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Sheep's Head — traditional dish from Reykjavik, Iceland
Main course Meat

Food Flavour DNA

Nutritional Values

🔥600kcal
💪38gProtein
🌾45gCarbs
🥑32gFat
🌿6gFibre
⚖️500 gServing

* Per serving · 500 g. May vary.

Sheep's Head

How to order / say it
Say it Svið — [SVEE]
Order I'll have the svið, please.
Locally Ég vil fá svið, takk.
Say locally

Boiled sheep's head, traditionally served with mashed root vegetables.

Why try it?

Svið connects travelers to Iceland’s pastoral history and showcases the resourcefulness of utilizing whole animals for sustenance.

How it tastes

Svið offers a tender texture with a mild flavor of lamb, often enhanced by earthy potatoes. It’s usually served with turnips for a balanced meal.

Origin & History — first documented: 1800

First popular in the 13th century among Icelandic farmers, Svið was a way to make use of every part of the animal. By the 1800s, it had gained a cultural significance.

Recipe

Ingredients

  • 🥩 1 whole Sheep's head
  • 🧂 10 g Salt
  • 🥕 200 g Potatoes
  • 🥕 150 g Turnips

Method

  1. 1 Singe the sheep’s head to remove hair.
  2. 2 Clean thoroughly and remove the brain and eyes.
  3. 3 Boil in salted water for 2-3 hours until tender.
  4. 4 Serve with boiled potatoes and mashed turnips.

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All Europe recipes — Iceland — Reykjavik — Sheep's Head
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