Nordic Smørrebrød with Asparagus and Horseradish Cream

Ingredients

• 150 ml creme fraiche
• 2 tbsp horseradish
• 1 tsp lemon juice
• ½ tsp salt
• ¼ tsp black pepper
• 2 tbsp vegetable oil
• 2 shallots
• 8 white asparagus
• 8 green asparagus
• 4 slice rye bread
• 1 tbsp butter
• 100 g Västerbottensost cheese
• 2 tbsp fresh dill (optional)

Steps

1. Prepare the horseradish cream: Combine crème fraîche, horseradish, lemon juice, salt, and pepper. Mix well and refrigerate.
2. Make crispy shallots: Heat vegetable oil in a pan. Fry sliced shallots until golden and crispy. Remove, drain, and season with salt.
3. Prepare asparagus: Blanch half of the asparagus in boiling salted water for 2-3 minutes, then transfer to ice water. Thinly slice the remaining asparagus lengthwise.
4. Grill the bread: Butter the rye bread slices and grill until golden and crisp.
5. Assemble the smørrebrød: Place grilled bread on plates. Arrange both blanched and raw asparagus on top.
6. Finish and serve: Drizzle with horseradish cream, sprinkle with grated cheese, crispy shallots, and fresh dill.