| Prep: 30 mins | Cook: 40 mins | Difficulty: Medium | Serves: 6 |
| kcal | fat | saturates | carbs |
| 395 | 10g | 6g | 50g |
| sugars | fibre | protein | salt |
| 5g | 5g | 25g | 3.12g |
Why I Love Finnish Salted Fish with Mashed Potatoes
With roots steeped in traditional West African and Southern American cuisines, discovering and recreating dishes from around the world is a fascinating journey. Standing as a testament to this, today I present a much-loved Finnish specialty – Salted Fish with Mashed Potatoes. While this might seem a diversion from the usual Afro-Southern fusion, once you’ve tasted it, you’ll agree that the deliciousness of this hearty dish transcends geographical boundaries.
A Play of Simple Ingredients
The charm of this dish lies in its simplicity. The two main stars – salted fish and potatoes create magic! Usually, it’s cod, haddock, or pollock that’s salted and used, but the beauty of the recipe is that you can experiment with different types of fish until you find your perfect match. Mashed potatoes, with their comforting creaminess, serve as the ideal base to allow the flavors of the fish to shine.
From Finland to My Kitchen
Preparing Salted Fish with Mashed Potatoes made me explore the wonders of Finnish cuisine, far removed from my Afro-Southern comfort zone. Anyway, where is the fun in not challenging oneself periodically, right? Also, if the food journey of affable Chef Magnus Nilsson from far-off Sweden has taught me anything, it’s about embracing the culinary practices of unfamiliar regions. This dish hailing from a country known for its beautifully stark landscapes and hearty food, fits perfectly into that ethos.
There’s something so comforting about the recipe’s components – the salted fish carries an oceanic tang that majestically counterbalances the earthy, comforting potatoes. A generous squeeze of lemon juice at the end, along with a sprinkle of dill, not only adds a vibrant color but also breaks the richness of the fish and potatoes with its freshness. The sliced onion, my personal addition to the traditional recipe, gives a nice crunch and contrast, while a serving of cream on top (if you choose so) brings everything together in a delicious medley.
So, the next time you’re in for a culinary expedition, give this Finnish Salted Fish with Mashed Potatoes recipe a whirl. Embrace the simplicity, savor the intermingling flavors, and don’t forget to share your cooking experience with me. Happy cooking!
What You’ll Need
- 2 pounds of salted fish (typically cod, haddock, or pollock)
- 8 medium potatoes, peeled
- 1 cup of milk
- 2 tablespoons of butter
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 4 tablespoons of chopped fresh dill
- 2 tablespoons of fresh lemon juice
- 1 onion, sliced
- 1 cup of cream for serving (optional)
Method
Step One
Begin by soaking the salted fish in cold water. Leave it to soak for 24 hours, changing the water 3 to 4 times. Once done, drain the water.
Step Two
While the fish is soaking, boil the peeled potatoes until they are soft. After boiling, drain the water and mash the potatoes using a potato masher or a fork. Make sure no lumps remain.
Step Three
In a small saucepan, warm up the milk and butter over medium heat. Pour this mixture into the mashed potatoes and stir until it’s well combined. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
Step Four
Add the chopped fresh dill to the mashed potatoes and mix thoroughly. Squeeze in the fresh lemon juice and stir well. Set aside the mashed potatoes.
Step Five
In a frying pan, sauté the sliced onion until it becomes translucent and lightly caramelised. Add the soaked and drained salted fish to the pan and fry until it is fully cooked. This usually takes around 10-15 minutes, depending on the thickness of the fish.
Step Six
Plate the mashed potatoes and top with the cooked salted fish and sautéed onions. Drizzle a bit of cream on top, if desired, and serve hot. Enjoy your homemade Salted Fish with Mashed Potatoes!
