pumpattuna

Pumpattuna is a traditional Swedish dish consisting of pickled herring served with a creamy sauce. The herring is typically cured in a brine of vinegar, sugar, and spices, often including dill, onions, and mustard seeds. Once pickled, it is then combined with a sauce made from sour cream, mayonnaise, or créme fraîche, seasoned with herbs like dill and chives, and sometimes flavored with mustard or lemon.

This dish is a popular item on Swedish smörgåsbord tables and is commonly enjoyed during holidays like Christmas and Midsummer. Pumpattuna is usually served cold and is often accompanied by boiled potatoes, crispbread, or rye bread. The preparation can vary slightly by region and family, with some recipes incorporating ingredients like apples or capers into the sauce. The name "pumpattuna" itself is thought to refer to the "pumping" action of putting ingredients together or possibly a regional dialect term. It is a flavorful and iconic part of Swedish culinary heritage.