Gubbröra
Swedish Anchovy Egg Salad
Gubbröra, meaning 'old man's mix' or 'gubby's mix,' is a classic Swedish appetizer or side dish, often found on the smörgåsbord. It's a simple yet flavorful blend of chopped hard-boiled eggs, salty anchovies, fresh chives, and a creamy binder, traditionally served on crisp rye bread.
🧂 Ingredients
- 100 g Swedish anchovy fillets in oil
- 4 Large hard-boiled eggs
- 2 tbsp Fresh chives
- 3 tbsp Sour cream(full-fat recommended for best texture)
- to taste Freshly ground black pepper
- for serving Rye bread or crispbread(thinly sliced or whole)
👨🍳 Instructions
- 1
Prepare the hard-boiled eggs. If you haven't already, hard-boil the eggs (about 10-12 minutes in boiling water), then cool them under cold running water, peel, and let them cool completely. Once cooled, finely chop the eggs into small, uniform pieces. Aim for a texture where the yolk and white are distinct but small.
⏱️ 5 minutes (if eggs are already boiled and cooled) - 2
Finely chop the drained Swedish anchovy fillets. Be sure to drain them well to avoid excess oil. The anchovies should be chopped into very small pieces, similar in size to the chopped egg.
⏱️ 5 minutes - 3
Combine the chopped eggs, chopped anchovies, and finely chopped chives in a medium bowl. Gently mix them together, ensuring the anchovies are evenly distributed.
⏱️ 2 minutes - 4
Add the sour cream and a pinch of freshly ground black pepper to the bowl. Stir gently until just combined. Be careful not to overmix, as this can make the mixture mushy. You want to see distinct pieces of egg and anchovy coated in the creamy dressing.
⏱️ 3 minutes - 5
Taste and adjust seasoning if necessary. The anchovies are salty, so you likely won't need additional salt, but a little more pepper can enhance the flavor. Serve immediately or chill for up to 2 hours before serving. Gubbröra is best served cold.
⏱️ 1 minute - 6
Serve the Gubbröra on slices of dark rye bread or crispbread. You can also serve it in small bowls or as a topping for open-faced sandwiches.
💡 Pro Tips
- ✓The name 'Gubbröra' translates to 'old man's mix' or 'gubby's mix,' reflecting its rustic and traditional nature.
- ✓This is a quintessential smörgåsbord classic, perfect for festive occasions.
- ✓For an authentic Swedish experience, serve with a variety of crispbreads (knäckebröd) or dense rye bread.
✨ Twist Ideas
Inspiration for your own version of this recipe
- For a richer flavor, increase the amount of anchovies.
- Add finely chopped fresh dill along with the chives for a brighter, herbaceous note.
- Some recipes include a small amount of finely chopped red onion or shallot for a subtle bite.