Numedal boasts some of the best fishing in Norway. And if you have ever tasted trout or salmon from this area, you would have to agree. Permit-holding, pole-bearing men, women and children head out during the season to collect their bounty. Some make it a weekend affair and hike to the tops of mountains to hidden lakes year after year. The freshly, caught fish cooked then and there is like eating melted butter. The rest, is saved for later – either frozen, smoked, or fermented.
There are a couple of things I know for certain. One of them is that my potato basket never runs out here. Never. It’s another one of those Nordic mysteries. Whenever I scour the fridge and pantry trying to decide what to make, they’re always there. Looking at me. With all their beady, little eyes – because sometimes I leave them there for a little too long. And sometimes I overlook them on the purpose. Not because I don’t love them. I do. But to eat traditionally in Norway means to eat a lot of potatoes. A lot of boiled potatoes. And while I do enjoy a traditional meal, I also relish the potato’s versatility.
So, after days of walking past my potato basket it hit me. Latkes. Those crispy potato cakes are a winter delight. And they must be buried in my subconscious right now from reading so many food magazines that feature them for Hanukkah. But it’s a curious thing why we don’t make them more often. Simple, made with basic ingredients (including those favorites, onions and potatoes) and a perfect alternative base for a medley of toppings. Hmmm. A base with something on top. Like an open sandwich. Or smørbrød. But made with potato. Sounds perfectly Norwegian to me.