Icelandic food offers an array of traditional dishes. Most of the recipes of Icelandic cuisine are a result of influence of other cuisines such as Danish, French, Italian, and American. Icelandic food preparation makes use of cheese in plenty and fish, lamb and dairy product are also used in many dishes. The abundant supply of fish makes the cuisine rich in fish recipes. Skyr and Kleinur are the two most relished Icelandic food recipes.
Historical And Cultural Influences On Icelandic Cuisine
The cuisine of Iceland can be roughly divided into three parts; traditional Icelandic recipes, Danish influence and modern cuisine of Iceland. The cookbooks written about this cuisine demonstrated Danish influences in the culinary tradition of this place. The rule of Denmark in Iceland has been for over a number of years. Many Icelandic food recipes are derived from Denmark and the major influence can be seen through the baking techniques. Danish pastries are still available in Iceland but they are not found now in Denmark.
The present day cuisine is based on innovation where the chefs want to retain the traditional cuisine and move ahead by adding some new recipes in the existing cuisine.
Cooking Methods Adopted By Icelandic Cuisine
Baking, salting, smoking, preserving and grilling are the most used cooking techniques in preparation of Icelandic foods.
Commonly Used Ingredients Of Icelandic Cuisine
Dairy products are used in almost all the dishes. Icelandic food is rich in cheese and over 80 varieties of cheese are produced in Iceland. Seabirds and water fowls are consumed in plenty. Salmon, trout, wild mushrooms, rhubarb, angelica, dried seaweed and wild thyme are the main ingredients used in number of dishes. Turnips, cabbage, tomatoes, potatoes, and cucumbers added as ingredients in many Icelandic food recipes.
Major Everyday Icelandic Food Recipes
The Icelandic people usually eat two to three meals per day. Bread soup and fish pate are the most popular dishes of Iceland. Rice pudding with raisins and Kleina, a traditional pastry is often consumed as a dessert. Lamb, fish and dairy products are majorly eaten in day to day lives.
Traditional Icelandic Food Recipes
Thorramatur- It is a range of traditional foods of Iceland which is usually enjoyed during the time period of January to March. The foods are preserved through salting, drying and smoking. Some of the food in this range are salted lamb, singed sheep heads, smoked salmon, cured shark and dried fish.
Popular Beverages
The most consumed beverage of Iceland is Brennivin.
Trivia- Icelandic Cuisine
Icelander food consists of horse, reindeer and beef meat.