Traditional Norwegian Cuisine | Gordon Ramsay: Uncharted
[Narrator] Gordon Ramsay headed to Norway to learn how to cook like a true Viking. But how this region developed some of its traditional dishes happened long before these explorers took to the seas.
I want to move to Norway. (laughing) (gentle music)
[Narrator] The Sámi people are indigenous to the Sápmi region, which includes Northern parts of Norway, Sweden, Finland, and Russia. They're descendants of nomadic peoples who've been inhabited the region for thousands of years. Their population today is estimated to be around 80,000, with about half currently living in Norway. Despite the relatively small population size, Sámi people have had a huge influence on Nordic culture. And even in feature films like "Frozen II." But one of their biggest influences is in their cuisine. Traditionally, the Sámi were hunter-gatherers that feasted on in-season berries and animal-based meals like reindeer meat and fish. The meats were preserved through salting and drying. Communal reindeer herding later replaced hunting and became an integral part of the Sámi economy.
How many are in the herd?
What's your fortune?
I think Magna is trying to tell me that it's rude to ask a Sámi about the size of their herd.
[Narrator] Culturally, the Sámi people used all parts of the animal, so that nothing would go to waste.
Are they warm?
Yes, warm.
That's amazing... So you waste nothing?
No, no, nothing at all--
No waste even the sh--. I mean, could you make them my size; size 15?
Ahh, expensive (laughing)
[Narrator] Animal byproducts like hides, bones, and blood were used for clothing, tools, and even other meals. Blood pancakes anyone?
I actually like the flavor.
Hmm.
The texture is quite thick and dense.
[Narrator] And now onto the Vikings. The Viking Age started around the late 8th century where Danish, Norwegian, and Swedish warriors took to the seas to raid and colonize other parts of Europe. To meet the high energy demands of a Viking lifestyle, high-fat foods were a necessity, especially in winter months. Vikings were comprised of independent farmers, and when on land, they surprisingly had a good amount of variety in their diet. This included cereals, animal milks, wild fruit and berries, and a wide variety of meat, including horses, pigs, goats, and sheep.
This is a sheep head.
How far does this date back?
[9th] century.
Vikings.
Wow. Fish and fresh shellfish, like scallops, were also staples both at land and at sea.
I'm amazed how sweet they are. That's a big shock for me.
[Narrator] Like the Sámi, Vikings were not known to let food go to waste. Domestic animals were first used as working animals then later eaten, which led to established delicacies like sheep's head. Boiling meat in stews was a great way. It helped a meal stretch and stay flavorful. For example, in a Viking Skause, meats and vegetables were taken out of the pot then replaced with new ones. This allowed the broth to be extra concentrated throughout the days of cooking. Also like the Sámi, meat and fish were often dried and salted for long-term preservation.
From the indigenous traditions of the Sámi to the conquering spirits of the Vikings, Norwegian cuisine and food preparation has survived for centuries. And while some of the dishes may look a little different today, their roots will remain for generations to come.