Falukorv is a beloved Swedish comfort food—a type of smoked sausage that’s both flavorful and versatile. It’s often used in hearty, simple dishes that are perfect for cozy family meals. Here’s a bit about Falukorv, and a popular way to enjoy it!
What is Falukorv?
Falukorv is a traditional Swedish sausage made of a mixture of pork and beef (sometimes with a bit of veal), seasoned with spices like salt, pepper, and allspice, and then smoked. It’s named after the town of Falu in Sweden, where the sausage originated. The sausage has a mild, slightly smoky flavor and a firm texture, which makes it perfect for slicing and grilling, frying, or baking.
Popular Swedish Falukorv Recipe: “Falukorv med Lök” (Falukorv with Onions)
This dish is easy to make, comforting, and a family favorite in Sweden.
Ingredients:
- 1 pack of Falukorv sausage (about 400-500g, sliced into 1 cm thick rounds)
- 2 tbsp butter or oil
- 1 large onion (sliced thinly)
- 2-3 boiled potatoes (peeled and sliced, optional but traditional)
- 2 tbsp Dijon mustard or Swedish mustard (for a tangy kick)
- 1 cup grated cheese (cheddar or a mild Swedish cheese like Västerbotten cheese)
- Fresh parsley (optional, for garnish)
- Salt and pepper (to taste)
Instructions:
- Prepare the Falukorv: Slice the Falukorv into 1 cm thick rounds.
- Sauté the Onions: In a frying pan, melt the butter or heat the oil over medium heat. Add the sliced onions and sauté them until they’re soft and golden brown (about 5-7 minutes).
- Add the Falukorv: Once the onions are ready, add the sliced Falukorv to the pan. Fry the sausage slices with the onions until they’re lightly browned on both sides (about 5-6 minutes).
- Add the Potatoes (Optional): If you’re using boiled potatoes, add the slices to the pan and let them warm up and brown slightly with the sausage and onions. This step adds a nice texture and richness to the dish.
- Finish the Dish: Once everything is browned and sizzling, drizzle mustard over the sausage and vegetables. Add salt and pepper to taste. Sprinkle the grated cheese on top and let it melt into the sausage mixture.
- Serve: Garnish with fresh parsley if desired. Serve hot with a side of pickles or crisp bread (Swedes love serving pickled cucumbers on the side).
Traditional Swedish Sides:
- Potato salad or boiled potatoes are commonly served with Falukorv dishes.
- Pickled cucumbers (known as inlagd gurka) are a Swedish staple side that adds a tangy contrast to the savory sausage.
Variations:
- Falukorv Gratin: Instead of frying the sausage and onions, you can layer the sausage slices and onions in a baking dish, top with cheese, and bake it in the oven for a richer, gratin-style dish.
- Falukorv in a bun: Just like a hot dog, you can place the fried sausage in a bun with mustard and pickles for a quick and satisfying meal.
Why It’s So Comforting:
Falukorv is simple, hearty, and satisfying—perfect for those days when you want something quick and filling. The mild smoky flavor of the sausage combined with creamy potatoes and tangy mustard creates a balance that feels like a warm hug on a plate.
Pro Tip:
If you can’t find authentic Falukorv, any mild smoked sausage can work as a substitute, but there’s nothing quite like the original!
Enjoy your Swedish comfort food! Let me know if you want more Swedish recipes or tips on other traditional dishes!