🇮🇸 Icelandic Cuisine

Svið

Singed Sheep Head

Prep Time 30 min
Servings 2
Difficulty Hard

A halved sheep head, singed to remove wool, boiled until tender, and served with mashed turnips. A Þorrablót delicacy that is deeply traditional.

Ingredients

  • 1 sheep head, split in half
  • Water to cover
  • 2 tsp salt
  • Mashed turnips for serving

Instructions

  1. 1 Singe all wool off the sheep head using a blowtorch or open flame until the skin is clean and slightly charred.
  2. 2 Scrub thoroughly under cold running water.
  3. 3 Place halves in a large pot, cover with cold salted water, and bring to a boil.
  4. 4 Reduce heat and simmer gently for 1-1.5 hours until the meat is tender and pulling away from the bone.
  5. 5 Remove from water and serve hot, traditionally with mashed turnips on the side.
  6. 6 Eat the cheek meat, tongue, and eye — each has a distinct texture and flavor.

Did You Know?

The eye is considered the greatest delicacy of svið — guests of honor are offered it first at Þorrablót feasts.

From The Culinary Codex — http://theculinarycodex.com/dish/icelandic/svid/