Graavi Lohi,Marinated Salmon Fillets

I have been asked about Graavi lohi,Gravlax,Gravlaks,or more easily translated into English;Dill-Marinated Salmon Fillets.Graavi Lohi is a very popular and healthy way to eat fish such as Salmon or Rainbow Trout.It provides you with all the essential fish oils such as Omega 3.Graavi Lohi(Raw salted Salmon)is delicious with most meats and salad buffets

This is a food which is delicious,easy to prepare and something I found early on living in Finland every Scandinavian knows how to prepare.Salmaon or Rainbow Trout can be used for this recipe

Salmon cured with Dill,Salt and pepper is one of many great delicacies of the whole of Scandinavia.The basic recipe for preparing Geraavi Lohi  is roughly 2 parts salt and 1 part sugar.These can be varied to taste as some people I know prefer half and half.Some people may add their own aromatic seed mixtures,such as Rose pepper,Black pepper.Graavi Lohi can be ready in advance but I  prefer to eat Graavi Lohi aux naturel!

Ingredients to Make De lecious Graavi Lohi

1 kilo fresh salmon fillets/rainbow trout,preferably with the skin

¼ Cup of sugar.

1 Tablespoon coarsely crushed peppercorns of your choice,preferably black though

2 tablespoons/a good handful of coare sea salt

bunch of Fresh dill,again dried dill weed can be used,though try to get fresh

I tablespoon of cognac

preparation of the Graavi Lohi

Preparing Graavi Salmon

If the Salmon is fresh,rinse,and pat dry.notice again rainbow trout can be substituted.Combine the salt,sugar and peppercorns.Place the Salmon fillet on or in a shallow glass/ceramic dish.Place the fillet skin side down.Lay the dill stalks,evenly spread over the fillet.Then sprinkle the salt,sugar and pepper mixture over the fish.Drizzle with cognac,though myself I do not add,prefering the fish to be eaten natural.

Then cover the Salmon with a grease proof paper.Place a heavy object,such as a book,ceramic dish on top of the thing.Place the dish with weights on top into the fridge for 48 hours.

After the 48 hours,remove the ready Graavi Lohi.With a very sharp fish knife,slice the fish diagonally,taking care to cut the slices as thinly as possible,and lifting the slices away from the skin.

For presentation curl the slices of Graavi Lohi into small rolls or simply lay the slices on a serving platter.

Serving suggestions of Graavi Lohi

Salmon Fillets,Graavi sliced thinly

I myself then eat the slices Graavi Loghi served on dark Rye bread with a generous amount of butter and Sliced boiled egg placed on top.The Graavi Lohi,Salmon Fillets are also delicious with hot new potatoes and a selection of salads and mustards,

Bon appetit and enjoy your homemade Graavi Lohi.Greg