Fjallagrasasúpa
Icelandic Moss Soup
A traditional and surprisingly nourishing soup made from Iceland moss (Cetraria islandica), a lichen found in the Icelandic highlands. It's known for its unique texture and mild, earthy flavor when prepared correctly, often with milk and a touch of sweetness.
🧂 Ingredients
- 1 handful Iceland moss (Cetraria islandica lichen)(cleaned and rinsed thoroughly)
- 4 cups Milk(whole milk recommended for richness)
- 1-2 tablespoons Sugar(or brown sugar, to taste)
- 1/4 teaspoon Salt(to taste)
👨🍳 Instructions
- 1
Thoroughly clean the Iceland moss, removing any debris or other plant matter. Rinse it well under cold running water.
- 2
In a saucepan, bring the milk to a rolling boil.
- 3
Add the cleaned Iceland moss to the boiling milk. Reduce heat and simmer for 10 minutes, stirring occasionally.
- 4
Stir in the sugar and salt. Continue to simmer for another 5 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld and the moss to soften.
- 5
Serve the soup hot in small bowls. The texture can be slightly gelatinous; this is normal.
💡 Pro Tips
- ✓Ensure the Iceland moss is very well cleaned, as it can retain grit.
- ✓Some find the texture slightly unusual; simmering for longer can make it more gelatinous, while shorter cooking times retain more texture.
- ✓Adjust sugar and salt to your personal preference.
✨ Twist Ideas
Inspiration for your own version of this recipe
- For a richer soup, use a mix of milk and cream.
- Some traditional recipes suggest simmering for up to 2 hours for a thicker, gluey consistency.