The Danish Stegt Flæsk med Persillesovs Recipe and My Trip to Copenhagen
I learned to prepare Danish Stegt Flæsk med Persillesovs Recipe during my visit to Copenhagen. I had the chance to take a cooking class where I learned how to prepare the traditional Danish Stegt Flæsk med Persillesovs recipe. This classic dish, made of crispy fried pork belly served with a creamy parsley sauce, is considered one of Denmark’s national dishes. Copenhagen, the capital of Denmark, is known for its charming streets, vibrant harbour, and historical landmarks. The city has a modern yet classic feel, with a mix of old buildings, canals, and trendy shops and restaurants.
The cooking class was an informative and hands-on experience. We started by preparing the pork belly, which is the heart of the Danish Stegt Flæsk med Persillesovs recipe. The pork belly was carefully fried until it reached a perfect crisp. We also prepared the parsley sauce, which is essential to balance the richness of the pork. The dish is often served with boiled potatoes, and during the class, we got to try it in the traditional style.
Copenhagen itself is a beautiful city, with attractions like the Tivoli Gardens, Nyhavn, and the Little Mermaid statue. The streets are lined with cafés, where locals enjoy a cup of coffee and Danish pastries. The atmosphere is relaxed and welcoming, and the food culture is centered around simple yet flavorful dishes like the Danish Stegt Flæsk med Persillesovs recipe. The dish is beloved by locals and is commonly eaten as a hearty meal for lunch or dinner.
When I first tried the Danish Stegt Flæsk med Persillesovs recipe, I was immediately struck by the contrast between the crispy, salty pork belly and the creamy, slightly tangy parsley sauce. The pork belly had a rich, savoury flavour, and the parsley sauce added a fresh and smooth note that balanced out the dish. The potatoes, served alongside, were soft and light, providing a perfect base for the meat and sauce.
The Danish Stegt Flæsk med Persillesovs recipe is popular with locals, and it’s not hard to see why. It’s a simple yet fulfilling dish, easy to prepare and perfect for a cold day. It’s also a great representation of Danish comfort food, often enjoyed in casual settings with friends or family.
Ingredients
Pork Roast
Pork, sliced
Coarse salt
Vegetables
Butter
Red Onions
Medium Carrots
Coarse salt
Potatoes
Freshly Ground Pepper
Parsley Sauce
Milk
Cornstarch
Heavy Cream
Chopped Parsley
Sugar
Coarse Salt
Freshly Ground Pepper
Cooking Instructions
Fried Pork
- Spread the meat on the rack in the roasting pan and roast it in the top of the oven. Turn it over after approx. 15 min. and finish roasting.
- Place the golden, crispy pork on a piece of kitchen paper and sprinkle with salt.
Vegetables
- Meanwhile, melt the butter in a sauté pan over high heat, but without browning it.
- Sauté onions and carrots for about 3 minutes and sprinkle with salt and pepper.
Parsley Sauce
- Mix the milk with the cornstarch in a saucepan and bring to the boil while stirring.
- Add the cooking cream, parsley, sugar and let the sauce cook for about 5 minutes. Add salt and pepper and taste.
- Serve the parsley sauce with potatoes, vegetables and roasted pork.
The Favorite Food of Danish Locals
Denmark is a country celebrated for its rich food heritage, with a focus on fresh, local ingredients and traditional cooking methods. Danish cuisine has gained international recognition, but the local favourites often revolve around comforting, everyday dishes that reflect the simplicity and quality of Nordic food culture.
Smørrebrød: The Iconic Open-Faced Sandwich
Denmark’s most popular dish is an open-faced sandwich on rye bread called Smørrebrød. This staple may be topped with pickled herring and cured meats, shrimp, or eggs, or seasonal vegetables. Danish locals enjoy smrrebrd for lunch or on special occasions. Rye bread (rugbrd) is one of the main dishes in Danish cuisine, prized for its thick, nutty taste.
Frikadeller: A Family Favorite
Frikadeller are Danish meatballs that are seasoned with onion, salt, pepper and allspice in the hearts of ground pork, beef or veal. They are pan-fried to golden perfection with boiled potatoes, creamy gravy and pickled red cabbage. Frikadeller are a staple at family dinners and are loved for their softness and comforting appeal.
Rugbrød: The Foundation of Danish Meals
Rugbrød is dense, dark rye bread, a cultural staple. It is a staple food for Danish locals, packed with nutrients and fibre. Often paired with cold cuts, cheese, or fish, rugbr’d is celebrated for its rich flavor and versatility. Some Danes make their very very own bread at home.
Flæskesteg: A Festive Delight
Flæskesteg (roasted pork with crispy crackling) is a traditional Christmas dish in Denmark. This traditional dish calls for pork loin seasoned with salt and sometimes cloves and roasted for crackling. It is served with caramelised potatoes, red cabbage and savoury gravy and is a traditional dish of Danish hospitality and cuisine.
Danish Pastries: A Sweet Treat
Danish pastries wienerbrød remain a local favorite, although internationally known. From custard-filled spandauerto jam-topped tebirkes, these buttery, flaky delights come in many shapes and flavors. They are usually eaten with a cup of coffee during the afternoon break kaffepause.
Hygge on a Plate
Danish food is strongly associated with Hygge, cosiness and contentment. Meals are often simple but prepared with care, using seasonal and quality ingredients. Whether it’s a light lunch of smørrebrød or a festive dinner with flæskesteg, Danish locals value food, family and tradition.
Every bite in Denmark is a story of heritage, community and respect for the land. For visitors, tasting these favourite dishes is a delicious way to taste the heart of Danish culture.
15 Essential Ingredients for Danish Cooking
Danish cooking revolves around fresh, seasonal ingredients that highlight the simplicity and natural flavours of Nordic cuisine. These essential ingredients are versatile and form the basis of many traditional Danish recipes. Here’s a closer look at the key components of Danish kitchens:
1. Rye Flour Rye flour is indispensable in Danish baking, especially for making *rugbrød* (rye bread). This dense, nutrient-rich bread serves as the foundation for many meals, including the iconic open-faced sandwiches, *smørrebrød*.
2. Potatoes Potatoes are a cornerstone of Danish cooking, featured in dishes like boiled potatoes, potato salads, and mashed potatoes. They are often served as a side with meat or fish.
3. Dill Dill is a popular herb in Danish cuisine, used to season fish, potatoes, and sauces. Its fresh, aromatic flavour is synonymous with Nordic cooking.
4. Cream Cream is a common ingredient in Danish dishes, adding richness to soups, sauces, and desserts like rice pudding (*risalamande*).
5. Pork Pork is the most commonly consumed meat in Denmark. It’s featured in recipes like *flæskesteg* (roast pork) and *frikadeller* (meatballs).
6. Pickled Vegetables
Pickled cucumbers, onions, and beets are used as condiments or sides, adding tanginess and crunch to meals.
7. Herring Herring, often pickled or smoked, is a staple ingredient in Danish cuisine. It’s a key component of traditional lunch platters.
8. Butter Danish butter, known for its high quality, is essential in cooking and baking, lending a rich flavour to dishes and pastries.
9. Onions Onions, both raw and cooked, are widely used in soups, stews, and salads. They provide a strong, savoury base for many recipes.
10. Eggs Eggs are a versatile ingredient, used in baking, sauces, and as a topping for *smørrebrød*.
11. Horseradish Horseradish adds a sharp, spicy flavour to sauces, seafood dishes, and garnishes, making it a must-have for Danish cooking.
12. Sugar Sugar is used to balance the acidity of pickled foods, as well as in desserts and baked goods like Danish pastries (*wienerbrød*).
13. Bay Leaves Bay leaves are used to add depth to soups, stews, and marinades, giving a subtle herbal aroma to many traditional dishes.
14. Fish In addition to herring, other fish like cod and plaice are widely used in Danish cooking, often prepared pan-fried or smoked.
15. Cheese Cheese, particularly creamy and aged varieties, plays a role in Danish cuisine, both as a topping for bread and as part of a meal.
These 15 ingredients form the essence of Danish cooking, reflecting the country’s commitment to fresh, simple, and flavourful food. From the richness of cream and butter to the tang of pickled vegetables, each ingredient contributes to the unique character of Nordic dishes.
FAQ for the Danish Stegt Flæsk med Persillesovs Recipe
Q: What is the Danish Stegt Flæsk med Persillesovs recipe?
The Danish Stegt Flæsk med Persillesovs recipe is a traditional Danish dish consisting of crispy fried pork belly served with a creamy parsley sauce. It is often accompanied by boiled potatoes, making it a satisfying and well-loved meal in Denmark.
Q: How is the Danish Stegt Flæsk med Persillesovs recipe prepared?
To prepare the Danish Stegt Flæsk med Persillesovs recipe, the pork belly is fried until crispy. The parsley sauce is made by combining fresh parsley, butter, and flour to create a smooth, creamy consistency. The dish is typically served with boiled potatoes.
Q: Why is the Danish Stegt Flæsk med Persillesovs recipe so popular in Denmark?
The Danish Stegt Flæsk med Persillesovs recipe is a staple in Danish cuisine due to its simplicity and satisfying nature. Locals enjoy it for its balance of rich pork belly and fresh parsley sauce, making it a favourite for lunch or dinner.
Q: What are the key ingredients in the Danish Stegt Flæsk med Persillesovs recipe?
The key ingredients in the Danish Stegt Flæsk med Persillesovs recipe include pork belly, fresh parsley, butter, flour, and potatoes. The dish relies on these basic ingredients to create a flavourful and hearty meal.
Q: Can the Danish Stegt Flæsk med Persillesovs recipe be made in advance?
Yes, the Danish Stegt Flæsk med Persillesovs recipe can be partially prepared in advance. The pork belly can be fried ahead of time, and the parsley sauce can be stored in the refrigerator. When ready to serve, reheat the components and serve with freshly boiled potatoes.

Easy Danish Stegt Flæsk med Persillesovs Recipe
Ingredients
Pork Roast
- 1.3 lbs Pork breast sliced
- ½ tsp Coarse salt
Vegetables
- 2 tsp Butter
- 3 medium red onions 9 oz, sliced
- 5 medium carrots 12 oz, cut into small pieces
- ½ tsp Coarse salt
- 2.2 lbs Potatoes
- Freshly ground pepper to taste
Parsley Sauce
- 1 cup Milk
- 2½ tbsp Cornstarch
- 1 cup Heavy cream
- ¾ cup Chopped parsley
- ½ tsp Sugar
- 1 tsp Coarse salt
- Freshly ground pepper to taste
Instructions
Fried Pork
- Spread the meat on the rack in the roasting pan and roast it in the top of the oven. Turn it over after approx. 15 min. and finish roasting.
- Place the golden, crispy pork on a piece of kitchen paper and sprinkle with salt.
Vegetables
- Meanwhile, melt the butter in a sauté pan over high heat, but without browning it.
- Sauté onions and carrots for about 3 minutes and sprinkle with salt and pepper.
Parsley Sauce
- Mix the milk with the cornstarch in a saucepan and bring to the boil while stirring.
- Add the cooking cream, parsley, sugar and let the sauce cook for about 5 minutes. Add salt and pepper and taste.
- Serve the parsley sauce with potatoes, vegetables and roasted pork.
2 comments
The Parsley sauce was great and I will use it with a lot of other dishes.
The recipe doesn’t mention how to cook the potatoes 🤔 Should they be roasted? Sauteed? Raw??? Boil em, mash, em, stick em in a stew?!