In recent years, the world of gastronomy has seen a surge in interest in regional cuisine, with many countries and regions proudly showcasing their unique food cultures and flavors. One such example is New Nordic Cuisine, a movement that has taken the culinary world by storm. New Nordic Cuisine comes from Scandinavia and is a new take on traditional Nordic food. It is based on nature and the region's long history of cooking.
What exactly is New Nordic Cuisine?
New Nordic Cuisine is a philosophy that was born in 2004, when a group of chefs, food writers, and other culinary experts came together with the shared goal of revitalizing Nordic cuisine. They sought to create a modern, sustainable, and innovative cuisine that would represent the Nordic region and its culinary heritage in a new and exciting way. The result of their efforts is a cuisine that is both contemporary and traditional, showcasing the region’s unique ingredients and flavors while also incorporating modern techniques and styles.
The History of Nordic Cuisine
Before the emergence of New Nordic Cuisine, the traditional cuisine of the Nordic region was known for its simplicity, hearty and rustic dishes, and a strong focus on locally sourced ingredients. This cuisine was influenced by the region's harsh climate, with dishes often relying on ingredients that were readily available, such as root vegetables, game meats, and fish. The cuisine was also heavily influenced by the region's long and proud history of preserving and pickling foods to ensure they would last through the long and harsh winters.
Historically, Nordic cuisine was not considered to be among the world's leading culinary destinations. However, this changed with the emergence of New Nordic Cuisine, which has put the region's food culture and ingredients on the world stage. Through a commitment to using seasonal and locally sourced ingredients, as well as a focus on sustainability and innovation, New Nordic Cuisine has elevated traditional Nordic cuisine to new heights, gaining recognition and accolades from the culinary world.
New vs. Old Nordic Cuisine
The main guiding principle of New Nordic Cuisine is to use ingredients that are seasonal and locally sourced, such as wild berries, mushrooms, and herbs. This focus on local, seasonal ingredients is a nod to the traditional Nordic diet, which was based on what was available in the region during different times of the year. The ingredients used in New Nordic Cuisine range from foraged wild plants, such as birch leaves, to farmed fish and meat, as well as locally grown grains, fruits, and vegetables. These ingredients are often used in both simple and complicated dishes that show off their natural flavors and textures in new and interesting ways.
Another key element of New Nordic Cuisine is its focus on sustainability. This is reflected in the use of locally sourced ingredients as well as the philosophy of reducing food waste and minimizing the impact of the food industry on the environment. Chefs who embrace the principles of New Nordic Cuisine are committed to using every part of the ingredients they work with—the whole animal, for example, rather than just prime cuts. Not only does it help preserve the local flora and fauna, but it also supports local farmers and producers.
Yet another hallmark of New Nordic Cuisine is its focus on simplicity and minimalism. The dishes are often inspired by traditional Nordic flavors and techniques, but they are presented in a modern and innovative way. This approach results in dishes that are visually stunning and packed with flavor, yet also maintain a sense of balance and harmony.
Examples of New Nordic Dishes
Here are a few examples of dishes from New Nordic Cuisine:
Smoked salmon with pickled elderflowers and horseradish cream: This dish combines the rich, smoky flavor of salmon with the tangy and slightly sweet flavor of pickled elderflowers. The horseradish cream provides a spicy contrast to the other flavors, creating a balanced and flavorful dish.
Foraged mushroom risotto with wild herbs and truffle oil: This rich and creamy dish features a variety of wild mushrooms, foraged from the Nordic forests, that are simmered in a rich broth to create the risotto base. The addition of wild herbs, such as thyme or rosemary, adds a subtle herbal flavor, while the truffle oil provides a luxurious earthy aroma.
Reindeer carpaccio with birch syrup and juniper berries: This dish features thinly sliced raw reindeer meat drizzled with a sweet and slightly tangy birch syrup. The juniper berries add a subtle woodsy flavor, while the birch syrup provides a natural sweetness.
Skyr (Nordic yogurt) with wild berries and oats: Skyr is a traditional Nordic dairy product, similar to yoghurt but with a thicker and creamier texture. The dish features skyr topped with fresh wild berries, such as cloudberries or cranberries, and a sprinkle of oats, providing a balance of sweet and crunchy flavors.
Rye bread pudding with cloudberry jam and whipped cream: This sweet and comforting dish features a classic bread pudding made from dark and hearty rye bread, topped with sweet and slightly tart cloudberry jam and a dollop of whipped cream. The combination of textures and flavors creates a truly indulgent dessert.
Each of these dishes showcases the unique ingredients and flavors of the region in a new and exciting way, making it a cuisine that is truly one-of-a-kind.
The rise of New Nordic Cuisine has had a major impact on the culinary world, with many restaurants in the Nordic region adopting its principles and showcasing its unique flavors and ingredients. In recent years, the cuisine has gained global recognition, with several Nordic restaurants being awarded prestigious Michelin stars and other accolades.
Whether you’re a food lover, a chef, or simply someone who appreciates great food, New Nordic Cuisine is a cuisine that is not to be missed. So, if you find yourself in the Nordic region, be sure to try some of its delicious and innovative dishes—who knows, you might get hooked!