Sunday, November 29, 2009
Kalles - Swedish Vegemite
Browsing through the grocery store at Ikea - yes, they do have other things besides flat packs - I saw a blonde hair, blue eyed chap stride straight up to the crispbread stack and grab not one but two 1kg packs of the stuff. Sensing a food moment, I strolled over and said,
"You must really like crispbread."
"Yes, I do and so does my family," he replied in that slighty squashed vowel sound of Scandinavia.
He looked me up and down then reached for a 200g pack of Leksands crispbread, hesitated slightly before handing me as well, a tube of Kalles creamed smoked roe.
"You might not like this, it's very strong, but I love it!"
After thanking him for his help, I couldn't wait to get home and try this strange sounding new combination.
True to his word, Kalles is very strong indeed, my first impression is that it was the Swedish equivalent of our own Aussie vegemite. Nor was I the first person to think so.
Karen of Citrus and Candy, a Sydney food blogger, had been invited along with a bunch of other bloggers to the Sydney Ikea store to taste a few Swedish treats, also had the same thought.
Okay, it differs from vegemite in so much as it tastes of the sea, whereas vegemite, hang on, I've eaten vegemite all my life and have no idea what it tastes like, other than there is no mistaking it.
Of course the packaging is completely different too; there is no wholesome looking lad on a jar of the black stuff. But what I think is if you like vegemite, you'll go for this too. It's more along the lines of a strong tarama and when you puncture the seal with the cap, it forms a star pattern for those who like pretty piping.
8 Comments:
Sort of reminded me of the anchovy pastes and even Gentleman's Relish.
I like that kind of thing but MrsT doesn't at all. Won't go near the rollmops etc - all the more for me ;)
Of course there is the Lebonese version, which is called Zator, which is oregano in oil, which you paste on your bread much like the black stuff. I quite enjoy this version, but I wouldn't mind trying the Swedish stuff for a change.
hahaa! nice post neil reminded me of my ikea memories :P
Hi thermo, I didn't mention the herrings with black currant or dill mayonnaise we bought at the same time...all gone now. The stock changes all the time, worth a look.
Hi greg, love that too. Oasis bakery in east bentleigh make little pizzas with it ready to go, delish!
Hi joanie, c'mon, if they're memories, time to go again! There's even a cafeteria these days. My daughter recommends the princess cake, me, I liked the stuffed salmon. Mains are all around $10.
Mum makes Zatar at home, I prefer her home made to the store bought there is just something not nice about the store bought, I think it is the dough i am not a fan of. Mum smears the stuff on toast, tastes yumm.
-P
Hi sweetheart, and very good zatar it is too. It's always good to know what goes into your food, which is always true when you make it yourself.
Love me a bit of food shopping at Ikea.
Our cousins across the ditch eat smoked roe and, once you're mastered its strong fishy-ness, you're addicted. That marvellous Vegemite thought of yours is actually spot on. I know Australians (ahem, me and a couple of other fans in the family) who stock their freezer with the stuff and spread it on toast for their breakfasts. Really good.
Off next door over the holidays. Shall bring some back if I can.
Hi lucy, some whitebait too?
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