We can't get enough of BBC Four's The Bridge. Here's how to feast like a real Scandinavian.
Woollen jumpers v leather trousers
Last season it was all about Sarah Lund’s jumper; but now our latest Scandi crime fix, The Bridge, sees ace cop Saga Noren (an archetypal cool, Swedish blonde with undiagnosed Asperger syndrome) showing the boys how Scandi chicks roll. And all in slinky leather trousers, no less.
Brits going mad for Scandinavian television? This is baffling to a girl who grew up in Norway and never thought anyone outside Scandinavia would be interested in watching Scandi cop shows, let alone lust after our – admittedly fabulous - woollen jumpers. Scandi food seems to have caught the eye of gastronomes beyond the region (I blame that Rene Redzepi fellow), and so there’s no better time for a Scandilicious dinner party fit for the finest detective, criminal psychologist or Noir nerd.
Hallmarks of Scandi food
I’m often asked what the hallmarks of Scandi food are. We Scandis bicker over minor details: which country makes the best bread; who has the best beer (until recently, the Danes); and every Swede, Dane and Norwegian will loudly and proudly proclaim – usually accompanied by a song – who makes the most delicious aquavit. But in essence we share the same culinary tropes across the region.
Robust flavours
We have some of the best baking traditions in the world, Danish pastries being the most famous example. Although frankly, I reckon the cinnamon bun is cream of the crop. Above all, we don’t like a lot of fuss in our cooking, so ingredients are often left unembellished and allowed to stand alone. Stark, powerful and often intense, our food is inspired by Scandinavian nature and a strong Lutheran tradition.
So if you’re looking to tap into that cool Scandi vibe whilst watching The Bridge, then here’s a taste of a true smorgasbord. Feast like a Scandi, but leave the leather trousers for another occasion, please. Tak!
Try Signe's Scandi recipes
Swedish anchovy and potato gratin
Iced Nordic berries with white chocolate and cardamom sauce
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