Toast Skagen

Toast Skagen is a traditional Swedish dish that was created by the popular Swedish restaurateur, Tore Wretman. Named after the fishing port of Skagen in Denmark, this dish is a classic example of Swedish gourmet cuisine and is often served as a starter in Swedish restaurants.

History

The dish was first introduced in the 1950s by Tore Wretman, who is often credited with popularizing traditional Swedish dishes during a time when home cooking was being replaced by foreign fast food. Wretman named the dish after the Danish town of Skagen, which is known for its seafood, particularly shrimp.

Ingredients and Preparation

Toast Skagen is essentially a shrimp salad served on a small piece of sautéed bread. The main ingredients are peeled shrimp, mayonnaise, and dill. Some variations of the dish also include caviar, lemon juice, and chopped red onion.

The shrimp used in Toast Skagen is typically either fresh or frozen North Atlantic shrimp. The shrimp is mixed with mayonnaise, dill, and often a bit of caviar. This mixture is then spooned onto a piece of bread that has been sautéed in butter until it is crispy. The dish is typically garnished with a sprig of dill and a slice of lemon.

Serving

Toast Skagen is traditionally served as a starter, but it can also be served as a main course. It is often accompanied by a glass of white wine or champagne. Despite its simplicity, Toast Skagen is considered a luxury dish due to the high cost of its ingredients, particularly the shrimp and caviar.

See Also

• Swedish cuisine
• Tore Wretman
• Skagen