National Dish Iceland: Ein með öllu (Recipe)
In this article
Say hello to Ein með öllu, Iceland’s cheerful answer to the question of what to eat when you want something warm, filling and completely unfussy. The name translates as “one with everything”, and that is exactly the spirit of it: plump Icelandic sausages, a cloud of buttery mash, sweet fried onions and as many sauces as you fancy piling on. It is the kind of plate that suits a dark, blustery evening and a table full of friends.
About Ein með öllu
Ein með öllu is far more than a plate of food; it is a small culinary experience that captures the tradition and taste of Icelandic cooking. The dish brings together sausages — usually made from lamb or pork — with creamy potatoes and fresh onions. The various sauces served alongside give it an extra depth of flavour that wins over locals and visitors alike. It is perfect for sociable evenings and lets you enjoy a slice of Icelandic culture right at your own kitchen table.
Ingredients (serves 1–2)
- 2 juicy Icelandic sausages
- 300 g potatoes
- 1 large onion
- 2 tablespoons butter or margarine
- 1 cup milk or plant-based milk
- Mustard and ketchup (optional)
- Salt and pepper to taste
Shopping for the ingredients
To buy the ingredients for Ein með öllu, your best bet is a local supermarket or a delicatessen that specialises in international products. Icelandic sausages can often be found in specialist shops or ordered online. When choosing potatoes, look for fresh, waxy varieties that mash well. The quality of the onions and the milk matters just as much for the final flavour, so it is worth being just as fussy about freshness there.
Preparing the dish
Preparing Ein með öllu is remarkably straightforward and takes very little time. Start by peeling the potatoes and cutting them into small pieces to shorten the cooking time. Slice the onion into fine rings so its aroma comes through properly. Have everything ready to hand, including the sauces, so the cooking runs smoothly from start to finish.
Step-by-step instructions
- Bring the potatoes to the boil in a pan of water and cook for about 15–20 minutes until soft.
- While the potatoes simmer, fry the sausages in a pan with a splash of water until cooked through.
- Fry the onions in the same pan until golden brown.
- Drain the cooked potatoes and mash them with the butter, milk, salt and pepper until smooth.
- Spoon the mash onto a plate, lay the sausages on top and finish with the fried onions.
- Serve with mustard and ketchup to taste.
Gluten-free / lactose-free version
For a gluten-free version, simply check that the sausages and sauces you use are free from gluten. Avoid lactose by reaching for plant-based milk and margarine instead of butter. There are now plenty of gluten-free sausages on the market that work beautifully in this dish. The flavour stays true to the original while the dietary requirements are properly looked after.
Tips for vegans and vegetarians
Vegan and vegetarian versions of Ein með öllu are entirely possible and make delicious alternatives. Plenty of tofu or seitan sausages offer a similar bite and savoury flavour. When making the mash, swap the milk for oat or almond drink for a creamy result without any animal products. That small change makes the dish accessible to everyone at the table.
More tips and tricks
The right seasoning makes all the difference here. Try scattering over a few herbs such as parsley or chives to bring freshness and colour to the plate. A pinch of smoked salt can also lend the dish an intriguing note that nods to Iceland’s love of smoking and curing, much as it does in Hangikjöt. Experiment with different sauces too until you land on your personal favourite.
Adapting the recipe to your taste
Everyone has their own preferences, and Ein með öllu takes to adjustment very happily. If you like a bit of heat, pick a spicier variety of sausage to liven things up. The onions can equally be swapped for peppers or chilli to introduce a different flavour note. Use your imagination and try out combinations until the plate is exactly how you want it.
Ingredient substitutions
If you have no sausages to hand, grilled aubergine or vegetable skewers make a good meat-free stand-in. There are no limits when it comes to the sauces either — chilli or BBQ sauce can give the dish a real lift. Instead of ordinary potatoes you might use sweet potatoes for a gently sweet edge, or serve the mash with a rich gravy in the style of Kartöflustappa með Brúnni Sósu. Experimenting with different ingredients is half the fun.
Drink pairing ideas
The right drink rounds off the meal nicely. A cold Icelandic beer goes wonderfully with Ein með öllu and brings out the savoury notes of the dish. Alternatively, serve a refreshing cider or sparkling water with a squeeze of lemon. Both add a welcome freshness and keep the whole meal feeling balanced rather than heavy.
Serving and presentation ideas
Presentation can change how a dish is received. Serve Ein með öllu on a rustic wooden board or in colourful bowls to set an inviting tone. A fresh sprig of herbs or a few brightly coloured vegetables as garnish provide the finishing touch. Building the plate up in layers also creates a pleasing visual effect, and a basket of Flatbrauð með Smjöri alongside makes the spread feel generous.
A bit of history
Ein með öllu has a long tradition in Icelandic cooking and reflects the simple but hearty meals so valued in Iceland’s rugged landscape. The use of fresh, locally produced ingredients has been passed down through generations and stands as a symbol of the Icelandic way of life. Many Icelanders enjoy the dish not only in restaurants but at family gatherings and celebrations, where it sits comfortably among the classics of Icelandic cuisine. It speaks to a strong sense of community and a genuine affection for home cooking.
More recipe ideas
Summary: Ein með öllu
Ein með öllu gathers the best flavours of Icelandic cooking into one hearty plate, giving locals and guests alike a taste of the variety and warmth of Nordic food culture. With simple ingredients and a fuss-free method, it is ideal for cosy evenings with friends and family. Thanks to all the creative variations and adjustments on offer, it never grows dull, no matter how often you make it. Enjoy the flavours of Iceland with Ein með öllu and bring a little of the north to your table.
