Crayfish in the Sud – Kräftor med egen lag – Kräftskiva

Ingredients for 4 servings:

• 1 kg crayfish, frozen
• 2 liters of water
• 100 ml beer
• 20 g salt
• 4 sugar cubes, or approx. 10 g
• 125 g dill in a bunch or dill crowns

Instructions

Working time approx. 15 minutes; Rest period approx. 1 day; Cooking/baking time approx. 10 minutes; Total time approx. 1 day 25 minutes

Recipe for the Swedish crayfish feast

Kräftskiva is a popular festival in Sweden in late summer. Originally, it marked the start of the fishing season for crayfish, which are found in Sweden’s numerous rivers and streams. Today, populations have been severely reduced due to crayfish plague, and crayfish are imported (as is the case almost everywhere). The recipe is therefore based on frozen goods. When buying, make sure they don’t necessarily come from China. If you have the rare opportunity to prepare fresh, live crayfish, please ensure that they are placed one at a time, head first, into the boiling water. This is required by animal welfare laws in Germany and is also an appropriate way of preparing the crayfish without torturing the animals. The crayfish are then boiled for 5 to 10 minutes until they are evenly red. The beer used in Sweden is usually a dark beer (porter), but a light lager will also work. A matter of taste, as is the quantity, which can easily be doubled… Dill crowns is a bunch of dill with the flowers, as is used in preserves. A regular bunch of dill will do, though. Now for the really simple preparation: To make the broth, boil water, beer, salt, and sugar in a large pot. Add the whole dill crowns to the boiling liquid and simmer for 10 minutes. Let the broth cool, then remove the dill. Add the frozen crayfish and the previously removed dill. Leave to marinate in the refrigerator for a day. Done. The crayfish are eaten cold, but should reach room temperature beforehand. Don’t let them stand too long, as shellfish decompose quickly. The most common side dish is a cheese tart/pie (Västerbottenpaj – recipe here) or just cheese and—of course—crispbread. If you like, you can also set up an entire buffet. Then, of course, you’ll need fewer crabs per person. Beer and schnapps (especially aquavit) are a must-have beverage. But be careful: Kräftskiva is traditionally a communal feast. Small hats and pretty bibs identify the participants, and alongside the food, singing is a popular activity. Especially drinking songs. The rule is: one crab, one schnapps, one song. Per serving: 173 kcal