Tunnbrodsrulle II: A Swedish Street Food Delight

The first time I had a Tunnbrodsrulle, I was wandering the cobblestone streets of Stockholm, the crisp Scandinavian air nipping at my cheeks. The savory aroma, a symphony of hot dogs, mashed potatoes, and a tangy shrimp salad, pulled me toward a bustling street vendor. It wasn’t just a meal; it was an experience—a warm, comforting hug in edible form, encapsulating the very essence of Swedish street food culture. I’ve been chasing that memory, tweaking and perfecting my own version ever since.

Recipe Overview

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 6 minutes
• Total Time: 21 minutes
• Servings: 4
• Yield: 4 sandwiches
• Dietary Type: Not specified

Ingredients

• 4 flour tortillas
• 1 cup mashed potatoes
• 4 hot dogs
• Catsup, to taste
• Mustard, to taste
• Relish, to taste
• ½ cup lowfat sour cream
• 1 cup baby shrimp (or larger, peeled and chopped)
• ½ cup lowfat mayonnaise
• ½ large apple, finely chopped
• ½ cup rutabaga, peeled and finely chopped
• 1 cup torn leaf lettuce

Equipment Needed

• Microwave
• Cutting board
• Knife

Instructions

1. First, prepare the star of the show, the shrimp salad. In a bowl, combine the baby shrimp (or chopped larger shrimp), lowfat mayonnaise, finely chopped apple, and peeled and finely chopped rutabaga. Gently mix until all ingredients are well combined. If you’re not making the shrimp salad right away, chop the apple just before mixing to prevent browning.

2. Next, lightly heat the hot dogs. The easiest method is to microwave them. Place the hot dogs on a microwave-safe plate and microwave for about one minute, or until heated through. The exact time may vary depending on your microwave’s power.

3. Now, it’s assembly time! Lay one flour tortilla flat on a clean surface.

4. Start layering the ingredients onto the tortilla. Begin with a generous portion of mashed potatoes, spreading it evenly across the center of the tortilla.

5. Place one heated hot dog on top of the mashed potatoes.

6. Drizzle generously with catsup, mustard, and relish, adjusting the amounts to your personal taste preference.

7. Add a dollop of lowfat sour cream over the hot dog and condiments.

8. Spoon a generous portion of the prepared shrimp salad on top of the sour cream.

9. Finally, top everything off with a handful of torn leaf lettuce.

10. Gently fold the tortilla into an open cone shape, ensuring that all the delicious fillings are snug inside.

11. Repeat steps 3 through 10 for the remaining three tortillas and ingredients.

12. Serve immediately and enjoy your homemade Tunnbrodsrulle II!

Expert Tips & Tricks

• Apple Preparation: The apple tends to brown quickly once chopped. To avoid this, either chop the apple right before mixing the shrimp salad or toss the chopped apple with a squeeze of lemon juice to help prevent oxidation.

• Shrimp Salad Consistency: If you prefer a creamier shrimp salad, add a touch more mayonnaise. For a brighter flavor, consider adding a squeeze of fresh lemon juice or a pinch of dill to the salad.

• Tortilla Warmth: Warming the tortillas slightly before assembling makes them more pliable and less likely to crack when folding. You can briefly microwave them (covered with a damp paper towel) or heat them in a dry skillet for a few seconds per side.

• Hot Dog Quality: Opt for good-quality hot dogs for the best flavor. All-beef hot dogs are a classic choice.

• Rutabaga Alternative: If you can’t find rutabaga, you can substitute it with finely diced celery or jicama for a similar crunchy texture.

Serving & Storage Suggestions

Serve your Tunnbrodsrulle II immediately after preparation for the best taste and texture. The warm hot dog and the chilled shrimp salad create a delightful contrast. This is street food meant to be enjoyed fresh!

Leftovers are best stored disassembled. Keep the shrimp salad, mashed potatoes, and other ingredients in separate airtight containers in the refrigerator. The lettuce should also be stored separately to prevent it from wilting. Reheat the hot dogs and mashed potatoes before assembling a new Tunnbrodsrulle. Leftovers are best consumed within 1-2 days. Keep in mind, the assembled Tunnbrodsrulle will become soggy if stored. It’s not recommended to freeze this dish due to the mayonnaise-based salad.

Nutritional Information

Nutrient	Amount per Serving	% Daily Value
Calories	479.2 kcal	N/A
Calories from Fat	283 g	59%
Total Fat	31.5 g	48%
Saturated Fat	10.8 g	53%
Cholesterol	47.5 mg	15%
Sodium	1103 mg	45%
Total Carbohydrate	40.1 g	13%
Dietary Fiber	3.1 g	12%
Sugars	9.8 g	39%
Protein	9.9 g	19%

Note: Nutritional information is an estimate and may vary based on specific ingredients and portion sizes.

Variations & Substitutions

• Vegetarian Option: Substitute the hot dogs with vegetarian sausages or grilled halloumi cheese.

• Gluten-Free: Use gluten-free tortillas. Be sure to check the labels of your condiments (catsup, mustard, relish) to ensure they are also gluten-free.

• Dairy-Free: Use dairy-free sour cream or substitute it with a dairy-free yogurt alternative.

• Spicy Kick: Add a dash of hot sauce or a pinch of red pepper flakes to the shrimp salad for a spicy twist.

• Deluxe Shrimp Salad: Elevate the shrimp salad with other ingredients, like diced celery, red onion, or fresh dill.

FAQs (Frequently Asked Questions)

Q: Can I make the shrimp salad ahead of time?
A: Yes, the shrimp salad can be made up to a day in advance and stored in the refrigerator. This allows the flavors to meld together beautifully.

Q: What can I use if I don’t have rutabaga?
A: If you can’t find rutabaga, you can substitute it with finely diced celery, jicama, or even water chestnuts for a similar crunch.

Q: How do I prevent the tortilla from tearing when folding?
A: Lightly warm the tortillas before assembling. This will make them more pliable and less likely to crack.

Q: Can I use pre-cooked shrimp for this recipe?
A: Yes, pre-cooked shrimp works perfectly well in this recipe. Just ensure they are thawed if frozen and are of good quality.

Q: Is it possible to grill the hot dogs instead of microwaving them?
A: Absolutely! Grilling the hot dogs will add a smoky flavor, enhancing the overall taste of the Tunnbrodsrulle.

Final Thoughts

Now it’s your turn to create this beloved Swedish street food classic. Don’t be afraid to customize the ingredients to your liking. The beauty of the Tunnbrodsrulle II lies in its adaptability. Whether you stick to the original recipe or add your own personal flair, I hope this dish brings you as much joy as it has brought me over the years. Gather your ingredients, invite some friends, and let the Tunnbrodsrulle adventure begin! Serve with a crisp, cold Swedish beer for the full experience! I’d love to hear your creations and variations. Happy cooking!