Chopped Herring

Healthy Chopped Herring Recipe with Herring, Onion, Apple, and More

Preparation time: 20 minutes | Cooking time: 0 minutes | Servings: 6

Introduction

Chopped herring is a traditional Jewish dish that is often served as an appetizer or side dish. This dish is made with salted herring fillets that are chopped and mixed with onions, apples, hard-boiled eggs, and other ingredients to create a flavorful and savory spread.

History

Chopped herring has its origins in Eastern European Jewish cuisine, where herring was a common and affordable fish that was often used in traditional dishes. This dish has been enjoyed for generations as a delicious and satisfying appetizer or snack.

Ingredients

6 salted herring fillets
3 tbsp chopped onion
0.5 cup chopped apple
2 hard-boiled eggs
3 tbsp cider vinegar
2 slices white bread, trimmed
1 tsp sugar
2 tbsp salad oil

How to prepare

Soak the herring in enough water to cover overnight.
Change the water twice.
Drain the herring.
Chop the onion, apple, eggs, and herring together.
Pour the vinegar over the bread and add it to the herring along with the sugar and oil.
Continue chopping until the mixture is very smooth.
Taste the mixture for seasoning and add more vinegar if needed.
Chill the mixture before serving.

Variations

Add chopped pickles or capers for extra tanginess.
Mix in some sour cream or mayonnaise for a creamier texture.
Garnish with fresh herbs like dill or parsley for added flavor.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

Soaking the herring overnight helps to remove some of the saltiness and soften the fish.

- Chopping the ingredients finely ensures a smooth and even texture in the final dish.

- Taste the mixture before serving and adjust the seasoning as needed.

Serving Suggestions

Chopped herring can be served on crackers, toast points, or bagels. It can also be enjoyed on its own as a light and flavorful snack.

Cooking Techniques

Chopped herring is a no-cook recipe that simply requires chopping and mixing the ingredients together. The key is to finely chop the ingredients to achieve a smooth and uniform texture.

Ingredient Substitutions

Use smoked herring or pickled herring instead of salted herring.

- Substitute white vinegar or lemon juice for the cider vinegar.

- Use whole grain bread or gluten-free bread if needed.

Make Ahead Tips

Chopped herring can be made ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator for up to 2-3 days. The flavors will continue to meld and develop over time, making it a great make-ahead dish for parties or gatherings.

Presentation Ideas

Serve chopped herring in a decorative bowl or platter, garnished with fresh herbs or lemon slices. You can also arrange it on a serving tray with crackers or bread for a beautiful and appetizing display.

Pairing Recommendations

Chopped herring pairs well with rye bread, pumpernickel bread, or bagels. It also goes well with pickles, olives, and other traditional Jewish appetizers.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Store leftover chopped herring in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2-3 days. To reheat, simply let it come to room temperature or serve chilled.

Nutrition Information

Calories per serving

Each serving of chopped herring may contain around 200-250 calories, depending on the portion size and ingredients used.

Carbohydrates

Chopped herring contains carbohydrates from the apples and bread used in the recipe. Each serving may contain around 10-15 grams of carbohydrates.

Fats

Herring is a fatty fish that is rich in omega-3 fatty acids. The salad oil used in the recipe also contributes to the fat content. Each serving may contain around 10-15 grams of fat.

Proteins

Herring is a good source of protein, with each fillet containing around 15-20 grams of protein. The hard-boiled eggs in the recipe also add to the protein content.

Vitamins and minerals

Herring is a good source of vitamins and minerals, including vitamin D, vitamin B12, and selenium. The apples in the recipe provide vitamin C and dietary fiber.

Alergens

Chopped herring contains fish (herring), eggs, and gluten (from the bread). It may not be suitable for those with allergies to these ingredients.

Summary

Chopped herring is a nutritious dish that is rich in protein, healthy fats, and essential vitamins and minerals. It is a flavorful and satisfying option for those looking for a traditional Jewish appetizer.

Summary

Chopped herring is a classic Jewish dish that is easy to make and full of flavor. This savory spread is perfect for serving as an appetizer or snack, and can be enjoyed with a variety of accompaniments. Try making this traditional dish at home for a taste of Jewish culinary heritage.

How did I get this recipe?

I have a clear memory of the first time I saw this recipe for chopped herring. It was many years ago, when I was just a young girl living in a small village by the sea. My grandmother, who was known for her delicious and inventive recipes, had just returned from a trip to visit some distant relatives. She had brought back with her a treasure trove of new recipes and ideas, and one of them was for chopped herring.

I remember watching in awe as she prepared the dish, carefully chopping the fresh herring into small pieces, mixing it with onions, apples, and a tangy dressing made with vinegar and sugar. As she worked, she told me the story behind the recipe. She had learned it from an old friend who had grown up in a fishing village far to the north, where herring was a staple food.

According to my grandmother's friend, chopped herring was a dish that had been passed down through generations in their village. It was simple yet delicious, a perfect combination of the salty fish, sweet apples, and sharp onions. The dressing, made with vinegar and sugar, added a tangy kick that complemented the other flavors perfectly.

As my grandmother finished preparing the dish, she scooped some onto a plate and handed it to me to try. I took a hesitant bite, not sure what to expect. But as soon as the flavors hit my tongue, I was hooked. The salty fish, the sweet apples, the tangy dressing - it was a symphony of flavors that danced across my taste buds. I couldn't get enough.

From that moment on, chopped herring became a staple in our household. My grandmother would make it for special occasions, family gatherings, or just as a snack for us to enjoy. She would often tell me stories about her friend from the fishing village, and how she had passed on the recipe to her with such care and pride.

Over the years, I watched as my grandmother perfected the recipe, tweaking it here and there to suit her own tastes. Sometimes she would add a bit more vinegar for extra tang, or a touch of honey to sweeten it up. But no matter how she changed it, the dish always remained true to its roots - a simple, comforting dish that brought back memories of her friend and the village by the sea.

As I grew older, I began to learn the recipe myself, watching my grandmother's every move and carefully taking note of each ingredient and technique. I would help her chop the herring, slice the onions, and mix the dressing, feeling a sense of pride and connection to the past with each dish we made together.

Now, as I sit here with my own grandchildren gathered around me, I pass on the recipe for chopped herring to them with the same care and pride that my grandmother did to me all those years ago. I tell them the story behind the dish, of the fishing village by the sea, of my grandmother's friend, and of the simple yet delicious recipe that has been passed down through generations.

And as we sit down to enjoy the dish together, I watch as their faces light up with delight at the flavors that dance across their taste buds. I see in their eyes the same wonder and awe that I felt all those years ago when I first saw my grandmother prepare chopped herring. And I know that this recipe, like so many others that have been passed down through our family, will continue to bring us together and connect us to our past for generations to come.