Herring with a dressing

 

This dish is perfect for those who appreciate bold flavours. The combination of salty herring, creamy dressing, and the freshness of vegetables creates a well-balanced and flavorful meal.

Ingredients:

- 2 whole salted herrings (filleted)

- 1 medium red onion (thinly sliced)

- 1 apple (peeled and diced)

- 1 small potato (boiled and diced)

- 1 medium beet (boiled and diced)

- 2 tbsp capers

- 2 tbsp fresh dill (chopped)

- 1 lemon (sliced)

- Salt and pepper to taste

For the dressing:

- 4 tbsp sour cream

- 1 tbsp Dijon mustard

- 1 tbsp mayonnaise

- 1 tsp lemon juice

- 1 tsp white wine vinegar

- 1 tsp sugar

- Salt and pepper to taste

Prepare the Herring:

- Start by rinsing the salted herrings under cold water to remove excess salt. If the herrings are too salty, you can soak them in cold water or milk for an hour. Pat the fillets dry with a paper towel and cut them into bite-sized pieces.

Prepare the Vegetables:

- Thinly slice the red onion and place it in a small bowl. To soften the flavour of the onions, you can soak them in a little vinegar or lemon juice for about 10 minutes.

- Boil the potato and beet until tender, then dice them into small cubes. Peel and dice the apple as well.

Make the Dressing:

- In a small bowl, whisk together the sour cream, Dijon mustard, mayonnaise, lemon juice, white wine vinegar, sugar, salt, and pepper. Adjust the seasoning to your taste. The dressing should be creamy with a balanced sweet and tangy flavour.

Assemble the Dish:

- On a large serving plate, arrange the herring pieces. Scatter the diced potato, apple, beet, and softened red onion over the fish.

- Sprinkle capers and fresh dill on top of the herring for extra flavour.

- Drizzle the prepared dressing evenly over the herring and vegetables. Garnish the plate with lemon slices for a fresh, citrusy touch.

Serving Suggestion:

- Herring is often served with dark rye bread or boiled potatoes. You can also pair it with a crisp green salad on the side. The dressing adds a creamy, tangy contrast to the rich and salty herring, making it a delightful appetizer or light meal.

Additional Dressing Option:

For a more traditional approach, you can serve herring with a mustard dressing made with 2 tbsp mustard, 1 tbsp sugar, 2 tbsp vinegar, and 3 tbsp vegetable oil. This dressing enhances the natural flavours of the fish with a sharp and slightly sweet taste.

Storage:

If you’re preparing the herring in advance, you can store it in the refrigerator for up to two days. Just make sure to keep it covered tightly to maintain freshness.