- [Narrator] Gordon Ramsay headed to Norway
to learn how to cook like a true Viking
But how this region developed some of its traditional dishes
happened long before these explorers took to the seas.
- I want to move to Norway.
(laughing)
(gentle music)
- [Narrator] The Sámi people are indigenous
to the Sápmi region,
which includes Northern parts of Norway,
Sweden, Finland, and Russia.
They're descendants of nomadic peoples,
who've been inhabited the region for thousands of years.
Their population today is estimated to be around 80,000
with about half currently living in Norway.
Despite the relatively small population size,
Sámi people have had a huge influence on Nordic culture.
And even in feature films like "Frozen II."
But one of their biggest influences is in their cuisine.
Traditionally, the Sámi were hunter-gatherers
that feasted on in-season berries and animal-based meals
like reindeer meat and fish.
The meats were preserved through salting and drying.
Communal reindeer herding later replaced hunting
and became an integral part of the Sámi economy.
- How many are in the herd?
- What's your fortune?
- I think Magna is trying to tell me
that it's rude to ask a Sámi about the size of their herd.
- [Narrator] Culturally,
the Sámi people used all parts of the animal,
so that nothing would go to waste.
- Are they warm?
- Yes warm.
- That's amazing...
So you waste nothing?
- No, no, nothing at all-- - No waste even the sh--.
I mean, could you make them my size; size 15?
- Ahh, expensive
(laughing)
- [Narrator] Animal byproducts like hides, bones, and blood
were used for clothing, tools, and even other meals.
blood pancakes anyone?
- I actually like the flavor.
- Hmm.
- The texture is quite thick and dense.
- [Narrator] And now onto the Vikings.
The Viking Age started around the late 8th century
where Danish, Norwegian, and Swedish warriors
took to the seas to raid and colonize other parts of Europe.
to meet the high energy demands of a Viking lifestyle,
high-fat foods were a necessity
especially in winter months.
Vikings were comprised of independent farmers,
and when on land, they surprisingly had a good amount
of variety in their diet.
This included cereals, animal milks, wild fruit and berries
and a wide variety of meat, including horses, pigs
goats and sheep.
- This is a sheep head.
- How far does this date back?
- [9th] century.
- Vikings. - Wow.
Fish and fresh shellfish, like scallops were also staples
both at land, and at sea.
- I'm amazed how sweet they are.
That's a big shock for me.
- [Narrator] Like the Sámi, Vikings were not known to let
food go to waste.
Domestic animals were first used as working animals
then later eaten which led to established delicacies
like sheep's head.
Boiling meat in stews was a great way
It helped a meal stretch and stay flavorful.
For example in a Viking Skause
meats and vegetables were taking out of the pot
then replaced with new ones.
This allowed the broth to be extra concentrated
throughout the days of cooking.
Also like the Sámi, meat and fish were
often dried and salted for long-term preservation.
From the indigenous traditions of the Sámi,
To the conquering spirits of the Vikings,
Norwegian cuisine and food preparation has survived
for centuries.
And while some of the dishes may look
a little different today
Their roots will remain for generations to come.