Fusion Recipe: 🏔️ Fermented Fish Tsampa Crisp 🇳🇴

🏔️ Fermented Fish Tsampa Crisp 🇳🇴

This appetiser fuses the Tibetan staple Tsampa (roasted barley flour) with the intensely savoury Norwegian delicacy Rakfisk (fermented freshwater fish). The result is a simple, rustic crisp base that provides a neutral, nutty counterpoint to the sharp, umami-rich flavour of the Rakfisk. It's a quick, bold bite that embodies the spirit of our celebration fusion—earthy, challenging, and utterly unique. It’s typically served as an amuse-bouche or a sophisticated appetiser.

📝 Ingredients

For the Tsampa Crisp (Makes about 12-15 crisps)

• 1 cup Tsampa (roasted barley flour)
• 1/2 cup All-purpose flour
• 1/2 teaspoon Salt
• 1/4 teaspoon Baking soda
• 1/2 cup Lukewarm water
• 2 tablespoons Melted butter (yak butter optional, clarified butter or neutral oil works well)

For the Topping

• 4 oz Rakfisk fillet (boneless, thinly sliced or cubed)
• 1/4 cup Crème fraîche or thick Norwegian sour cream (Rømme)
• 1 tablespoon Fresh chives, finely snipped
• 1/2 teaspoon Freshly ground black pepper
• Optional: Thinly sliced red onion or radish for garnish

🔪 Instructions and Method

1. Prepare the Tsampa Dough

• In a large bowl, whisk together the Tsampa, all-purpose flour, salt, and baking soda.
• Add the water and melted butter. Mix the ingredients until a stiff, slightly sticky dough forms. Note: Tsampa does not contain gluten, so the dough will not be elastic.
• Knead the dough lightly for about 2 minutes until it comes together. Cover and let rest for 10 minutes.

2. Shape and Bake the Crisps

• Preheat oven to 375 degree F (190 degree C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
• Divide the dough into two equal pieces. Working with one piece at a time, roll it out very thinly (as thin as possible, about 1/8 inch or 3mm) between two sheets of parchment paper.
• Cut the dough into desired shapes (squares, rectangles, or rustic circles) using a knife or cookie cutter.
• Transfer the crisps (still on the parchment paper) to the baking sheet. Prick each crisp several times with a fork to prevent bubbling.
• Bake for 10-14 minutes, or until the crisps are golden brown and perfectly hard and crunchy. Let cool completely on a wire rack.

3. Assemble and Serve

• In a small bowl, gently stir the crème fraîche or Rømme with the snipped chives and a pinch of black pepper.
• To Serve: Spread a thin layer of the chive-sour cream mix onto each cooled Tsampa Crisp.
• Top the cream with a small piece or smear of Rakfisk.
• Garnish immediately with a few slivers of red onion or radish (optional) and a final sprinkle of chives.
• Serve immediately to enjoy the contrast in textures.

💡 Tips for Success

Category	Tip	Rationale
Tsampa Crisp	Roll Thinly. The thinner the dough, the crispier the final product. Thick crisps will be dense and chewy.	Ensures a light, shatteringly crisp base to support the rich topping.
Rakfisk Handling	Less is More. Rakfisk is intensely flavoured. Use a small, modest piece for each crisp.	Prevents the strong flavour from overpowering the subtle nuttiness of the Tsampa.
Sour Cream Base	Use High-Fat/Thick Cream. Crème fraîche or full-fat Rømme is essential.	The fat content acts as a necessary counter-balance and barrier against the salt and pungency of the Rakfisk.
Baking	Watch Closely. Due to the varying fat and flour content, the baking time can change quickly. They are done when they look dry and are firm to the touch.	Prevents burning and ensures optimal texture.