Experience the authentic flavors of Iceland with this classic dish. Hangikjöt, tender smoked lamb, is paired with hearty rye bread, known as rúgbrauð, creating a harmonious blend of savory and earthy tastes. A staple of Icelandic cuisine, this dish offers a glimpse into the country's rich culinary heritage, perfect for those seeking a unique and satisfying meal.

Here's a recipe for Hangikjöt og Rúgbrauð, Icelandic smoked lamb and rye bread:

Ingredients:

For the Hangikjöt (Smoked Lamb):

  - 1 kg (2.2 lbs) lamb leg, boneless

  - 2-3 tsp liquid smoke

  - 1 tsp ground black pepper

  - 1 tsp ground paprika

  - 1 tsp salt

  - Water, for boiling

For the Rúgbrauð (Rye Bread):

  - 300g (2 1/4 cups) rye flour

  - 200g (1 1/2 cups) all-purpose flour

  - 1 tsp baking soda

  - 1 tsp salt

  - 400ml (1 2/3 cups) buttermilk

  - 100ml (1/2 cup) dark syrup (such as molasses or golden syrup)

Instructions:

For the Hangikjöt (Smoked Lamb):

1- Preheat the oven to 180°C (350°F).

2- Rub the lamb leg with liquid smoke, black pepper, paprika, and salt, ensuring it's evenly coated.

3- Place the lamb in a roasting pan and add enough water to cover the bottom of the pan.

4- Cover the pan with aluminum foil and roast for about 2-3 hours, or until the lamb is tender and cooked through.

5- Remove from the oven and let it cool before slicing thinly.

For the Rúgbrauð (Rye Bread):

1- Preheat the oven to 180°C (350°F) and grease a 1-liter (4-cup) loaf pan.

2- In a large bowl, combine the rye flour, all-purpose flour, baking soda, and salt.

3- In a separate bowl, mix the buttermilk and dark syrup.

4- Gradually add the wet ingredients to the dry ingredients, stirring until well combined.

5- Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan and smooth the top.

6- Bake for about 1 hour, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.

7- Let the bread cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely before slicing.

Serve the sliced Hangikjöt with the Rúgbrauð for a traditional Icelandic meal. Enjoy!

Nutritional Values:

Here are the approximate nutritional values for the ingredients in the Hangikjöt og Rúgbrauð recipe:

1 kg (2.2 lbs) Lamb Leg (Boneless):

 - Calories: Approximately 2,200-2,500 kcal

 - Fat: 180-220g

 - Carbohydrates: 0g

 - Protein: 140-180g 

Benefits: High in protein and essential nutrients such as vitamin B12, zinc, and iron. Provides significant amounts of healthy fats and supports muscle growth.

2-3 tsp Liquid Smoke:

 - Calories: About 10 kcal (for 3 tsp)

 - Fat: 0g

 - Carbohydrates: 2g

 - Protein: 0g 

Benefits: Adds a smoky flavor without calories or fat. Use in moderation to enhance the taste of dishes.

1 tsp Ground Black Pepper:

 - Calories: About 6 kcal

 - Fat: 0.3g

 - Carbohydrates: 1g

 - Protein: 0.2g 

Benefits: Adds flavor and may have antioxidant and digestive benefits.

1 tsp Ground Paprika:

 - Calories: About 6 kcal

 - Fat: 0.3g

 - Carbohydrates: 1g

 - Protein: 0.2g 

Benefits: Adds flavor and color to dishes. Rich in vitamins A and E, and contains antioxidants.

1 tsp Salt:

 - Calories: Negligible

 - Fat: 0g

 - Carbohydrates: 0g

 - Protein: 0g 

Benefits: Enhances flavor. Monitor sodium intake to manage overall health.

Water, for Boiling:

 - Calories: 0 kcal

 - Fat: 0g

 - Carbohydrates: 0g

 - Protein: 0g 

Benefits: Essential for cooking and hydration.

300g (2 1/4 Cups) Rye Flour:

 - Calories: About 1,050 kcal

 - Fat: 6g

 - Carbohydrates: 210g

 - Protein: 30g 

Benefits: Provides fiber, vitamins, and minerals. Supports digestive health and has a distinctive flavor.

200g (1 1/2 Cups) All-Purpose Flour:

 - Calories: About 730 kcal

 - Fat: 1g

 - Carbohydrates: 150g

 - Protein: 13g 

Benefits: Provides carbohydrates for energy and some protein. Basic staple for baking and cooking.

1 tsp Baking Soda:

 - Calories: About 0 kcal

 - Fat: 0g

 - Carbohydrates: 0g

 - Protein: 0g 

 Benefits: Acts as a leavening agent to help baked goods rise.

1 tsp Salt:

 - Calories: Negligible

 - Fat: 0g

 - Carbohydrates: 0g

 - Protein: 0g 

Benefits: Enhances flavor. Monitor sodium intake to manage overall health.

400ml (1 2/3 Cups) Buttermilk:

 - Calories: About 150 kcal

 - Fat: 8g

 - Carbohydrates: 12g

 - Protein: 8g 

Benefits: Provides calcium, protein, and vitamin B12. Adds tangy flavor and helps with leavening in baking.

100ml (1/2 Cup) Dark Syrup (Such as Molasses or Golden Syrup):

 - Calories: About 300 kcal

 - Fat: 0g

 - Carbohydrates: 75g

 - Protein: 0g 

Benefits:Adds sweetness and flavor. Molasses is also rich in iron and other minerals. Use in moderation due to high sugar content.

Please note that these values are approximate and can vary based on specific ingredients and brands used.