Gravlax

For this traditional Scandinavian dish, cure raw salmon with a blend of salt, sugar, and lots of fresh dill and refrigerate for a few days to let the flavors meld. The result is a delicately flavored, thinly sliced salmon that is often served as an appetizer or on open-faced sandwiches. Enjoy it with mustard sauce, dill sauce, or with crispbread.

Ingredients:

  • 1 salmon fillet (1-2 pounds), skin on
  • 1/4 cup kosher salt
  • 1/4 cup granulated sugar
  • 1 bunch fresh dill, chopped finely
  • 1 tablespoon black peppercorns, crushed

Instructions:

  1. In a small bowl, combine the kosher salt and granulated sugar.
  2. Spread half the salt and sugar mixture in a shallow dish or baking pan.
  3. Place the salmon fillet, skin side down, on top of the salt and sugar mixture.
  4. Sprinkle the remaining salt and sugar mixture evenly over the top of the salmon.
  5. Sprinkle the chopped fresh dill and crushed black peppercorns over the salmon.
  6. Gently press the dill and peppercorns into the salmon.
  7. Cover the dish tightly with plastic wrap and refrigerate for 24-48 hours, turning the salmon every 12 hours.
  8. After 24-48 hours, remove the salmon from the dish and rinse off the excess salt, sugar, dill, and peppercorns.
  9. Pat the salmon dry with paper towels.
  10. Slice the gravlax thinly and serve as desired.