Indulge in the pristine flavors of the Arctic with our Greenland Smoked Arctic Char. Sourced from the icy waters of Greenland, this premium delicacy is meticulously smoked to perfection, capturing the essence of the frigid north. With its delicate texture and rich, smoky flavor, each bite transports you to the untamed wilderness of the Arctic. Perfect as an appetizer or as a centerpiece for your culinary creations, elevate your dining experience with the exquisite taste of Greenland Smoked Arctic Char.

Ingredients:

• 1 lb (450g) Arctic char fillets
• 1/4 cup sea salt
• 1/4 cup brown sugar
• 1 tablespoon crushed juniper berries
• 1 tablespoon crushed black peppercorns
• 1 tablespoon crushed coriander seeds
• 1 tablespoon crushed fennel seeds
• 1 tablespoon crushed dill seeds (optional)
• Cold water
• Alder wood chips for smoking (or wood chips of your choice)

Instructions:

Prepare the Brine: In a large bowl, mix together the sea salt, brown sugar, crushed juniper berries, black peppercorns, coriander seeds, fennel seeds, and dill seeds (if using). Stir until well combined.

Brine the Arctic Char: Place the Arctic char fillets in a shallow dish or a resealable plastic bag. Pour the brine mixture over the fish, ensuring that it is completely submerged. Cover the dish or seal the bag and refrigerate for 6 to 8 hours, or overnight for best results.

Rinse and Dry: After brining, remove the fish from the brine and rinse thoroughly under cold water to remove excess salt. Pat the fillets dry with paper towels and let them air-dry for about 30 minutes to form a pellicle (a tacky surface layer that helps the smoke adhere to the fish).

Prepare the Smoker: Meanwhile, soak the alder wood chips in water for at least 30 minutes to prevent them from burning too quickly during smoking. Preheat your smoker to around 180-200°F (82-93°C).

Smoke the Arctic Char: Once the smoker is preheated and the fish has formed a pellicle, place the Arctic char fillets directly on the smoker racks, skin-side down. Add the soaked wood chips to the smoker box or directly onto the coals.

Smoke the fish for about 2 to 3 hours, or until the internal temperature reaches 145°F (63°C). Keep an eye on the temperature and adjust the heat as needed to maintain a consistent smoking environment.

Rest and Serve: Once smoked to perfection, carefully remove the Arctic char from the smoker and let it rest for a few minutes before serving. The smoked Arctic char can be enjoyed warm or chilled, and it pairs wonderfully with fresh herbs, lemon wedges, or your favorite dipping sauce.

Storage: Any leftover smoked Arctic char can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Enjoy it on its own, flaked over salads, or as a delicious addition to sandwiches and wraps.

Nutritional Values:

Here's an approximate breakdown of the nutritional values for the main ingredients in the Greenland Smoked Arctic Char recipe:

Arctic Char Fillets (per 3.5 oz or 100g serving):

• Calories: 140
• Protein: 19g
• Fat: 6g
• Saturated Fat: 1.3g
• Cholesterol: 60mg
• Sodium: 50mg

benefits:

• Rich in protein, essential for muscle repair and growth.
• High in omega-3 fatty acids, which are beneficial for heart health and brain function.
• Good source of vitamin D, important for bone health and immune function.

Sea Salt (per teaspoon):

• Calories: 0
• Sodium: 2,325mg
• No significant source of other nutrients

benefits:

• Provides essential sodium, necessary for maintaining fluid balance, nerve function, and muscle contractions.
• Contains trace minerals such as magnesium, potassium, and calcium, which play roles in various bodily functions.

Brown Sugar (per tablespoon):

• Calories: 52
• Carbohydrates: 13.4g
• Sugars: 13.3g
• No significant source of protein, fat, or other nutrients

benefits:

• Adds sweetness and flavor to the dish.
• Contains carbohydrates, providing quick energy for the body.

Juniper Berries (per tablespoon, crushed):

• Calories: 12
• Carbohydrates: 3g
• Fiber: 1.3g
• No significant source of protein, fat, or other nutrients

benefits:

• Possess antioxidant properties that help protect cells from damage.
• May have anti-inflammatory effects and aid in digestion.

Black Peppercorns (per tablespoon, crushed):

• Calories: 15
• Carbohydrates: 3.6g
• Fiber: 1.8g
• Protein: 0.6g
• Fat: 0.4g

benefits:

• Contains piperine, a compound that may enhance nutrient absorption and improve digestion.
• Has antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties.

Coriander Seeds (per tablespoon, crushed):

• Calories: 15
• Carbohydrates: 2.8g
• Fiber: 2.1g
• Protein: 0.6g
• Fat: 0.9g

benefits:

• Rich in antioxidants that may help reduce inflammation and lower the risk of chronic diseases.
• Contains fiber, which promotes digestive health and may help lower cholesterol levels.

Fennel Seeds (per tablespoon, crushed):

• Calories: 20
• Carbohydrates: 3.6g
• Fiber: 2.3g
• Protein: 0.9g
• Fat: 0.8g

benefits:

• Aid digestion and relieve bloating and gas.
• Contains antioxidants and fiber, which contribute to overall health and well-being.

Dill Seeds (per tablespoon, crushed):

• Calories: 17
• Carbohydrates: 2.4g
• Fiber: 1.8g
• Protein: 1.2g
• Fat: 0.7g

benefits:

• May help soothe digestion and alleviate gastrointestinal discomfort.
• Contains vitamins and minerals such as calcium, iron, and magnesium.

Please note that these values are approximate and can vary based on factors such as brand, preparation method, and serving size. Additionally, the nutritional values for the brine ingredients (sea salt, brown sugar, and crushed spices) are based on the amount used in the recipe and may not reflect the actual amount consumed, as much of the brine is rinsed off before cooking.