Farikal is Norway’s national dish. It originated in western Norway and is now very popular throughout the country. The word Farikal means “sheep in cabbage.” It is a simple casserole made of cabbage, mutton, and whole peppercorns. Lamb can be used instead of mutton to get a milder tasting Farikal flavor. The dish itself has a distinct umami flavor. Traditionally Farikal is eaten on the 26th of September or the last Thursday of September in some parts of Norway. Farikal is served with potatoes, carrots, cowberry sauce, and flatbread.

Directions  for Preparing Farikal

1. Cut the lamb meat into 2″-size pieces, then wash and set aside.
2. Wash the head of cabbage and cut it into big pieces.
3. Discard the root end of the cabbage and set it aside.
4. Dredge the lamb meat in flour, then Line the base of a pot with some of the meat.
5. lay some of the cabbage leaves on top of the lamb meat.
6. then add some of the whole black peppercorns
7. repeat steps 4, 5, and 6 until all the meat, cabbage, and peppercorns are used up.
8. Fill a saucepan of water and bring to a boil, then pour the boiling water over the lamb and cabbage leaves so that half the meat is submerged in the hot water.
9. Add salt to the pot.
10. Place the pot on the stove over low heat.
11. Cover the pot with a tight-fitting lid and allow the Farikal to simmer for two (2:00) hours or until the meat and cabbage leaves are tender.
12. Turn off the heat and transfer to serving bowls.
13. Serve with boiled potatoes, flatbread, and cowberry sauce.

National Dish of Singapore