| Prep: 20 mins | Cook: 0 mins | Difficulty: Easy | Serves: 6 |
| kcal | fat | saturates | carbs |
| 295 | 9g | 3g | 30g |
| sugars | fibre | protein | salt |
| 5g | 3g | 18g | 2.1g |
Why I Love Finnish Cold Smoked Salmon Sandwich
When it comes to sandwiches, often the creativity people bring to the table is nothing short of inspiring. A perfect example of this creativity is the Scandinavian delight known as the Cold Smoked Salmon Sandwich. This simple yet delectable dish helped broaden my culinary horizons during a recent journey to Finland and prompted me to blend my Caribbean and Spanish culinary roots with Scandinavian simplicity.
Reinventing my Culinary Traditions with a Finnish Twist
As a Miami native so deeply entrenched in the rhythm of Spanish tapas and Caribbean cocktails, you can’t help but develop an unmistakable love for flavors that dance. Consequently, when I tasted my first Finnish Smoked Salmon Sandwich, I was reminded that simplicity could not only charm the taste buds, but also create a memorable food dance that leaves you longing for more. This Finnish recipe, which I am proud to present, is an amalgamation of my culinary explorations and personal spicy, flavorful twists.
The Inspiration – Fusing Flavours
A renowned chef that profoundly influenced my food philosophy, Mikael Jonsson, once said that every dish holds a world of its own, a story – and the Cold Smoked Salmon Sandwich is no exception. What enticed me about this sandwich, is the potential it carries to be complementary to any meal. Whether paired with my classic Spanish tortilla for an extensive brunch, included in a Charcuterie spread for a family gathering, or enjoyed on its own at the side of an icy cold mojito under the Miami sun, the Cold Smoked Salmon Sandwich is incredibly versatile and charming.
Finding Comfort in Unfamiliar Culinary Territory
A culinary experience is a dance, a fascinating give-and-take between the familiar and the unfamiliar. It is this magical dance that encourages me to revisit this Finnish recipe time and again. The luxury of cold-smoked salmon coupled with the earthy flavors of dark, Finnish rye bread, creates a rhythm that is hard to resist.
It is in such moments of culinary explorations that we discover that food is truly a universal language, and everything else – just like the Smoked Salmon Sandwich – is simply a delicious translation.
What You’ll Need
- 12 slices of dark, Finnish rye bread
- 500g (1.1 lb) of cold smoked salmon
- 175g (6 oz) of cream cheese
- 1 large cucumber
- 1 large red onion
- 1 bunch of fresh dill
- Salt, to taste
- Pepper, to taste
Method
Step One
Start by slicing the cucumber and red onion into thin, even slices.
Step Two
Next, take your dark Finnish rye bread slices and spread a generous layer of cream cheese onto one side of each slice. This will add a creamy texture that complements the other flavors in the sandwich.
Step Three
Once the bread slices are prepped, layer up your cold smoked salmon on top of the cream cheese. Be generous with the salmon, it’s the star of the sandwich!
Step Four
After the salmon, add on your sliced cucumber and red onion. These will add a fresh crunch and sharpness to balance out the rich, smoky flavor of the salmon.
Step Five
Chop the fresh dill and sprinkle it over the cucumber and red onion. This will add a unique and fragrant flavor that goes perfectly with fish.
Step Six
Finally, season the sandwich with salt and pepper to taste. This will bring out all the different flavors and make them shine.
Step Seven
Close the sandwich with another slice of bread, cream cheese side down. Now your cold smoked salmon sandwich is ready to be enjoyed!
