Smörgåstårta: Sandwich cakes from Nordic countries
In Nordic countries, there is a dish called Smörgåstårta, which means “sandwich cake.
As the name “sandwich cake” suggests, this sandwich is beautifully decorated and looks like a cake.
In this article, I will introduce Smörgåstårta, a sandwich of Nordic countries origin with an attractive appearance and a wide range of recipes.
What is Smörgåstårta?
“Smörgåstårta” is a sandwich of Nordic countries origin, meaning “sandwich cake” in Swedish.
The name “Smörgåstårta” is a combination of the Swedish words “smörgas” meaning “sandwich” and “torta” meaning “cake.”
This sandwich has a gorgeous appearance reminiscent of a decorated cake.
It looks exactly like a cake, but because it is a sandwich, the taste itself is not sweet. Therefore, even those who do not have a sweet tooth can enjoy it with peace of mind.
Smörgåstårta is more often eaten as a home-style meal than as a restaurant dish.
In Sweden, Smörgåstårta often appears at celebrations such as birthdays and home parties.
Because of the appearance of the decorated cake, it is sometimes served as a birthday cake for people who do not like cakes or sweet foods.
Recipe for Smörgåstårta
The recipe for Smörgåstårta is not as complicated as that for a cake and is almost identical to that for a regular sandwich.
The bread is stacked in order so that there are three to four layers, topped with the desired ingredients.
The only difference from a typical sandwich recipe is that the whole thing is coated with cream, just like decorating a cake.
Once the cream has been applied, the surface of the sandwich is decorated.
Then, it is finished!
Toppings include ingredients such as salmon, small shrimp, cured ham, eggs, and olive nuts in Sweden.
These ingredients are also familiar in sandwiches.
Smörgåstårta is characterized by the fact that the ingredients used for the toppings are generally not heated.
The cream that covers the surface is not raw cream, but sour cream with a refreshingly sour taste.
Flexible recipes
Smörgåstårta has a very wide range of recipes.
The interesting thing is that it can be prepared with a wide variety of toppings, creams, and even decorative designs.
The repertoire of ingredients is more varied than that of cakes, ranging from meat and fish to vegetables.
For a hearty meal, use meat or fish such as salmon or bacon.
On the other hand, if you want to go healthier or vegetarian, you can use vegetables such as sliced tomatoes, cucumbers, and avocados.
In Sweden, herbs are often used in Smörgåstårta.
One of the most favored herbs is dill, which is also called “fish herb” and is indispensable in Nordic countries.
The cream may be the standard sour cream, potato paste, mayonnaise, or unsweetened yogurt.
Also, since this is a sandwich for a meal, sweeteners such as fruit, sweets, and whipped cream are generally not used.
Tips for Cooking
There are a few key points to remember when making Smörgåstårta more delicious.
First, after cutting the topping ingredients, wrap them once in cooking paper to absorb the moisture thoroughly before serving.
This will prevent the dough from becoming soggy with moisture.
It also keeps the appearance of the product nice and clean.
One last thing. Smörgåstårta can be eaten freshly made, but if you are more particular, it is best to let it sit overnight in the refrigerator.
The bread and ingredients will blend together and taste even better after some time.
Conclusion
Smörgåstårta is a simple recipe that anyone can make.
Try Smörgåstårta as an alternative to the usual sandwich.
It is sure to please your guests at a home party.
