Svið

Svið

Svið is a traditional Icelandic dish consisting of a sheep's head cut in half, singed to remove the fur, and boiled with the brain removed. The eyes and ears are not removed and can be eaten. It is a common dish in Iceland and is often eaten during the traditional winter feast of Þorrablót.

History

The tradition of eating Svið dates back to the Viking Age, when no part of the slaughtered animals was wasted due to the harsh living conditions in Iceland. The dish is mentioned in several sagas, indicating its importance in the Icelandic diet.

Preparation

The preparation of Svið involves several steps. First, the sheep's head is cut in half and the fur is singed off. The brain is then removed, and the head is boiled for about 1-2 hours. Some people prefer to remove the eyes and ears before eating, while others eat the entire head.

Cultural significance

Svið is often associated with the traditional Icelandic winter feast of Þorrablót, where it is served along with other traditional dishes such as hákarl (fermented shark), hrútspungar (ram's testicles), and lifrarpylsa (liver sausage). Despite its unusual appearance, Svið is considered a delicacy by many Icelanders.

See also

• Icelandic cuisine
• Þorrablót
• Hákarl
• Hrútspungar
• Lifrarpylsa

This Icelandic food-related article is a stub. You can help WikiMD by expanding it.