Raspeballer
Often eaten: Often enjoyed during special family gatherings.
Known for: Western Norway
Family GatheringTraditional
3 dishes to discover
Food of Norway
Norway is a land of breathtaking fjords and rich culture, and its food is just as amazing! Norwegian dishes are full of flavors from the sea and the countryside. From delicious salmon and tasty cheese to hearty stews, there's so much to enjoy. The natural ingredients make each meal special and yummy, perfect for filling your tummy on a chilly day!
Featured Dishes
Meal Culture
In Norway, meals are a special time for family and friends to come together. People love to eat fresh food, especially seafood, to celebrate their long coastline.
Eating Etiquette
In Norway, it's polite to wait for everyone to get their food before you start eating. People usually have three meals a day, and they enjoy chatting during meals.
When People Eat It
Fårikål
Often eaten: Most commonly served in autumn.
Known for: Nationwide
National DishAutumn
Kjøttkaker
Often eaten: Commonly served for dinner.
Known for: Nationwide
Everyday Meal
Make It Yourself
👩🍳 Cook together! Always ask a grown-up to help with hot or sharp steps.
RaspeballerRaspeballer
Makes 6 dumplingsIngredients
- 5 potatoesPotatoes, grated raw
- 1 cup (200 g)Cooked mashed potato
- 1 cup (125 g)Flour
- 1 tspSalt
- 2 tbspButter, to serve
How to Make It
- 1Squeeze the grated raw potato in a towel to remove water.
- 2Mix the grated potato, mashed potato, flour, and salt into a sticky dough.
- 3Shape the dough into large balls.
- 4Ask a grown-up to gently boil a big pot of salted water.
- 5Lower the balls in and simmer for about 30 minutes, until they float and feel firm.
- 6Serve hot with butter — a hearty Norwegian potato dumpling.
FårikålFårikål
Makes 4 servingsIngredients
- 2 lb (900 g)Lamb pieces
- 1 cabbageCabbage, in wedges
- 1 tbspWhole black peppercorns
- 1 tspSalt
- 2 cups (475 ml)Water
- to serveBoiled potatoes
How to Make It
- 1Layer the lamb and cabbage wedges in a big pot.
- 2Sprinkle the peppercorns and salt between the layers.
- 3Pour in the water.
- 4Ask a grown-up to bring it to a boil, then cover and simmer for about 2 hours.
- 5The lamb should be falling-apart tender and the cabbage soft.
- 6Serve with boiled potatoes — Norway's national dish for autumn.
KjøttkakerKjøttkaker
Makes 4 servingsIngredients
- 1 lb (450 g)Ground beef
- 1/2 onionOnion, grated
- 2 tbspPotato starch or flour
- 1/4 cup (60 ml)Milk
- 1/2 tsp eachNutmeg and ginger
- 1 1/2 cups (360 ml)Brown gravy
How to Make It
- 1Mix the beef, onion, starch, milk, nutmeg, and ginger into a smooth meat mixture.
- 2Shape it into large flat patties.
- 3Ask a grown-up to fry the patties in a pan until browned on both sides.
- 4Warm the brown gravy in a small pot.
- 5Pour the gravy over the meat cakes and let them simmer for 10 minutes.
- 6Serve with potatoes and peas — a Norwegian comfort dinner.
Vocabulary
Norwegian meals, like meals in many places, are important for family time and tradition. Just like families in the US enjoy pizza together, Norwegians enjoy dishes like 'Fårikål' and 'Raspeballer' with loved ones.