Discover the art of creating a classic Swedish Smörgåsbord with this comprehensive recipe. Learn how to prepare a diverse array of cold and hot dishes, including pickled herring, savory meatballs, assorted cheeses, and fresh salads. Perfect for gatherings and special occasions, this traditional buffet-style meal offers a delicious way to experience authentic Swedish cuisine.

Ingredients:

For the Pickled Herring:

- 4 fillets of pickled herring (store-bought or homemade)

- 1/2 cup white vinegar

- 1/4 cup sugar

- 1/2 cup water

- 1/2 teaspoon mustard seeds

- 1/2 teaspoon peppercorns

- 1 bay leaf

- 1 small red onion, sliced

- 1/4 cup chopped fresh dill

For the Meatballs:

- 1 lb ground beef

- 1/2 lb ground pork

- 1 small onion, finely chopped

- 1/2 cup breadcrumbs

- 1/2 cup milk

- 1 egg

- 1/4 teaspoon ground allspice

- 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg

- Salt and pepper to taste

- 2 tablespoons butter (for frying)

For the Cheese Platter:

- 1/2 lb aged cheddar cheese, sliced

- 1/2 lb blue cheese

- 1/2 lb goat cheese

- Fresh fruit (e.g., grapes, apple slices)

For the Salad:

- 1 head of lettuce, torn into pieces

- 1 cucumber, sliced

- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved

- 1/4 red onion, thinly sliced

- 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped

- 1/4 cup vinaigrette dressing

Instructions:

Prepare the Pickled Herring:

  - In a small saucepan, combine vinegar, sugar, water, mustard seeds, peppercorns, and bay leaf. Bring to a boil, stirring until sugar dissolves. Remove from heat and let cool.

  - Place herring fillets in a jar or container. Add sliced onion and dill. Pour cooled vinegar mixture over the herring. Seal and refrigerate for at least 24 hours before serving.

Prepare the Meatballs:

  - In a large bowl, combine ground beef, ground pork, chopped onion, breadcrumbs, milk, egg, allspice, nutmeg, salt, and pepper. Mix until well combined.

  - Shape mixture into small meatballs, about 1 inch in diameter.

  - Heat butter in a skillet over medium heat. Fry meatballs in batches, turning occasionally, until browned and cooked through, about 8-10 minutes. Drain on paper towels.

Assemble the Cheese Platter:

  - Arrange sliced cheddar, blue cheese, and goat cheese on a serving platter. Garnish with fresh fruit.

Prepare the Salad:

  - In a large bowl, combine lettuce, cucumber, cherry tomatoes, red onion, and parsley. Toss with vinaigrette dressing just before serving.

Serve:

  - Arrange pickled herring, meatballs, cheese platter, and salad on a large table or buffet setup. Enjoy your traditional Swedish Smörgåsbord with friends and family!

Nutritional values

For the Pickled Herring:

Pickled Herring Fillets (4 fillets)

  - Calories: 140 kcal

  - Protein: 20g

  - Fat: 7g

  - Carbohydrates: 2g

Benefits:

  - Rich in omega-3 fatty acids, which are beneficial for heart health.

  - Good source of protein and essential vitamins like vitamin D and B12.

White Vinegar (1/2 cup)

  - Calories: 0 kcal

  - Carbohydrates: 0g

Benefits:Adds tanginess and can aid in digestion and blood sugar regulation.

Sugar (1/4 cup)

  - Calories: 200 kcal

  - Carbohydrates: 50g

Benefits:Primarily for flavor; should be used in moderation.

Water (1/2 cup)

  - Calories: 0 kcal

  - Carbohydrates: 0g

Benefits:Essential for hydration.

Mustard Seeds (1/2 teaspoon)

  - Calories: 5 kcal

  - Carbohydrates: 1g

  - Protein: 0g

  - Fat: 0g

Benefits:Contains antioxidants and can aid in digestion.

Peppercorns (1/2 teaspoon)

 - Calories: 6 kcal

  - Carbohydrates: 1g

  - Protein: 0g

  - Fat: 0g

Benefits:Adds flavor and contains antioxidants.

Bay Leaf (1 leaf)

  - Calories: 5 kcal

  - Carbohydrates: 1g

Benefits:May help with digestion and provide flavor.

Red Onion (1 small)

  - Calories: 45 kcal

  - Carbohydrates: 11g

  - Protein: 1g

  - Fat: 0g

Benefits:Contains antioxidants and vitamins.

Fresh Dill (1/4 cup)

  - Calories: 3 kcal

  - Carbohydrates: 1g

  - Protein: 0g

  - Fat: 0g

Benefits:Rich in vitamins A and C and has antioxidant properties.

For the Meatballs:

Ground Beef (1 lb)

  - Calories: 250 kcal

  - Protein: 26g

  - Fat: 20g

  - Carbohydrates: 0g

Benefits:High in protein and essential nutrients like iron and B12.

Ground Pork (1/2 lb)

  - Calories: 300 kcal

  - Protein: 25g

  - Fat: 22g

  - Carbohydrates: 0g

Benefits:

  - Provides protein and important vitamins and minerals.

Onion (1 small)

  - Calories: 45 kcal

  - Carbohydrates: 11g

  - Protein: 1g

  - Fat: 0g

Benefits:Adds flavor and contains antioxidants and vitamins.

Breadcrumbs (1/2 cup)

  - Calories: 150 kcal

  - Carbohydrates: 30g

  - Protein: 5g

  - Fat: 1g

Benefits:Adds texture; choose whole grain for added fiber.

Milk (1/2 cup)

  - Calories: 60 kcal

  - Carbohydrates: 5g

  - Protein: 3g

  - Fat: 3g

Benefits:Provides calcium and protein.

Egg (1)

  - Calories: 70 kcal

  - Protein: 6g

  - Fat: 5g

  - Carbohydrates: 1g

Benefits:Good source of protein and essential nutrients.

Ground Allspice (1/4 teaspoon)

  - Calories: 1 kcal

  - Carbohydrates: 0.2g

  - Protein: 0g

  - Fat: 0g

Benefits:Adds flavor and may aid in digestion.

Ground Nutmeg (1/4 teaspoon)

  - Calories: 5 kcal

  - Carbohydrates: 1g

  - Protein: 0g

  - Fat: 0g

Benefits:Contains antioxidants and can improve flavor.

Butter (2 tablespoons)

  - Calories: 200 kcal

  - Fat: 22g

  - Saturated Fat: 14g

  - Carbohydrates: 0g

Benefits:

  - Adds richness and flavor; use in moderation.

For the Cheese Platter:

Aged Cheddar Cheese (1/2 lb)

  - Calories: 200 kcal

  - Protein: 12g

  - Fat: 16g

  - Carbohydrates: 0g

Benefits:High in calcium and protein.

Blue Cheese (1/2 lb)

  - Calories: 300 kcal

  - Protein: 20g

  - Fat: 25g

  - Carbohydrates: 2g

Benefits:Rich in calcium and probiotics.

Goat Cheese (1/2 lb)

  - Calories: 330 kcal

  - Protein: 20g

  - Fat: 30g

  - Carbohydrates: 0g

Benefits:Easier to digest than cow's milk cheese and provides protein and calcium.

Fresh Fruit (e.g., grapes, apple slices)

  - Calories: 50-80 kcal per serving (varies by fruit)

  - Carbohydrates: 12-20g

  - Protein: 0-1g

  - Fat: 0g

Benefits:

  - Provides vitamins, minerals, and fiber.

For the Salad:

Lettuce (1 head)

  - Calories: 5 kcal

  - Carbohydrates: 1g

  - Protein: 0.5g

  - Fat: 0g

Benefits:Low in calories and high in vitamins A and K.

Cucumber (1)

  - Calories: 15 kcal

  - Carbohydrates: 4g

  - Protein: 0.7g

  - Fat: 0.2g

Benefits:Hydrating and contains vitamins and antioxidants.

Cherry Tomatoes (1 cup)

  - Calories: 30 kcal

  - Carbohydrates: 7g

  - Protein: 1g

  - Fat: 0g

Benefits:Rich in vitamins A and C, and lycopene.

Red Onion (1/4)

  - Calories: 11 kcal

  - Carbohydrates: 2.5g

  - Protein: 0.3g

  - Fat: 0g

Benefits:Contains antioxidants and can add flavor.

Fresh Parsley (1/4 cup)

  - Calories: 10 kcal

  - Carbohydrates: 2g

  - Protein: 1g

  - Fat: 0g

Benefits:Rich in vitamins A, C, and K.

Vinaigrette Dressing (1/4 cup)

  - Calories: 50-100 kcal (varies by recipe)

  - Fat: 5-10g

  - Carbohydrates: 2-5g

Benefits:Adds flavor; choose dress