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The Norsewood Kokebok

Posted by caitlin@nznaturalclothing.co.nz BigCommerce on 4th Dec 2025

From cosy Nordic kitchens to your own home, we've gathered three delicious Scandinavian dishes that celebrate comfort, simplicity and timeless flavour.

Dive into the savoury warmth of Norwegian meatballs, enjoy the earthy freshness of a Swedish mushroom salad and finish with the sweet, cloud-like delight of a traditional Norwegian cream cake.

Whether you're sharing a meal with family, hosting friends or simply treating yourself to something special, these recipes bring a little Scandinavian comfort to the table.

So, set the table, put the kettle on and enjoy three delicious favourites inspired by the flavours of Scandinavia.

Recipe One: Norwegian Meatballs (Kjøttkaker)

Meatballs

Ingredients – Meatballs

  • 500 g minced beef

  • 1 onion, finely chopped

  • 2 tablespoons potato starch or cornflour

  • Olive oil or butter, for frying

  • ½ teaspoon nutmeg

  • ½ teaspoon salt

  • 1 egg

Method

  1. Combine the potato starch or cornflour, nutmeg and salt in a large bowl.

  2. Add the egg, chopped onion and minced beef. Mix until well combined.

  3. Shape the mixture into evenly sized meatballs.

  4. Heat a little olive oil or butter in a frying pan over medium heat.

  5. Fry the meatballs, turning occasionally, until evenly browned and cooked through.

Ingredients – Gravy

  • 3 cups beef stock

  • 1 cup milk or cream

  • 50 g butter

  • ½ cup flour

  • Black pepper, to taste

  • 100 g Norwegian brown cheese (brunost)

Method

  1. Melt the butter in a saucepan over medium heat.

  2. Stir in the flour and cook briefly, stirring continuously, to form a smooth paste.

  3. Gradually whisk in the beef stock, followed by the milk or cream, stirring to prevent lumps.

  4. Bring to a gentle simmer and stir until the gravy begins to thicken.

  5. Add the brown cheese in small pieces and continue stirring until melted and combined.

  6. Season with black pepper to taste.

Serve the meatballs with the gravy, boiled or mashed potatoes, mashed peas and a spoonful of lingonberry preserves.

Recipe Two: Swedish Mushroom Salad (Svensk)

mushroom salad

Ingredients

  • 1 bunch kale

  • 1 punnet white button mushrooms

Dressing

  • 1 tablespoon red wine vinegar

  • ¼ cup salad oil

  • Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste

Method

  1. Wash the kale thoroughly, remove the tough stems and finely shred the leaves.

  2. Clean the mushrooms and cut them into thin slices.

  3. Combine the kale and mushrooms in a large bowl.

  4. In a separate small bowl, whisk together the red wine vinegar and salad oil.

  5. Season the dressing with salt and pepper to taste.

  6. Pour the dressing over the salad and toss gently until evenly coated.

  7. Leave to stand for approximately 10 minutes to allow the flavours to combine.

Serve fresh as a light side dish or alongside your favourite Scandinavian-inspired meal.

Recipe Three: Norwegian Cream Cake (Bløtkake)

Creamy cake

A light, layered sponge cake filled with fruit, custard and cream. A wonderfully indulgent way to finish a Scandinavian-inspired meal!

Ingredients – Sponge

  • 5 eggs

  • 2 cups sugar

  • Flour – quantity to be confirmed (original recipe reads “2 12 cups”)

  • 2 heaped teaspoons baking powder

Ingredients – Filling and Decoration

  • Apple juice, for moistening the sponge

  • 3 tablespoons strawberry jam

  • 5 tablespoons vanilla custard

  • 4 bananas, mashed

  • 1½ cups cream, whipped

  • 2 teaspoons sugar

  • Pineapple, strawberries or other seasonal fruit, for decoration

Method

  1. Preheat the oven to 180°C. Grease and line a springform cake tin.

  2. Beat the eggs and sugar together until the mixture is pale, thick and creamy.

  3. Sift the flour and baking powder together, then gently fold into the egg mixture.

  4. Pour the batter into the prepared cake tin and place it on a baking tray.

  5. Bake for approximately 30–40 minutes, or until the sponge is cooked through and a skewer inserted into the centre comes out clean.

  6. Remove from the oven and allow the cake to cool completely.

  7. Carefully slice the sponge horizontally into two or three layers.

  8. Place the bottom layer on a serving plate and lightly moisten it with apple juice.

  9. Combine the vanilla custard, strawberry jam and mashed bananas, then spread some of the mixture over the sponge.

  10. Repeat with the remaining sponge layers and filling, leaving the top layer uncovered.

  11. Whip the cream with the sugar, if not already sweetened, until it holds soft peaks.

  12. Spread the whipped cream over the top of the cake.

  13. Decorate with pineapple, strawberries or your favourite seasonal fruit.

  14. Refrigerate until ready to serve.

A little Scandinavian indulgence, perfect for sharing!

Bring a Little Scandinavia Home

These three recipes are a wonderful way to celebrate the traditional flavours and comforting food of Scandinavia.

And if you've enjoyed this little culinary journey, why not discover more recipes and stories inspired by Norsewood's Scandinavian heritage?

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