close up of danish smørrebrød with smoked eel

Smørrebrød

smorrebrod with smoked eel

By:

Savory Touch

Published:

26 Jul 2025
One of my fondest memories is visiting Copenhagen with my grandfather, a proud Dane who introduced me to the wonders of Smørrebrød. We sat by the canal, the sun glinting off the water, as he meticulously assembled each open-faced sandwich, explaining the importance of every ingredient. It wasn't just about the food; it was about tradition, love, and sharing a piece of our heritage. He always said, 'Astrid, a good Smørrebrød tells a story.' And he was right. Every bite was a tale of the sea, the land, and the people who crafted it. This Smørrebrød with Smoked Eel isn't just a recipe; it's a journey back to those cherished moments, a tribute to my grandfather, and a way to share that story with you.
A young girl and her grandfather smiling, standing in front of a canal in Copenhagen, Denmark, with colorful buildings in the background.
Smørrebrød (pronounced smør-re-brød) translates to "buttered bread," but it's so much more than that. It's a culinary art form, a canvas for showcasing the best of Danish flavors. The beauty of Smørrebrød lies in its simplicity and the quality of its ingredients. This version, featuring smoked eel, is a particular favorite of mine. The richness of the eel, balanced by the zing of horseradish and the freshness of dill, creates a symphony of flavors that dance on your palate. Each bite is an experience, a little piece of Denmark right on your plate.
Overhead shot of a beautifully arranged plate of various Smørrebrød, including one prominently featuring smoked eel, with dill sprigs and lemon wedges.
Don't be intimidated by the fancy name or the seemingly complex presentation. Making Smørrebrød is surprisingly easy. The key is to use high-quality ingredients and to assemble it with care. Think of it as a mini-masterpiece, a chance to express your culinary creativity. And who knows, maybe it'll spark a new tradition in your family, just like it did in mine. What does this mean for you? It's a chance to connect with a culture, to create memories, and to savor the simple joys of life.
Close-up shot of hands carefully arranging smoked eel on a slice of buttered rye bread, with other ingredients like dill, horseradish, and lemon nearby.

Required Equipments

  • Bread board
  • Sharp knife
  • Butter knife
  • Serving plate

Smorrebrod with Smoked Eel: Frequently Asked Questions

Smorrebrod with Smoked Eel

Dive into Danish culinary tradition with this Smørrebrød featuring smoked eel, horseradish cream, and fresh dill—a simple yet elegant open-faced sandwich. This recipe brings a taste of Denmark to your kitchen, perfect for a sophisticated lunch or snack.

⏳ Yield & Time

Yield: 1 servings

Preparation Time: 5 minutes

Cook Time: 0 minutes

Total Time:

🍽 Ingredients

📖 Instructions

  1. First, lightly butter your slice of rye bread. This creates a base that protects the bread from getting soggy and adds a subtle richness.
  2. Next, gently arrange the smoked eel slices over the buttered bread. Don't overcrowd it; you want each piece to be appreciated.
  3. Place a few dill sprigs artfully on top of the eel. The fresh, herbaceous aroma of dill complements the smoky flavor beautifully.
  4. Carefully add a small dollop of horseradish cream on or near the eel. The horseradish adds a zesty kick that cuts through the richness of the eel.
  5. Garnish with a lemon wedge on the side of the smørrebrød. A spritz of lemon juice brightens all the flavors.
  6. If you're feeling fancy, sprinkle a few capers for an extra burst of salty, briny flavor. But don't overdo it!
  7. Serve immediately and enjoy this delactable open-faced sandwitch.

📝 Notes

  • For a vegetarian option, substitute the smoked eel with thinly sliced avocado or marinated tofu.
  • If you can't find horseradish cream, mix grated horseradish with sour cream or crème fraîche.
  • Feel free to add other toppings like pickled onions, radishes, or a sprinkle of black pepper.

🍎 Nutrition

Calories: 250 kcal

Protein: 10g

Fat: 15g

Carbohydrates: 20g

Fiber: 3g

Calcium: 30mg

Simplicity is the keynote of all true elegance. – Coco Chanel

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