Smörgåstårta, or Swedish sandwich cake, is a savory cake that’s both visually stunning and delicious. It’s a popular dish for celebrations and gatherings in Sweden, combining layers of bread with various fillings such as seafood, meat, vegetables, and creamy spreads. The cake is often decorated with fresh vegetables, herbs, and sometimes even more seafood or meats. Here’s a traditional recipe to help you make a Swedish Smörgåstårta at home.
Ingredients:
- For the Base:
- 1 large loaf of white or rye bread (unsliced)
- 1 loaf of whole wheat bread (unsliced)
- For the Fillings:
- 200 g (7 oz) smoked salmon or ham, thinly sliced
- 200 g (7 oz) shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 200 g (7 oz) cooked chicken breast, shredded
- 200 g (7 oz) liver pate or smoked mackerel
- 1 cup mayonnaise
- 1 cup crème fraîche or sour cream
- 1/2 cup cream cheese
- 1/4 cup finely chopped dill
- 1/4 cup finely chopped chives
- 1/4 cup finely chopped cucumber
- 1/4 cup finely chopped red onion
- 1/4 cup finely chopped pickles
- Salt and pepper to taste
- For the Decoration:
- Slices of cucumber, radishes, and tomatoes
- Fresh dill and parsley
- Lemon slices
- Hard-boiled eggs, sliced
- Additional shrimp or smoked salmon
Instructions:
- Prepare the Bread:
- Slice the bread horizontally into even layers. You will need at least four layers in total, alternating between white or rye and whole wheat bread.
- Prepare the Fillings:
- In a bowl, mix the mayonnaise and crème fraîche or sour cream. Divide this mixture into three parts.
- For the seafood filling: Combine one part of the mayonnaise mixture with the shrimp, dill, and cucumber. Season with salt and pepper.
- For the meat filling: Combine the second part of the mayonnaise mixture with the shredded chicken, chives, and red onion. Season with salt and pepper.
- For the pate or smoked fish filling: Mix the third part of the mayonnaise mixture with the liver pate or smoked mackerel, and pickles. Season with salt and pepper.
- Assemble the Smörgåstårta:
- Place the first layer of bread on a serving platter. Spread one of the fillings evenly over the bread.
- Add the next layer of bread and spread another filling. Repeat until all layers are used, ending with a layer of bread.
- Spread a thin layer of cream cheese over the top and sides of the assembled cake to seal in the fillings.
- Decorate the Smörgåstårta:
- Decorate the top and sides of the cake with slices of cucumber, radishes, tomatoes, lemon slices, hard-boiled eggs, additional shrimp, and smoked salmon.
- Garnish with fresh dill and parsley for a beautiful presentation.
- Chill and Serve:
- Chill the Smörgåstårta in the refrigerator for at least an hour before serving to allow the flavors to meld together.
- Cut into slices and serve as you would a cake.
Tips for Perfect Smörgåstårta:
- Fresh Ingredients: Use the freshest ingredients possible for the best flavor.
- Even Layers: Ensure the bread layers are even for a stable and attractive cake.
- Chill Time: Allow the cake to chill adequately to enhance the flavors and make slicing easier.
Cultural Significance:
Smörgåstårta is a cherished dish in Sweden, often enjoyed during festive occasions such as birthdays, holidays, and other celebrations. Its beautiful presentation and rich flavors make it a centerpiece for any gathering, reflecting the Swedish tradition of combining simplicity with elegance.
Making Swedish Smörgåstårta at home allows you to enjoy a unique and delicious dish that’s perfect for celebrations. This sandwich cake, with its layers of bread and flavorful fillings, is sure to impress your guests. Whether you’re preparing it for a special occasion or simply want to try something new, this traditional recipe will bring a taste of Sweden to your kitchen.