Toast Skagen - History and Recipe

Of course! I can help you with that. I’ll be your culinary guide as we explore the history and preparation of Toast Skagen, a Swedish delicacy.

Toast Skagen is a classic Swedish starter and food dish. It consists of pieces of toasted bread topped with a prawn salad called skagenröra, typically made with mayonnaise, chopped dill, onions, and sometimes other ingredients like lemon juice, mustard, and vodka.

The dish was created by the late Swedish restaurateur Tore Wretman in 1956. Wretman was a pioneer in embracing Swedish culinary traditions during the 1950s and 1960s, and he is credited with popularizing many Swedish dishes, including Toast Skagen.

While the dish is named after the fishing port of Skagen at the northern tip of Denmark, it was actually created in Sweden. According to Svenska Dagbladet, the dish was first featured on the menu of the Riche restaurant in 1958.

Toast Skagen is a simple dish to prepare, but it requires fresh, high-quality ingredients. Here is a basic recipe:

Ingredients:

  • 1 pound cooked prawns, peeled and deveined
  • 1/2 cup mayonnaise
  • 1/4 cup chopped fresh dill
  • 1/4 cup finely chopped red onion
  • 1 tablespoon lemon juice
  • 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
  • Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
  • 4 slices of toasted bread

Instructions:

  1. In a medium bowl, combine the prawns, mayonnaise, dill, red onion, lemon juice, and mustard. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
  2. Mix well and chill for at least 30 minutes.
  3. Spread the prawn salad evenly over the toasted bread slices.
  4. Serve immediately.

Toast Skagen is a versatile dish that can be customized to your liking. You can add other ingredients, such as chopped hard-boiled eggs, capers, or chopped chives. You can also use different types of bread, such as rye bread or sourdough.

Toast Skagen is a delicious and refreshing dish that is perfect for any occasion. It is a popular appetizer in Sweden and is often served at parties and gatherings.