Gravlax as comfort food — exactly what I needed

Some dishes exist to comfort and Gravlax is absolutely in that category. The clean and subtly sweet quality works on something almost primal — you feel the warmth of it immediately. lingonberry does work that no substitute can replicate.

Swedish fika culture elevates the coffee break with pastries into a social institution. There's something about the a midsommar summer feast context that reinforces the comfort effect. Swedish punsch alongside is the traditional way and it makes complete sense. I come back to this dish when I need something dependable and restorative.