Herring Appetizer

Herring Appetizer Recipe from Latvia - Delicious and Flavorful

Region / culture: Latvia | Preparation time: 15 minutes | Cooking time: 20 minutes | Servings: 4

Introduction

Herring appetizer is a delicious and refreshing dish that is perfect for serving at parties or as a light snack. This recipe combines the salty and savory flavors of herring with the freshness of tomatoes, herbs, and olives.

History

Herring has been a popular food source for centuries, especially in European countries where it is abundant in the waters. This appetizer recipe likely originated in Scandinavia or Eastern Europe, where herring is a staple ingredient in many dishes.

Ingredients

4 salted herring fillets
3 tomatoes, chopped
0.75 cup of water
2 tsp of sugar
2 tsp of chopped dill
2 tsp of chopped parsley
2 scallions, sliced
0.5 cup of chopped ripe olives
2 tbsp of vinegar
4 tbsp of olive oil

How to prepare

Soak the herring in enough water to cover overnight.
Drain the herring.
Rinse the herring again and cut it into slices that are 0.5 inches thick.
In a saucepan, combine the tomatoes, water, and sugar.
Cook the mixture over low heat for 15 minutes.
Mix the ingredients well.
Add the dill, parsley, scallions, vinegar, and oil to the mixture.
Cook for an additional 5 minutes.
Pour the mixture over the herring.
Chill the herring.
Serve the herring very cold on lettuce leaves.

Variations

Add capers or pickles for extra tanginess.
Substitute fresh herbs like cilantro or basil for a different flavor profile.
Use smoked herring for a more intense smoky flavor.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

Be sure to soak the herring overnight to remove excess saltiness.

- Use ripe tomatoes for the best flavor.

- Adjust the amount of sugar and vinegar to suit your taste preferences.

- Chill the herring thoroughly before serving for the best taste and texture.

Serving Suggestions

Serve this herring appetizer on a bed of lettuce leaves for a beautiful presentation. It can also be served with crusty bread or crackers for a more substantial meal.

Cooking Techniques

The key cooking techniques for this herring appetizer include soaking, slicing, simmering, and chilling. These techniques help to remove excess saltiness from the herring and infuse it with the flavors of the tomatoes and herbs.

Ingredient Substitutions

If you cannot find salted herring fillets, you can use smoked herring or pickled herring instead. You can also substitute other types of fish, such as mackerel or sardines.

Make Ahead Tips

This herring appetizer can be made ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours before serving. The flavors will continue to develop as it chills, making it even more delicious.

Presentation Ideas

Arrange the herring slices on a platter and garnish with fresh herbs and olives for a beautiful presentation. You can also serve it in individual bowls or on small plates for a more elegant look.

Pairing Recommendations

This herring appetizer pairs well with crisp white wines, such as Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio. It also goes well with light beers or sparkling water with a splash of lemon.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Store any leftovers of this herring appetizer in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. To reheat, simply let it come to room temperature or enjoy it cold.

Nutrition Information

Calories per serving

Each serving of this herring appetizer contains around 220 calories.

Carbohydrates

This herring appetizer recipe contains approximately 8 grams of carbohydrates per serving.

Fats

Each serving of this herring appetizer contains about 15 grams of fat.

Proteins

There are approximately 12 grams of protein in each serving of this herring appetizer.

Vitamins and minerals

Herring is a good source of vitamin D, vitamin B12, and omega-3 fatty acids. This appetizer also provides vitamins A and C from the tomatoes and herbs.

Alergens

This recipe contains fish (herring) and olives, which may be allergens for some individuals.

Summary

Overall, this herring appetizer is a nutritious dish that provides a good balance of protein, fats, and carbohydrates. It is also rich in vitamins and minerals, making it a healthy choice for a snack or light meal.

Summary

Herring appetizer is a flavorful and nutritious dish that is perfect for serving at parties or as a light snack. This recipe combines the salty and savory flavors of herring with the freshness of tomatoes, herbs, and olives, creating a delicious and refreshing appetizer that is sure to impress your guests.

How did I get this recipe?

The moment I found this recipe is one that will always stay with me. It was a sunny afternoon in the summer of 1965, and I was visiting my dear friend, Mrs. Jenkins, in her cozy little cottage by the sea. Mrs. Jenkins was known in our small town for her incredible culinary skills, and I had always admired her ability to whip up delicious dishes with such ease.

As we sat in her kitchen, sipping on tea and chatting about life, Mrs. Jenkins suddenly got a twinkle in her eye. She reached into a dusty old recipe box on her shelf and pulled out a faded, yellowed piece of paper. "I have something special to show you, my dear," she said with a smile.

She handed me the paper, and as I read the words written in her elegant script, I felt a wave of excitement wash over me. It was a recipe for herring appetizer, a dish I had never heard of before. Mrs. Jenkins explained that it was a traditional Swedish dish that her mother had taught her how to make many years ago.

I was intrigued by the combination of flavors and textures in the recipe – the salty herring, the creamy potatoes, the tangy pickles – and I knew I had to try making it myself. Mrs. Jenkins kindly shared the recipe with me, and I promised to give it a go in my own kitchen.

That evening, as I prepared the herring appetizer for dinner, I felt a sense of nostalgia wash over me. The smell of the pickled herring brought back memories of my childhood, when my own grandmother would make similar dishes for special occasions. I followed Mrs. Jenkins' instructions carefully, chopping the potatoes, onions, and pickles with precision and layering them in a glass dish with the herring fillets.

As the dish baked in the oven, filling the kitchen with a mouthwatering aroma, I couldn't help but feel a sense of pride. I had learned a new recipe from a dear friend, and I couldn't wait to share it with my own family.

When the herring appetizer was finally ready, I set the dish on the table and watched as my husband and children dug in eagerly. Their faces lit up with delight as they tasted the unique combination of flavors, and I knew that this recipe would become a favorite in our household.

Over the years, I have made the herring appetizer many times, tweaking the recipe here and there to suit my family's tastes. I have passed it on to my children and grandchildren, who have all fallen in love with the dish just as I did.

As I look back on that sunny afternoon in Mrs. Jenkins' kitchen, I am reminded of the power of food to bring people together, to create memories that last a lifetime. And I am grateful for the friendships and experiences that have shaped me into the cook I am today. The herring appetizer will always hold a special place in my heart, a reminder of the joy of discovering new recipes and sharing them with loved ones.