Danish Gastronomy: Gravad laks

My parents visited me one week ago and for that occasion, we decided to test a danish meal together. The one we've chosen is called Gravad laks (Gravlax in french) and is the way scandinavian people are preparing the salmon. This one is completely different to the smoked one because it's prepared with salt and sugar at the same time. The salt is used to "dry" the fish and the sugar, mixed with different kind of herbs, is the one which will give that special taste to the meal. First step is the marinade of salmon during 2 days at least. Then the second step is also a marinade but that time you have to cover the entire salmon with dill. Danish people are used to eat that meal with a sauce made of mustard, dill and sugar which complete the explosion of flavours in your mouth. While slicing the salmon, the Chef told us a story about the gravad laks and the way to slice it : Danish Chef had invited a queen to test this gravad laks. When he served her the meal, the taste was great but the presentation was ugly and the lady told the chef that she was pretty sure to slice the salmon much more nicely. The Chef accepted the challenge and the lady sliced the salmon as it is prepared nowaday. That's why, as a tribute we are preparing and presenting the gravad laks that way.

Nicolas