Nordic Avocado Toast with Pickled Beets and Egg

Avocado toast has become a very popular breakfast option in recent years, and for good reason. There is something very satisfying about crispy toast topped with creamy avocado, especially if you are in the mood for something savory that is relatively quick to make. And it's something you can feel good about! Avocados are a good source of vitamins B-6, C, E and K, along with riboflavin, niacin, folate, pantothenic acid, magnesium, and potassium. They are also a wonderful plant-based source of omega-3 fatty acids.

But how to bring the Nordic vibes to your avocado toast? With the help of rye bread, sliced hard-boiled egg and pickled beets, of course!

The Base: Rye Bread

You have several options when it comes to the foundation of your Nordic Avocado Toast, and they are all rye-based. Rye is, after all, the quintessential Scandinavian grain at the heart of many of the deliciously dark breads that are the cornerstone of Nordic cuisine.

Rugbrød

In particular, dense Danish rye bread or rugbrød provides a nice sturdy base for the buttery avocado slices, which is no surprise as rugbrød is the foundation of most smørrebrød or Nordic open sandwiches. Rugbrød can be hard to find in stores or even at a local bakery, but lucky for you I've got two easy recipes for rugbrød here on the site, one uses instant yeast and the other is a sourdough version. Both are delicious:

• Easy Overnight Danish Rye Bread (Rugbrød)
• Sourdough Danish Rye Bread (Rugabrød)

Not in the mood to bake? No worries! Any rye bread from the grocery store or bakery can stand in for the rugbrød in a pinch.

Crispbread

Another rye-based option to consider for the foundation of your Nordic Avocado Toast is crispbread, the cracker-like rye bread that has been an integral part of the Scandinavian diet for centuries. Crispbread has become an increasingly popular export from the north, especially in recent years as people have started seeking out nutritious, high-fiber alternatives to traditional bread. I've got two delicious crispbread recipes here on the site if you are in the mood to bake:

• Rye and Oat Crispbread
• Easy Sourdough Rye Crispbread

But honestly, there are many good brands of Scandinavian crispbread on the market today, such as Leksands, Finn Crisp or Wasa, that are widely available at grocery and Scandinavian specialty stores nation wide.

If you are looking for a real treat, give this artisan Norwegian-style crispbread baked in Brooklyn, NY a try. Seedy, organic and so tasty and satsifying, Norwegian Baked Knekkebrød takes crispbread to a new level and makes a hearty, substantial base for avocado toast. It is my current obsession most definitely deserves a spot in your pantry. To learn more about this extraordinary crispbread, please visit the Norwegian Baked website or their Etsy store. They will ship their delicious, fresh crispbread directly to you in no time at all!

The Toppings

Sliced Avocado

This goes without saying, obviously. If you're going for looks (and when it comes to open sandwiches I think you should put a little effort into the artistry of it), seek out an avocado that is ripe but firm so that it slices attractively. Drizzle the avocado with a little lemon juice and season with salt and pepper.

Pickled Beets

You can buy pickled beets from the store, but I highly recommend my recipe for Spicy Pickled Beets here. They are perfectly seasoned, not too sweet and pack a bit of a punch thanks to the addition of crushed red pepper flakes in the brine. They are also roasted rather than boiled or steamed which results in a firm and pleasant texture (I find some pickled beets to be a little too soft and mushy).

Hard-Boiled Egg

Pickled beets and hard-boiled eggs were made for each other, and with their new best friend avocado, you have a perfect combination of textures and flavors at play in your Nordic Avocado Toast. New to making hard-boiled eggs? It is a skill everyone should master and in fact, it couldn't be simpler. Place the eggs in a saucepan and cover by an inch or so with cold water. Bring to a boil over medium-high heat. Turn off the burner and cover the saucepan. Let the eggs sit for 10 minutes and then transfer to an ice bath to cool and stop the cooking. Done!

My other suggestion with the egg (this one falls into the looks count category) is to invest in an egg slicer. I'm not much for single use gadgets but this one is a game changer. You'll have gorgeous sliced hard-boiled eggs every time!

I hope you give this Nordic Avocado Toast a try for breakfast sometime soon. If you take a little time on Sunday to make a batch of the pickled beets and boil a few eggs, you'll be ready for breakfasts throughout the week! Perfect for those busy mornings when you want something nutritious and tasty but don't have much time on your hands. Looking for more healthy and easy Nordic breakfast ideas? Give these recipes a try:

• Overnight Oats with Skyr and Blueberry Cardamom Compote
• Strawberry Rhubarb Barley Scones
• Salted Caramel Apple Oat Porridge
• Baked Nordic Oat and Rye Porridge
• Nordic Morning Granola (pair with skyr and seasonal fresh fruit or Roasted Strawberry Rhubarb Compote, Blueberry Cardamom Compote, Roasted Peach Ginger Compote or Roasted Pear Compote with Cardamom, Vanilla and Fresh Ginger
• Beet Apple Ginger Smoothie
• Nordic Wild Berry Almond Smoothie
• Danish Egg Cake with Potatoes, Bacon and Chives

And if you try this Nordic Avocado Toast, please let me know in the comments below! I always love hearing from you.

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