From Helsinki with Love
2 Comments | Written on March 10, 2010 at 5:00 am , by Kristina Vanni
My Father’s side of the family hails from Finland, and a few summers back I was lucky enough to visit my family in Helsinki. While there I studied the language, culture and, of course, the food! Finnish cuisine is filled with unique berries, wild mushrooms, handmade cheeses, cardamom filled pastries and freshly caught fish. One of the most memorable meals was while on a weekend trip up North to Rovaniemi, in the Arctic Circle.
Besides being home to Santa Claus, this is also the land of the Sami – the native people of Lapland in Northern Scandinavia. Here in Rovaniemi I enjoyed one of the most unique restaurant experiences when I dined on freshly caught salmon inside a native Sami tent.
Our “chef” spoke little English, but by this time in my studies I had learned enough to order “lohi” (salmon) and “olut” (beer – specifically Lapin Kulta, the signature drink of Lapland!). He prepared our lunch by simply seasoning the salmon, caught only moments earlier, with a heavy dusting of salt. The fish was then placed near the raging fire in the middle of the tent in order to cook in the “glow” of the flames.
Served on a wood plank, the result was the moistest, most flavorful piece of fish I ever enjoyed. Upon returning home it became my mission to recreate this dining experience. This recipe is a simple, flavor packed preparation that can easily be created in your kitchen. No tent or open fire required! Served along side red potatoes and chives, this meal transports me back to Finland. Now if only I could find Lapin Kulta in the States…
LIME AND HONEY BAKED SALMON WITH RED POTATOES AND CHIVES
SALMON:
2-pound whole salmon fillet
Salt and freshly ground pepper to taste
1-1/2 Tablespoons lime juice
1-1/2 Tablespoons honey
1 Tablespoon olive oil
Sliced limes for garnish (optional)
- Place the salmon fillet in a glass or ceramic dish to fit, skin side down. Salt and pepper salmon. Stir together lime juice, honey, and olive oil. Brush over salmon. Let stand while oven is preheating to 450 degrees.
- Bake for 15 minutes or until salmon is cooked, and flakes easily with a fork. Carefully remove salmon to a serving platter and garnish with lime slices, if desired. Serves 4. Serve with red potatoes and chives.
RED POTATOES WITH CHIVES:
2-1/2 to 3 pounds small red potatoes
6 Tablespoons butter
2 Tablespoons snipped fresh chives
Salt and pepper to taste
- Using a paring knife or vegetable peeler, peel a 1/4″ wide band around the center of each potato. In a large saucepan, cover the potatoes with salted water and bring to a boil. Simmer for 12-15 minutes or until potatoes are just tender when pierced with a knife.
- Drain the potatoes. Place the butter in the same pan and melt butter. Toss in hot potatoes, chives, and taste for salt and pepper. Serve immediately. Serves 4.
There are a wide variety of salmon recipes with countless preparations here on Better Recipes – click here to view them all!
Categories:
Around the World, Better Recipes, Dinner Tonight, Fast and Fabulous, Fresh and Healthy, Holidays, Tasty Travel | Tags: Easter Recipes, Easy Recipes, Healthy Recipes, Seafood Recipes
2 Comments | Post Your Comment
2 Responses to “From Helsinki with Love”
Such an interesting travel…and what a feast! I love the complete menu and will be trying it soon.
[...] a) If you love SALMON, check out “Lime and Honey Baked Salmon with Red Potatoes and Chives” [...]