Ingredients with Measurements:
- 16 slices of white bread
- 500g cream cheese, softened
- 1/2 cup sour cream
- 1/4 cup fresh dill, chopped
- 1/4 cup fresh chives, chopped
- 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
- 1/4 cup fresh lemon juice
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
- 500g smoked salmon, thinly sliced
- 1 cucumber, thinly sliced
- 1 red onion, thinly sliced
- 1 lemon, sliced for garnish
Special equipment needed:
- 9-inch springform pan
- Electric mixer
Step-by-step instructions:
1. In a large mixing bowl, beat the cream cheese until smooth and creamy. Add in the sour cream, dill, chives, parsley, lemon juice, salt, and black pepper. Mix until well combined.
2. Cut the crusts off the bread slices and arrange 8 slices on the bottom of the springform pan, slightly overlapping each other.
3. Spread a layer of the cream cheese mixture on top of the bread slices, covering them completely.
4. Add a layer of smoked salmon on top of the cream cheese mixture, followed by a layer of cucumber slices and red onion slices.
5. Repeat the layers of bread, cream cheese mixture, smoked salmon, cucumber, and red onion until all the ingredients are used up, ending with a layer of cream cheese mixture on top.
6. Cover the pan with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 4 hours or overnight.
7. When ready to serve, remove the plastic wrap and run a knife around the edge of the pan to loosen the smörgåstårta. Remove the sides of the pan and transfer the smörgåstårta to a serving platter.
8. Garnish with lemon slices and additional fresh herbs, if desired.
Time:
Preparation time: 30 minutes
Chilling time: 4 hours or overnight
Temperature:
Refrigerate at 4°C
Serving size:
8-10 servings
Nutritional information:
Calories: 450
Fat: 28g
Carbohydrates: 30g
Protein: 20g
Sodium: 820mg
Substitutions for ingredients:
- Whole wheat bread can be used instead of white bread.
- Greek yogurt can be used instead of sour cream.
- Fresh tarragon or basil can be used instead of dill, chives, or parsley.
- Smoked trout or mackerel can be used instead of smoked salmon.
- Radish or bell pepper can be used instead of cucumber.
- Scallions or shallots can be used instead of red onion.
Variations:
- Add capers or chopped pickles to the cream cheese mixture for extra flavor.
- Use different types of smoked fish or seafood, such as shrimp or scallops.
- Add sliced hard-boiled eggs or avocado to the layers.
- Use different types of herbs or spices, such as cilantro or paprika.
Tips and tricks:
- Make sure the cream cheese is softened before mixing it with the other ingredients.
- Use a serrated knife to cut the bread slices and the smörgåstårta.
- Press down gently on each layer to make sure the smörgåstårta is compact and even.
- Chill the smörgåstårta for at least 4 hours or overnight to allow the flavors to meld together.
Storage instructions:
Store the smörgåstårta covered in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Reheating instructions:
The smörgåstårta is best served cold and does not need to be reheated.
Presentation ideas:
Serve the smörgåstårta on a large platter with fresh herbs and lemon slices for garnish.
Garnishes:
Lemon slices, fresh herbs, capers, chopped pickles, sliced radish, or bell pepper.
Pairings:
Serve the smörgåstårta with a crisp white wine or a sparkling rosé.
Suggested side dishes:
- Mixed green salad with a lemon vinaigrette
- Roasted vegetables, such as asparagus or carrots
- Swedish meatballs
- Potato salad
Troubleshooting advice:
- If the cream cheese mixture is too thick, add a tablespoon of milk or cream to thin it out.
- If the bread slices are too thin, they may become soggy. Use thicker slices or toast the bread before assembling the smörgåstårta.
- If the smörgåstårta is too soft or falling apart, chill it for longer or add more cream cheese mixture between the layers.
Food safety advice:
- Make sure all the ingredients are fresh and properly stored.
- Wash your hands and all utensils before handling the ingredients.
- Keep the smörgåstårta refrigerated until ready to serve.
- Discard any leftovers that have been left out at room temperature for more than 2 hours.
Food history:
Smörgåstårta is a Swedish dish that translates to "sandwich cake". It became popular in the 1960s and 1970s as a festive dish for special occasions, such as birthdays and weddings. The layers of bread, cream cheese, and smoked fish or meat are reminiscent of traditional Swedish open-faced sandwiches, or smörgås.
Flavor profiles:
The smörgåstårta is creamy, savory, and slightly tangy, with a hint of fresh herbs and lemon. The smoked salmon adds a smoky and salty flavor, while the cucumber and red onion provide a refreshing crunch.
Serving suggestions:
Cut the smörgåstårta into wedges and serve as a main course or appetizer. It can also be served as part of a brunch or buffet spread.
Related Categories
Cooking Method: N/A
Course Type: N/A
Dietary: N/A
Ingredient: N/A
Meal type: N/A
Occassion: N/A
Region: Swedish