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Lamb stew

Lamb stew

The roots of Iceland’s cuisine come from the Scandinavian cuisine after Norse Vikings settled here during the 9th century and onwards.
In the past, resources in Iceland were few and far between; the lack of sunlight severely limited fishing and hunting options, and the island’s isolation under the Arctic Circle made the importation of goods and food items difficult at best.
For centuries, therefore, Icelanders maintained a simple diet that reflected the harsh natural circumstances in which they struggled to survive.
However, the key elements of the Icelandic diet have changed very little since the country’s settlement over a thousand years ago, with the most popular dishes still being fish, lamb and the Icelandic skyr. Skyr is an Icelandic dairy product, and it’s been a provision of Icelanders for nearly 1,000 years.
Considering the lack of ingredients in Iceland, with the land being barren and infertile, Icelanders have always had to get creative when it comes to cooking.
Although it is not eaten quite as much today, dried stockfish using fresh fish, mainly haddock, Atlantic wolffish or cod remains one of the most popular dishes of the old Icelandic tradition.
Along with the fish, sheep have been the lifeblood of this nation since its arrival with the Vikings.Still today you can find traditionally cured meat in grocery stores and restaurants

Baked salmon fillets  Print Recipe


Serves: 4
Preparation time: 15 minutes
Cooking time:15 minutes
1/2 cup soft unsalted butter
2 tablespoons lemon juice
1 1/2 tablespoons chopped chives
2 teaspoons grainy Dijon mustard
1 teaspoon grated lemon peel
to taste salt and pepper
4 6-ounce salmon fillets, boned
Preheat oven to 400 degrees. In a small bowl, mix butter, half of the lemon juice, chopped chives, mustard, lemon peel, salt and pepper until well blended.
Line a baking sheet with foil. Rub one tablespoon of mustard-chive butter over foil. Place fillets skin side down on foil and spoon about one teaspoon of lemon juice on each fillet. Season with salt and pepper.
Top each fillet with one tablespoon of mustard-chive butter. Bake for 12 to 15 minutes.

PRESENTATION

Using a slotted spatula, place the fish fillets in the center of warm plates. Spoon the chive-butter sauce over. Serve hot.

Basic crepes  Print Recipe

The crepes can be stuffed with an endless variety of ingredints and rolled. Cut across into bite-size as appetizers.
Serves: 10
Preparation time:15 minutes
Cooking time:30 minutes
2 cups + 3 tbsp (500ml) whole milk
4 large eggs, beaten
3 tbsp (45g) unsalted butter, melted
2 cups (250g) All-purpose Flour
1/2 tsp salt
1 tbsp (12g) of white sugar
1 tbsp (15ml) Rum or 1 tsp of vanilla extract

To Cook
2 tbsp softened butter
1. Place the milk and eggs in a bowl. Whisk to combine.
2. Add the butter, rum or vanilla and whisk it in.
3. Place the flour, salt and sugar in a large bowl.
4. Add about ¾ – 1 cup of the liquid and mix gently to form a smooth paste.
5. Add the rest of the liquid and mix to form a smooth, watery batter. You can put it through a fine meshed strainer, and it will come out lump-free.
6. Cover the batter and let it rest for at least 20 – 30 minutes. The batter can be kept in the refrigerated for a day.
Cooking the Crepes
1. Preheat a 10-inch non-stick pan over medium heat.
2. Brush butter on the heated pan.
3. Always mix the batter first, before you make each crepe.
4. Pour ¼ cup of the batter into the hot pan, and swirl to coat the bottom of the pan. Swirl and spread the batter along the edge of the pan first and then fill the middle with the remaining crepe batter. Make sure the batter is as evenly spread as possible.
5. Place the pan back on the heat to let the crepe cook.
6. cook the crepes until the edges are starting to brown become a little crisp (about 40 seconds). Flip the crepes over and cook for a further 10 – 15 seconds on the other side until the crepes has turned light brown Repeat until all the batter is used up.
7. Stack the cooked crepes on a plate. Cover with film wrap when cold. When ready to use, you can warm them up gently in a frying pan withor without butter.

Cod and potato chowder  Print Recipe


Serves: 6
Preparation time: 20 minutes
Cooking time:40 minutes
3 ounces salt pork, diced
8 ounces chopped onion
1 clove minced garlic
1 bay leaf
1/4 teaspoon thyme
2 parsley stems
1/2 teaspoon saffron
1 pound diced potatoes
1 quart fish stock
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon white pepper
1 cup milk
1 1/2 pounds boneless cod
1 tablespoon parsley
In a suitable soup pot, cook the salt pork until lightly brown. Stir in the onion, garlic, bay leaf, thyme, parsley stems, and saffron. Cook over low heat for 5 minutes. Add the potatoes and fish stock. Season with salt and pepper. Bring to a boil and simmer for 30 minutes.
A few minutes before serving, cut cod into cubes and add to soup. Simmer for 5 minutes. Add milk and parsley. Heat before serving.

Cod fritters  Print Recipe

To desalt the cod, soak for 24 hours, changing water twice
Serves: 5
Preparation time: 20 minutes
Cooking time:30 minutes
1 pound salt cod, desalted
4 large eggs
1/4 cup minced fresh flat leaf parsley
1 large clove garlic, minced
1 tablespoon finely chopped onion
4 tablespoons mayonnaise
pinch cayenne
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper
1 1/2 cups dried breadcrumbs
flour for dredging
8 cups canola oil .
Bring a large pot of water to a boil and then reduce the heat so that the water is simmering. Add the salt cod and cover tightly. Turn off the heat and let the cod sit until the fish can be pulled apart with a fork but is still moist, 10 to 15 minutes.
Remove the fish from the water. When cool enough to handle, remove any bones and break up the fish.
Put the fish in a food processor and process until uniformly mashed. Add 2 of the eggs and process until well incorporated and the mixture is fluffy. Transfer the mixture to a bowl and stir in the parsley, garlic, onion, mayonnaise, cayenne, salt and pepper.
Gradually add 1/3 to 1/2 cup of the breadcrumbs and mix them in; stop adding when the mixture is stiff. Moisten your hands and shape the mixture into small disks about 2 1/2 inches wide and 1 inch thick.
In a bowl, beat the remaining 2 eggs; put the flour on one piece of waxed paper and the remaining breadcrumbs on another.
Dredge the disks in the flour, dip in the beaten egg, and roll in the breadcrumbs. Refrigerate for 30 minutes.
Heat the oil in a deep fryer or a deep stockpot to 375 degrees. Deep fry the fritters, a few at a time, until deep golden brown. Drain the fritters on paper towels.
Serve with tomato sauce, mayonnaise or tartar sauce.

Codfish cakes  Print Recipe


Serves: 6
Preparation time:30 minutes
Cooking time:30 minutes
1 cup chopped onions
1 tablespoon butter
2 pounds cooked codfish
3 cups cooked potatoes, cut up (about 3 medium potatoes)
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon white pepper
2 eggs
1 teaspoon prepared mustard
1 teaspoon Worcestershire
3 tablespoons parsley
1 cup seasoned bread crumbs
1/3 cup olive oil
2 tablespoons butter
Melt butter in a frying pan. Add onion and sauté for 5 minutes over low heat. Chop potatoes coarsely. Flake the cod flesh. Combine potatoes, salt and pepper, onion, eggs, mustard, Worcestershire sauce, and parsley.
Add the flaked fish and blend well. Spoon the mixture onto a baking sheet and smooth it over. Chill.
Shape the mixture into 12 round cakes. Coat the cakes with breadcrumbs.
Heat half of oil and butter in a skillet, and brown the cakes on both sides about 4-5 minutes per side.

Deep-fried cod patties  Print Recipe


Serves: 6
Preparation time: 20 minutes
Cooking time:30 minutes
1 pound salted cod
1 pound mashed potatoes
1 tablespoon parsley
1 teaspoon dry mustard
1/4 teaspoon white pepper
2 beaten eggs
Soak the cod in cold water for 12 hours. Drain and poach, starting with fresh cold water. Simmer for 15 minutes or until fish becomes flaky. Drain and flake the fish. Combine with the remaining ingredients.
Shape into patties, allowing two per person.
Deep fry at 375 F (190 C) until brown. Arrange on a serving platter and serve hot.
Note: use any leftover fresh or salted codfish for this recipe. Serve with a sauce.

Easy beef stew  Print Recipe


Serves: 8
Preparation time: 30 minutes
Cooking time:3 hours
1/4 cup (60 mL) all-purpose flour
1/2 tsp (2 mL) salt
1/4 tsp (1 mL) pepper
1 lb (454 g) stewing beef cubes
1 tbsp (15 mL) vegetable oil
2 onions, chopped
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 tsp (5 mL) dried thyme
1/2 tsp (2 mL) dried oregano
1 bay leaf
4 large carrots
2 stalks celery
1/2 small rutabaga, peeled
2 cups (500 mL) beef stock
1 can (19 oz/540 mL) tomatoes
4 potatoes, peeled and quartered
1 cup (250 mL) frozen peas or beans
1 tbsp (15 mL) red wine vinegar
1/4 cup (60 mL) fresh parsley, chopped
In heavy plastic bag, shake together flour, salt and pepper. In batches, add beef and shake to coat, reserving any remaining flour. In Dutch oven, heat oil over medium-high heat; brown meat all over, in batches and adding up to1 tbsp (15 mL) more oil if necessary. Transfer to plate.

Reduce heat to medium-low. Add onions, garlic, thyme, oregano, bay leaf and remaining flour; cook, scraping up brown bits from bottom of pan, until softened, about 5 minutes. Return beef and any accumulated juices to pan.

Meanwhile, cut carrots, celery and rutabaga into 2-inch (5 cm) chunks. Add to pan along with stock and tomatoes; bring to boil. Reduce heat, cover and simmer over medium-low heat or in 325°F (160°C) oven, stirring once or twice, for 1-1/2 hours. Add potatoes; cook for 1 hour or until tender. Add peas and vinegar; cook for 2 minutes. Discard bay leaf. Stir in parsley.

Icelandic oatmeal pancakes  Print Recipe

The traditional recipe for lummur or Icelandic Oatmeal Pancakes uses leftover oatmeal.
Serves: 6
Preparation time:10 minutes
Cooking time:15 minutes
1 1/4 cup cup flour
3/4 cup rolled oats
1 tbsp sugar
1 tsp baking powder
1/2 tsp cardamom
1 pinch salt
1 egg, beaten
1 cup milk
1. Mix dry ingredients together in a bowl.
2. Add egg and milk. Whisk until combined. Let stand for 10 minutes for the oats to soften.
3. Cook the pancakes on a hot buttered griddle for 1-2 minutes each side.
4. Serve with savory smoked fish, or with sweet jams.

Lamb stew  Print Recipe


Serves: 8
Preparation time: 30 minutes
Cooking time:1 hour 30 minutes
4 pounds lamb shoulder, cut into 2 inch pieces
3 tablespoons olive oil
1 large onion, finely chopped
4 cloves garlic, crushed and chopped
3 tablespoons tomato paste
3 tablespoons flour
salt and black ground pepper to taste
1 bouquet garni
1 tablespoon chopped parsley

Garnish:
1 pound carrots, peeled
1 pound white turnips, peeled
8 ounces green peas
8 ounces green beans, trimmed
8 ounces pearl onions, peeled
1 1/2 pounds potatoes, peeled

Preheat oven to 350 degrees.
In oven-proof skillet, heat up oil to a smoking point. Brown the lamb pieces. Add onions. Mix with he lamb and brown lightly. Sprinkle the meat with the flour and mix well. Place in the oven for 5 minutes to brown the flour.
Take out of the oven, cover the meat with water. Add tomato paste, garlic, bouquet garni, salt and pepper.
Cover pot, and cook the stew in the oven for 30 minutes.
Evenly shape the carrots, turnips, and potatoes into small footballs. Cut the beans into 1 inch pieces.
Add potatoes and all vegetables to stew. Continue baking until meat and vegetables are tender.
Transfer stew to a serving dish. Sprinkle with parsley and serve hot.

Lamb stock  Print Recipe


Preparation time: 30 minutes
Cooking time:4 hours
5 pounds lamb shanks, or neck bones
2 medium unpeeled onions, quartered
2 medium carrots, halved lengthwise
2 bay leaves
2 sprigs thyme
2 sprigs parsley
10 whole black peppercorns
Preheat oven to 500 degrees. Place the lamb shanks, or neck bones in a roasting pan and roast in oven turning occasionally, until browned on all sides, about 20 minutes.
Transfer the lamb to a large stock pot, and add onions, carrots, bay leaves, thyme, parsley and peppercorns.
Add 1 quart of water to roasting pan. Heat and scrape any bits on bottom of pan. Add liquid to stock pot with 3 quarts of water to cover bones.
Bring to a boil and simmer for 2 to 3 hours, skimming occasionally. Strain stock into a large saucepan. Let cool, then cover and refrigerate for up to 3 days. Remove the fat from top before using.

Pan-smoked salmon  Print Recipe

This is a home-made hot smoked salmon that gives great results. Use a 10 to 11 inch round cast-iron skillet, a round wire cake rack with 1 inch high feet to sit in the bottom of the skillet.
Serves: 4
Preparation time: 3 hours
Cooking time:15 minutes
2 teaspoons sugar
1 teaspoon coarse salt
1 teaspoon freshly ground pepper
4 4-ounce salmon fillets
1 tablespoon wood chips
1 teaspoon olive oil
In a small bowl, combine the sugar, salt, and pepper.
Place the salmon fillets in a shallow dish, and sprinkle the mixture over each fillet. Turn the fillets over. Cover dish with plastic wrap, and refrigerate for 1 to 3 hours.
Line a 10-inch round cast-iron skillet with aluminum foil.
Cut a 2-inch hole in the center where the wood chips will be placed in direct contact with the bottom of the skillet.
Heat the skillet over high heat until very hot, about 3 to 5 minutes.
Line a heavy lid to fit the skillet. Brush the salmon fillets with the olive oil.
Arrange the wood chips in center of hot pan. Place a wire rack with 1-inch high feet in the hot skillet.
Arrange the salmon fillets on the rack. Cover tightly. Reduce the heat to medium. Smoke the salmon fillets for about 10 minutes.
Test the inside of fillets for doneness.
Serve at once or refrigerate and serve cold.

Potato pancakes with smoked salmon and creme fraiche  Print Recipe


Serves: 4
Preparation time:15 minutes
Cooking time:20 minutes
2 lbs peeled and cubed potatoes
1/4 cup cream
1/4 cup wheat flour or cornstarch
2 eggs, lightly beaten
5 oz (150 g) smoked salmon slices
2 tbsp creme fraiche or light sour cream
garnish chives and lemon wedges
Cook potatoes in salted water for 10-15 minutes until tender. Drain well and mash with 1 tablespoon cream.
Transfer potato to a large bowl. Whisk in flour, eggs and remaining cream. Season to taste.
Heat a large non-stick frying pan on medium spray with oil.
Add batter to the pan in 1/4 - cup measures. Cook pancakes, in batches, for 3-4 minutes, then flip over and cook for 2-3 minutes until golden and cooked through.
Transfer cooked pancakes to a baking tray and keep warm in the oven. Top pancakes with smoked salmon, creme fraiche and snipped chives. Serve with lemon wedges.

The pan-seared salmon   Print Recipe

A Simple, quick weeknight meal. Can be doubled
Serves: 2
Preparation time:20 minutes
Cooking time:12 minutes
two 8-oz salmon fillets with skin on
Brine: 3 Tablespoons of salt dissolved in 4 cups of water
1 teaspoon vegetable oil
1 recipe Sauce beurre blanc
Steamed red potatoes.
parsley for garnish
Immerse the salmon fillets in the cold brine for 15 minutes. Make the sauce while the salmon is in the brine.
Remove from the solution, pat to dry the excess moisture ensures that the fillets will cook to a golden brown.

Start the fillets skin side down in a cold oiled pan allows the interior to start cooking through gently; then, when the pan is fully hot, flip the fillets so that a crust can form on the flesh side and the fish can finish cooking through, about 10 minutes for a 1-inch thick fillet. Remove the skin.
Serve with steamed potatoes and beurre blanc.
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