Kräftor

Kräftor
Sweden
⏱ — min. Serves: —

Ingredients

  • 4 lbs (1.8 kg) live crayfish
  • 1 cup coarse sea salt
  • 2 cups granulated sugar
  • 2 gallons (7.5 liters) water
  • 2 large bunches fresh dill, including crowns (flower heads)
  • 2 tablespoons whole allspice
  • 2 lemons, sliced
  • 2 beers (optional)

Instructions

Prepare the Brine

In a large pot, bring the water to a boil.

Add the sea salt, granulated sugar, whole allspice, and sliced lemons to the pot. Stir until the salt and sugar are completely dissolved.

Add the Dill

Add one bunch of fresh dill, including the crowns, to the boiling brine. Let it simmer for about 5 minutes to infuse the flavors.

Cook the Crayfish

Carefully add the live crayfish to the boiling brine. Make sure the crayfish are fully submerged.

If using, pour in the beers for additional flavor.

Bring the water back to a boil and cook the crayfish for about 6-7 minutes, or until they turn bright red.

Cool and Infuse

Remove the pot from heat and add the second bunch of fresh dill on top of the crayfish.

Allow the crayfish to cool in the brine for at least 1-2 hours. For best flavor, refrigerate the crayfish in the brine overnight, allowing them to soak up more of the dill and spice flavors.

Serve

Drain the crayfish from the brine and transfer them to a serving platter.

Garnish with additional fresh dill, if desired.

Enjoy your meal!