KUALA LUMPUR, Jan 8 — It’s been per week for the reason that New Yr’s celebrations. Most of us ought to have recovered by
now from our revelries and, in some instances, rambunctiousness. However not all the time.
Typically the exhaustion lasts longer, maybe from the sheer effort of navigating no matter new trials life throws in our path. There are not any hangover cures for this kind of malaise.
Instances like these we want a bit of pick-me-up that doesn’t are available in a shot glass or an order of triple espresso at our nearest espresso store. One thing gentle and wholesome, to revive our nerves and prepared us for the times to return.
What involves thoughts is a Scandinavian open confronted sandwich. Referred to as smørrebrød, it’s a staple of the Danish and Norwegian food regimen. The title comes from smør og brød which suggests “butter and bread” and certainly, that’s the essential premise.
A slice of buttered bread – which within the Nordic area means rye bread, filled with nutritious complete grains and seeds – topped with something from pickled herring and chilly, contemporary shrimp to thinly sliced cheese and pork liver pâté.
I like rye bread – it’s additionally a staple in Bavaria, although the Vollkornbrot there may change the rye with sunflower seeds as an alternative – nevertheless it’s too heavy, too dense for a modest meal.
Which is identical motive the considered oily fish similar to sardines or exhausting cheeses similar to Cheddar isn’t significantly comforting. We wish a extra delicate chunk.
So as an alternative of rye, let’s go together with an airier slice of sourdough (fermented so it’s extra digestible). As an alternative of Cheddar, a softer cheese similar to Brie. Somewhat than smoked eel or gravlax, let’s scatter some walnuts, wealthy in antioxidants and heart-healthy fat.
And right here’s the kicker – somewhat than spreading a thick layer of butter, how a few beneficiant handful of child spinach? The leaves shall be weighed down simply by the Brie and walnuts so there’s no hazard of issues falling aside.
However one thing’s lacking. This sandwich – now not a real smørrebrød (although nonetheless owing its inspiration to the unique) – wants one thing to sweeten the deal. A drizzle of runny honey, then, completely pairing with the Brie and walnuts.
Right here’s a light-weight, wholesome chunk as promised, and one which envisions sweeter days to return within the 12 months forward.
WALNUT, HONEY AND BRIE OPEN FACED SANDWICH
Contemplate this a framework for an open confronted sandwich. Make use of what you may have at hand.
Should you don’t have child spinach, some arugula would work properly with its spicy notes. No Brie? Different smooth cheeses that may work properly embody Camembert, feta and even goat cheese.
Macadamias and almonds will be employed as an alternative of walnuts; hazelnuts and pistachios too. As an alternative of honey, a dollop of homemade fruit compote could be simply the factor, marrying the sweetness with a pleasant hit of tanginess.
And in case you’re feeling sprightly and under no circumstances fatigued by final weekend’s festivities, then do give rye bread a attempt: there’s a motive why it’s the unique bread of selection for the smørrebrød. Chewy, dense, filled with flavour – it’s completely scrumptious.
Components
1 slice sourdough bread
1 clove of garlic
A handful of child spinach (or different leafy greens of selection)
1 teaspoon additional virgin olive oil
Sea salt and freshly floor black pepper to style
Brie or different smooth cheese, lower into 6 small squares
6 walnuts
Runny honey
Technique
Toast a slice of sourdough bread. Whereas nonetheless scorching, rub the clove of garlic on one aspect of the toast, the best way you’d for bruschetta.
Toss the rinsed and dried child spinach flippantly with the olive oil, salt and black pepper. Layer on prime of the slices of bread. Place the squares of Brie on prime of the newborn spinach; prime with one walnut per sq..
Drizzle with some runny honey. Sprinkle some additional salt and black pepper, if desired. Serve instantly.
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