“The high level of meat, confectionery, and coffee consumption in Denmark is directly linked to hygge. Hygge is about being kind to yourself, giving yourself a treat, and giving yourself and each other a break from the demands of healthy living. Sweets are hyggeligt. Cake is hyggeligt. Coffee and hot chocolate are hyggeligt too. Carrots sticks not so much. Something ‘sinful’ is an integral component of the hygge ritual but it should not be something fancy or extravagant. A hearty stew is [hyggeligt]. Popcorn is, especially if we share the same bowl. ‘Let’s sin together.'” -Meik Wiking, The Little Book of Hygge

Do you want to know what to eat for a “hyggeligt” lifestyle? Red meat, potatoes, cake and coffee.

Really.

It is about having self-control and knowing that it is best done with moderation, but there is also an element of indulgence in something that isn’t “good” for you. It may not be the healthiest choice for your body, but it is “healthy” for your soul. It need not be something elaborate or expensive but it can take a lot of time to cook. That cooking time is part of the hygge.

The scents of the cooking process. Something in the slow cooker that takes hours and hours to cook while you catch up with your friends and family. There is an environment of togetherness while things percolate and an anticipation of waiting for the meal.

Freshly baked bread is hyggeligt. The Danish pastry is named for the country of Denmark! Again, these types of food all contribute to the atmosphere of hygge.

This type of “hygge meal” reminds me most of Thanksgiving but simplified. It doesn’t need to have a full table full of side dishes or fancy silverware and furnishings, but it should take some time, be hearty and fill you up, both your stomach and your heart.

When describing hygge in terms of food, Wiking talks about having a potluck where everyone brings a dish to the meal. He also speaks about each person in the meals bringing ingredients to make their favorite soup to serve one person. In this way everyone gets a taste of one another’s soup and together have one bowl by each taking various spoonfuls of each person’s offering.

Yum!

– Jason