We all know that smørrebrød is an institution in Danish cuisine: a slice of rye bread richly topped with fresh and tasty ingredients, served as a main course or appetizer. Beautiful to look at, delicious to eat. Today, I suggest Italian-style variations of the classic smørrebrød, combining elements of Danish cuisine with iconic Italian ingredients. A fusion of flavors that unites Northern and Southern Europe.
As good Italians, we suggest using extra virgin olive oil instead of butter as the base of the dish... I know you might not agree, but I believe that the freshness and complexity of EVO oil (or some flavored oils) can add an extra touch to each of these open sandwiches. I also chose some aging for the parmesan cheese, that I suggest for each recipe, you can of course opt for a different one :-)
1. Smørrebrød with Parma Ham, Arugula, and Balsamic Vinegar
Ingredients:
- 1 slice of Danish rye bread (rugbrød)
- 1-2 thin slices of Parma ham
- Fresh arugula
- Shavings of Parmigiano Reggiano 18 months
- Drops of gourmet balsamic dressing from Modena
- Extra virgin olive oil
Method:
- Drizzle a few drops of olive oil on the rye bread.
- Place the slices of Parma ham on the bread.
- Add a handful of fresh arugula and some Parmigiano shavings.
- Finish with a few drops of balsamic dressing for a touch of sweetness and acidity.
This smørrebrød is a real explosion of flavors. The Parma ham pairs perfectly with the fresh arugula and Parmigiano shavings, while the balsamic from Modena adds depth and an aromatic note.
2. Smørrebrød with Goat Cheese, Honey, and Walnuts
Ingredients:
- 1 slice of rye bread
- Fresh goat cheese
- Acacia or wildflower honey
- Chopped walnuts
- Fresh rosemary for garnish
- Rosemary-flavored olive oil
Method:
- Drizzle a few drops of rosemary-flavored EVO oil on the rye bread.
- Spread a generous amount of fresh goat cheese on the rye bread.
- Add a handful of chopped walnuts and finish with a drizzle of honey.
- Garnish with a sprig of fresh rosemary for an aromatic touch.
This variant is perfect for those who love sweet and savory combinations. The creaminess of the goat cheese pairs well with the sweetness of the honey and the crunchiness of the walnuts, emphasized by the rosemary.
3. Carbonara Smørrebrød
Ingredients:
- 1 slice of Danish rye bread
- Cubes of guanciale riserva
- Grated Parmigiano Reggiano 30 months
- Freshly ground black pepper
- Extra virgin olive oil
Method:
- Drizzle a few drops of extra virgin olive oil on the rye bread.
- Cook the guanciale cubes in a pan until crispy.
- Place the crispy guanciale on the rye bread.
- Add slices of hard-boiled egg.
- Generously sprinkle with grated Parmigiano and freshly ground black pepper.
This smørrebrød is inspired by the famous pasta carbonara, bringing the intense flavors of guanciale and Parmigiano into a simple and tasty format. A perfect combination for those who love hearty and flavorful dishes.
4. Smørrebrød with Truffle Salami, Sun-Dried Tomatoes, and Ricotta
Ingredients:
- Slices of Danish rye bread
- Slices of Voglietta truffle salami
- Sun-dried tomatoes in oil
- Fresh ricotta
- Fresh basil leaves
- Truffle-flavored extra virgin oil
Method:
- Drizzle a few drops of truffle-flavored extra virgin oil on the rye bread.
- Spread a layer of fresh ricotta on the rye bread.
- Top with slices of truffle salami and sun-dried tomatoes.
- Garnish with fresh basil leaves for an aromatic touch.
This smørrebrød combines the intense flavor of Tuscan truffle salami with the sweetness of sun-dried tomatoes and the creaminess of ricotta, creating a balanced dish rich in Mediterranean flavors.
5. Smørrebrød with Buffalo Mozzarella, Pesto, and Cherry Tomatoes
Ingredients:
- Slices of rye bread
- Fresh buffalo mozzarella
- Pesto alla genovese
- Cherry tomatoes
- Basil-flavored extra virgin olive oil
Method:
- Drizzle a few drops of basil-flavored extra virgin oil on the rye bread.
- Add slices of buffalo mozzarella and halved cherry tomatoes.
- Add pesto alla genovese and a basil leaf.
This variant is a celebration of the fresh and light flavors of Southern Italy. The combination of buffalo mozzarella, pesto, and cherry tomatoes is a timeless classic that pairs perfectly with the crunchiness of rye bread, bringing the colors of the Italian flag to a Danish classic.
Conclusion:
Smørrebrød, with its simplicity and versatility, is an excellent base for experimenting with ingredients from different culinary traditions. These five Italian variations of the classic Danish dish bring the richness and variety of Mediterranean cuisine to the table, offering new flavor experiences for those who want to try something different without giving up tradition.
Buon appetito!
Picture from wikipedia commons, license CC BY-SA 3.0
