Graavilohi

Graavilohi

Graavilohi (GRAH-vee-LOH-hee)

Cured Salmon

Prep Time 48 hours (curing)
📈 Difficulty Easy
👥 Servings
8
🔥 Calories 220 kcal

Silky salmon cured in a blanket of salt, sugar, and fresh dill for two days, sliced paper-thin and served with mustard-dill sauce.

Nutrition & Info

220 kcal per serving
Protein 24.0g
Carbs 4.0g
Fat 12.0g
Protein Carbs Fat

Dietary

dairy-free nut-free

Allergen Warnings

⚠ fish

Equipment Needed

shallow dish plastic wrap sharp slicing knife weight or heavy plate

Presentation Guide

Vessel: wooden board or platter

Garnishes: fresh dill sprigs, lemon wedges

Accompaniments: rye bread, mustard-dill sauce

Instructions

  1. 1

    Mix salt, sugar, and black pepper. Spread a thick layer of dill on a dish.

  2. 2

    Place salmon skin-side down on the dill. Rub the salt-sugar mixture into the flesh.

  3. 3

    Cover with more dill. Wrap tightly in plastic wrap and place a weight on top.

  4. 4

    Refrigerate 48 hours, turning once after 24 hours. Drain liquid that accumulates.

  5. 5

    Make the sauce: whisk mustards, sugar, and vinegar. Slowly drizzle in oil whisking constantly. Stir in dill.

  6. 6

    Scrape off the cure, slice salmon thinly on the bias. Serve with mustard-dill sauce and rye bread.

💡

Did You Know?

The word "graavi" comes from the Scandinavian word for "grave" — Vikings originally cured salmon by burying it in sand with salt.

Chef's Notes

Equipment Tips

  • shallow dish
  • plastic wrap
  • sharp slicing knife
  • weight or heavy plate

Garnishing

fresh dill sprigs, lemon wedges

Accompaniments

rye bread, mustard-dill sauce

The Story Behind Graavilohi

Graavilohi is Finland's refined take on the ancient Nordic practice of salt-curing fish. Once a preservation necessity, it evolved into an elegant appetizer that graces every Finnish celebration table, from Christmas to Midsummer. The Finnish version emphasizes generous dill and a balanced sweet-mustard sauce.

🕐 Traditionally enjoyed celebration starter, christmas, midsummer 📜 Origins: Medieval Nordic

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