sugar
– 1 teaspoon dried thyme
– 1/4 cup mixed berries (such as blueberries, raspberries, and blackberries)
– 1/4 cup port wine (or red wine)
– 2 tablespoons honey
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. Season venison steaks with salt, pepper, brown sugar, and thyme.
3. Roast venison in the oven for 20-25 minutes or until cooked to your desired level of doneness.
4. Meanwhile, combine mixed berries, port wine, and honey in a saucepan. Bring to a simmer over medium heat.
5. Reduce heat to low and let berry sauce simmer for 10-15 minutes or until thickened slightly.
6. Serve roasted venison with the warm berry sauce spooned over the top.
Cooking Time: 20-25 minutes (venison) + 10-15 minutes (berry sauce)
Smoked Herring on Rye Crisps
A classic Scandinavian appetizer that combines the rich flavors of smoked herring with the crunch of rye crisps.
Ingredients:
– 1 can of smoked herring (drained and flaked)
– 1 package of rye crisps
– 1 tablespoon of unsalted butter, softened
– 1 tablespoon of chopped fresh dill
– Salt to taste
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
3. Arrange the rye crisps in a single layer on the prepared baking sheet.
4. Dot the top of each crisp with the softened butter.
5. Sprinkle the flaked smoked herring over the buttered crisps, leaving a small border around each crisp.
6. Top with chopped fresh dill and season with salt to taste.
7. Bake for 10-12 minutes or until the crisps are crispy and the flavors have melded together.
Cooking Time: 10-12 minutes
Spiced Apple and Elderberry Mead
This recipe combines the sweet flavors of apple and elderberry with warm spices, creating a unique and delicious mead perfect for fall and winter gatherings. With a hint of cinnamon, nutmeg, and allspice, this spiced apple and elderberry mead is sure to please even the most discerning palates.
Ingredients:
– 1 gallon water
– 3 lbs honey
– 2 cups apple cider
– 1 cup elderberry juice
– 1 cinnamon stick
– 6 whole allspice berries
– 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
– Yeast nutrient (optional)
Instructions:
1. Combine water, honey, apple cider, and elderberry juice in a large pot.
2. Bring mixture to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 10 minutes.
3. Add cinnamon stick, allspice berries, and nutmeg. Simmer for an additional 5 minutes.
4. Remove from heat and let cool to room temperature.
5. Transfer mixture to fermentation vessel and pitch yeast (if using).
6. Ferment at 65-70°F (18-21°C) for 2-3 months or until desired level of carbonation is reached.
Cooking Time: 15 minutes
Viking-Style Pickled Cabbage
Experience the bold flavors of the Viking era with this simple yet tangy pickling recipe, perfect for accompanying your favorite Nordic-inspired dishes.
Ingredients:
– 1 head of cabbage, shredded
– 1 cup (250ml) white vinegar
– 1/2 cup (125ml) water
– 1 tablespoon salt
– 1 tablespoon sugar
– 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
– 2 cloves garlic, minced (optional)
Instructions:
1. In a large bowl, combine shredded cabbage and salt. Let it sit for 30 minutes to allow the cabbage to release its juices.
2. Rinse the cabbage with cold water to remove excess salt. Drain well.
3. In a saucepan, combine vinegar, water, sugar, black pepper, and garlic (if using). Bring to a boil over medium heat, stirring occasionally.
4. Pack the cabbage into a clean glass jar or container, leaving about 1 inch (2.5 cm) at the top. Pour the hot pickling liquid over the cabbage, making sure it’s completely covered.
5. Seal the jar and let it cool to room temperature. Store in the refrigerator for at least 24 hours before serving.
Cooking Time: 30 minutes (plus overnight refrigeration)
Barley and Mushroom Stew
This comforting stew is a perfect blend of tender barley, earthy mushrooms, and savory spices. It’s a great option for a chilly evening or a weekend lunch.
Ingredients:
– 1 cup pearl barley, rinsed and drained
– 2 cups mixed mushrooms (button, cremini, shiitake), sliced
– 1 onion, chopped
– 3 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 teaspoon dried thyme
– 1/2 teaspoon paprika
– Salt and pepper, to taste
– 4 cups vegetable broth
– 1 tablespoon olive oil
Instructions:
1. In a large pot, heat the olive oil over medium heat.
2. Add the onion and cook until softened, about 5 minutes.
3. Add the garlic and cook for an additional minute.
4. Add the mushrooms and cook until they release their moisture and start to brown, about 5 minutes.
5. Add the barley, thyme, paprika, salt, and pepper. Cook for 1-2 minutes, stirring constantly.
6. Pour in the vegetable broth and bring to a boil.
7. Reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 25-30 minutes or until the barley is tender.
Cooking Time: 35-40 minutes
Grilled Trout with Wild Herbs
Grilled Trout with Wild Herbs: A Fresh Twist on a Classic Recipe
This recipe combines the delicate flavor of trout with the earthy notes of wild herbs, creating a unique and delicious dish that’s perfect for a summer evening.
Ingredients:
– 4 trout fillets (6 oz each)
– 1/4 cup mixed wild herbs (such as thyme, rosemary, and oregano)
– 2 tbsp olive oil
– 1 lemon, sliced
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. Preheat grill to medium-high heat.
2. Rinse the trout fillets under cold water, pat dry with paper towels.
3. In a small bowl, mix together wild herbs and olive oil.
4. Brush the herb mixture evenly onto both sides of the trout fillets.
5. Place the trout on the grill and cook for 8-10 minutes per side, or until cooked through.
6. Serve immediately, garnished with lemon slices.
Cooking Time: 16-20 minutes
Dark Rye Beer Bread
Elevate your bread game with this rich and malty Dark Rye Beer Bread recipe, perfect for snacking or serving alongside your favorite soups and stews. With a deep, dark flavor profile and a satisfying crunch, you’ll be hooked from the first bite.
Ingredients:
– 2 cups all-purpose flour
– 1 cup rye flour
– 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
– 1 cup dark rye beer (such as Guinness or Newcastle)
– 2 teaspoons salt
– 1 teaspoon caraway seeds (optional)
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a 9×5-inch loaf pan.
2. In a large bowl, whisk together flour and rye flour.
3. Add melted butter, beer, and salt; stir until just combined.
4. Knead dough for 10 minutes until smooth and elastic.
5. Place in prepared loaf pan and top with caraway seeds if using.
6. Bake for 45-50 minutes or until a toothpick inserted comes out clean.
7. Let cool on wire rack before slicing and serving.
Cooking Time: 45-50 minutes
Smoked Reindeer with Cloudberry Jam
This traditional Nordic dish combines the rich flavors of smoked reindeer with the sweet and tangy taste of cloudberry jam, perfect for a special occasion or holiday feast.
Ingredients:
– 1 lb smoked reindeer steak (or substitute with beef or venison)
– 1/4 cup cloudberry jam
– 2 tbsp honey
– 1 tsp Dijon mustard
– Fresh thyme leaves for garnish
Instructions:
1. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. Slice the smoked reindeer steak into thin strips.
3. In a small bowl, mix together the cloudberry jam, honey, and Dijon mustard.
4. Brush the glaze mixture evenly over both sides of the reindeer strips.
5. Place the glazed reindeer on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
6. Bake for 10-12 minutes or until heated through.
7. Garnish with fresh thyme leaves and serve immediately.
Cooking Time: 10-12 minutes
Summary
Get ready to feast like a Viking! This collection of hearty recipes brings you back to the golden age of Scandinavian cuisine. From sweet treats like Spiced Apple and Elderberry Mead, to savory dishes like Smoked Salmon with Dill and Mustard Sauce, there’s something for everyone. Indulge in traditional favorites like Honey-Glazed Viking Pork Ribs, Wild Boar Sausages with Mead Glaze, or Slow-Cooked Lamb Stew with Juniper Berries. And don’t forget the bread – try Nordic Barley Bread with Seeds or Dark Rye Beer Bread for a taste of ancient times.
