It's the start of summer in Norway, with longer days and beautiful weather. Berries are blooming in the forests. People everywhere are enjoying walks with family and friends, the days are suddenly endlessly long. The midnight sun guides the way. Casual summer days make room for escaping to the cabin, and relaxing hours of fishing.
It is a joy to visit local Norwegian markets in the summer. Vegetable stalls are piled high with the season’s bountiful harvest. Fishmongers sell fresh fish every day. Eating is a pleasure, and very few ingredients are required to make a delicious meal. Dessert can be as simple as a bowl of summer strawberries.
Enjoy summer with these healthy recipes from Aarja Health!
New potato salad
4 servings
New potatoes are a taste of summer in Norway. The season for these extends over two months, from mid-June to mid-August. This recipe for new potato salad is a must at any barbecue. Traditionally, many use mayonnaise, while this version is a lighter and healthier option.
Ingredients
• 1.5 kilos of new potatoes
• 75 ml white wine vinegar
• 150 ml extra virgin olive oil
• 2 tablespoons whole grain mustard
• A pinch of salt
• 3 pickles, chopped
• 2 handfuls dill, chopped
Here's how you do it:
1. Boil the potatoes until tender, about 20 minutes. Drain the water and cool.
2. Whisk together white wine vinegar, olive oil, mustard and salt in a bowl.
3. Cut the potatoes into 5 centimeter pieces and place in a bowl.
4. Drizzle over the vinaigrette.
5. Add the pickles and dill. Stir well.
6. Refrigerate for at least two hours.
Cucumber salad
4 servings
This simple salad is made by covering cucumbers with a homemade pickling liquid. Cucumbers hold a lot of water and help hydrate the body. This is especially beneficial during the summer months.
Ingredients
• 1 medium cucumber, cut into very thin slices with the skin on
• 60 ml white wine vinegar
• 60 ml water
• 1 teaspoon kosher salt
• 4 tablespoons flat-leaf parsley, chopped
Here's how you do it:
1. Combine vinegar, water, salt, and sweetener in a pan over medium-high heat to make a pickling liquid.
2. Let cool
3. Place the cucumber in a shallow bowl.
4. Cover with liquid.
5. Refrigerate covered for 2 hours.
6. To serve, sprinkle with parsley.
7. Store leftovers in the refrigerator for up to three days.
Skewers with Norwegian salmon and vegetables
Salmon is a healthy source of protein and omega 3. Norwegian salmon is some of the best in the world.
4 servings
Ingredients
• 8 wooden skewers soaked in water before use
• 400 grams Norwegian salmon, thick slices
• 16 small tomatoes
• 1 small squash, cut into thick slices
• 1 red bell pepper, diced
• Olive oil
• Salt and pepper to taste
Here's how you do it:
1. Thread the ingredients onto the skewers.
2. Sprinkle with a little olive oil.
3. Sprinkle with salt and pepper.
4. Place on a hot grill and cook until the salmon is cooked through.