The Swedish Cookbook

Lagom [lo-gawn]
(noun) Swedish, meaning ‘just the right amount’ or ‘in balance’

Join Niklas as he captures the essence of simplicity in the Nordic way of cooking, empowering home cooks to confidently create delicious and perfectly balanced Swedish dishes in their own kitchens, all with a special touch of lagom.

Niklas delves into the rich culinary traditions of Sweden, showcasing a collection of recipes that highlight simplicity, fresh ingredients and a harmonious balance of flavours. From classic dishes to modern twists, this book offers a range of options that will suit both everyday meals and special occasions.

For example, Niklas’ Gravlax recipe explores the traditional method of curing salmon with sugar, salt, and dill, resulting in a delicately flavored and tender dish, and he also dedicates a whole chapter to the art of Fika – a coffee break with a lagom twist, a daily chance to pause, enjoy good coffee and a sweet treat; think cinnamon, vanilla or saffron buns and Swedish pancakes, almond biscuits or caramel cookies. And of course, Niklas shares his recipe for classic Scandinavian recipes, including Swedish meatballs, pickled herrings, Danish open-faced sandwiches and potato gratin. And in other recipes, everyday ingredients and traditional recipes get a modern twist, including a cabbage salad with blueberries and shaved frozen feta cheese.

These are fuss-free recipes handed down through generations, full of nourishment and sure to become family favourites.

So whether you’re a seasoned cook or just starting your culinary journey, it’s time to find your lagom in the kitchen and savour the delightful simplicity of Swedish cuisine.

Author Biography

Niklas Ekstedt is a Michelin-star chef, restaurateur and presenter. He opened his first two restaurants in his early twenties and was soon hosting his first cooking show Mat (‘food’ in Swedish) on Swedish national television. Before long, Niklas was drawn back to his Scandinavian roots as he spent a summer experimenting with traditional methods of cooking over fire – and from here, there was no going back.

In 2011, he opened ‘Ekstedt’ in Stockholm, where traditional techniques meet bold creativity and every dish is cooked over open flames. The restaurant was awarded a Michelin Star in 2013 and has held one ever since. Niklas opened his first international outpost, ‘Ekstedt at The Yard’, in London in 2021 to great critical acclaim.

Niklas has appeared on UK TV screens as a guest on Saturday Kitchen, MasterChef and Channel 4 series Crazy Delicious. Niklas has authored several cookbooks in his mission to continue to explore age-old techniques and to share the lost art of cooking with chefs and home cooks alike.