Week 20 Dinner Menu: Homely Danish Delights

Week 20 Dinner Menu: Homely Danish Delights
Photo by Todd Diemer / Unsplash

Welcome to Week 20 of our dinner menus! This week, we are taking a culinary trip to our friendly neighbours in Denmark to enjoy their hearty and delicious cuisine. From comforting stews to mouth-watering roasts, Danish cuisine is all about simplicity, quality, and comfort.

Monday: Frikadeller with Red Cabbage

Who doesn't love meatballs? Especially when they're Danish meatballs or "frikadeller". Served with sweet and tangy red cabbage, this is comfort food at its finest.

Tuesday: Stegt Flæsk

Stegt Flæsk is Denmark's national dish, and for a good reason. It consists of pork belly, fried until crispy, and served with potatoes and a delicious parsley sauce.

Wednesday: Split Pea Soup

This warm, hearty split pea soup is exactly what you need on a chilly evening. Packed with flavor and served with Danish rye bread, it's a meal in itself.

Thursday: Æbleflæsk

Æbleflæsk is a traditional Danish dish consisting of apples, onions, and bacon. It's a perfect mix of sweet and savory that will have you going back for seconds.

Friday: Danish Roast Beef with Pickles

This Danish roast beef is a showstopper. Served with pickles and a rich gravy, it's a perfect way to end the week.

Shopping List

Meat & Fish:

  • 1 package of ground pork (500 grams)
  • 1 package of ground beef (500 grams)
  • 1 package of pork belly (500 grams)
  • 1 package of ham hock (500 grams)
  • 1 beef roast (1 kg)
  • 1 package of smoked bacon (500 grams)

Fruits & Vegetables:

  • 2 large onions
  • 1 medium red cabbage
  • 1 kg of new potatoes
  • 2 carrots
  • 2 celery stalks
  • 4 tart apples
  • 500 grams of small pickles

Pantry:

  • 1 package of breadcrumbs (100 grams)
  • Salt and pepper
  • 1 package of sugar (200 grams)
  • Red wine vinegar (50 milliliters)
  • 1 cinnamon stick
  • Vegetable oil
  • Dried split peas (500 grams)
  • Rye bread

Dairy:

  • Butter (for frying and for recipes)
  • 1 egg
  • Milk (625 milliliters)
  • 1 package of flour (25 grams)

Herbs:

  • Fresh parsley

Wine Recommendations

Denmark might not be famous for its wines, but its food pairs wonderfully with many different types. Here are our recommendations for this week:

  1. Riesling: A dry Riesling is a great match for the rich flavors of Danish cuisine. Its acidity and citrus notes can cut through the fat of dishes like Stegt Flæsk and Frikadeller.

  2. Pinot Noir: The earthy flavors of a Pinot Noir pair well with the hearty stews and roasts in this menu.

  3. Chardonnay: A lightly oaked Chardonnay can complement the sweetness of dishes like Æbleflæsk.

Danish Spiced Snaps (Aquavit)

To truly round out your Danish dining experience, consider adding a traditional Danish Spiced Snaps, also known as Aquavit, to your meal. This Scandinavian spirit is typically distilled from grain or potatoes and flavored with a variety of herbs and spices, the most common one being caraway.

In Denmark, Aquavit is often served during festive gatherings, especially Christmas and Easter, and is typically enjoyed alongside traditional dishes, such as the ones featured in our Danish-inspired menu for this week. The herbal notes in Aquavit complement the hearty flavors of these meals, making it a match made in culinary heaven.

Remember, Aquavit is best served ice cold in small shot glasses and should be sipped slowly to fully appreciate its unique flavor profile. It also serves as a great digestive after a rich meal.

Skål (That's 'Cheers!' in Danish) to a week of delightful Danish dining!

Read more