Herring Paste with Walnuts

Herring Paste with Walnuts Recipe from Romania

Region / culture: Romania | Preparation time: 30 minutes | Servings: 4-6

Introduction

Herring Paste with Walnuts is a traditional dish that originated in Eastern Europe. This flavorful spread is made with herring, walnuts, onions, and vinegar, creating a unique and delicious appetizer or snack.

History

This recipe has been passed down through generations in Eastern European countries such as Russia, Ukraine, and Poland. Herring has long been a staple in these regions due to its abundance in the Baltic Sea. The addition of walnuts adds a rich and nutty flavor to the dish, making it a popular choice for special occasions and holidays.

Ingredients

1 herring
12 ground walnuts
2 crustless slices of white bread soaked in water with a little vinegar
0.5 grated onion
1 tsp vinegar
3 tbsp oil

How to prepare

Wash the fish, removing the skin and bones.
Grind or finely chop the fish.
In a bowl, combine the fish paste with the soaked and squeezed bread, gradually adding the oil.
Once all the oil is incorporated, add the onion, vinegar, and walnuts. Mix well.
Shape the mixture into a fish shape on a long serving plate.
Position the head and tail appropriately.
Refrigerate until ready to serve.

Variations

Add chopped dill or parsley for a fresh and herby flavor.
Mix in some sour cream or mayonnaise for a creamier texture.
Substitute the walnuts with almonds or pecans for a different nutty flavor.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

Make sure to remove all the skin and bones from the herring before grinding or chopping it.

- Soak the bread slices in vinegar to add moisture and flavor to the paste.

- Gradually add the oil to the fish paste to ensure a smooth and creamy texture.

- Refrigerate the paste before serving to allow the flavors to meld together.

Serving Suggestions

Serve the Herring Paste with Walnuts on crackers, bread slices, or vegetable sticks. Garnish with fresh herbs or lemon slices for added flavor.

Cooking Techniques

Grind or finely chop the herring for a smooth paste.

- Mix the ingredients together gently to avoid overmixing.

- Shape the paste into a fish shape for a decorative presentation.

Ingredient Substitutions

Use mackerel or sardines instead of herring.

- Substitute the walnuts with almonds, pecans, or hazelnuts.

- Use white wine vinegar or apple cider vinegar instead of regular vinegar.

Make Ahead Tips

You can prepare the Herring Paste with Walnuts a day in advance and refrigerate it until ready to serve. This allows the flavors to develop and meld together.

Presentation Ideas

Shape the paste into a fish shape on a long serving plate and garnish with fresh herbs or lemon slices. Serve with crackers or bread slices for a beautiful and appetizing presentation.

Pairing Recommendations

Pair the Herring Paste with Walnuts with a glass of dry white wine or a shot of vodka for a traditional Eastern European experience. Serve with pickles, olives, or pickled vegetables on the side.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Store any leftovers of the Herring Paste with Walnuts in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Serve chilled or at room temperature.

Nutrition Information

Calories per serving

Each serving of Herring Paste with Walnuts contains approximately 200 calories.

Carbohydrates

Each serving of Herring Paste with Walnuts contains approximately 5 grams of carbohydrates.

Fats

Each serving of Herring Paste with Walnuts contains approximately 15 grams of fats.

Proteins

Each serving of Herring Paste with Walnuts contains approximately 10 grams of proteins.

Vitamins and minerals

Herring is a good source of vitamin D, vitamin B12, and omega-3 fatty acids. Walnuts are rich in antioxidants, omega-3 fatty acids, and vitamin E.

Alergens

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

Summary

Herring Paste with Walnuts is a nutritious and flavorful dish that is high in proteins, healthy fats, and vitamins. It makes for a great appetizer or snack option.

Summary

Herring Paste with Walnuts is a delicious and nutritious dish that is perfect for serving as an appetizer or snack. This traditional recipe is easy to make and can be customized with different herbs and nuts for added flavor. Enjoy this flavorful spread with crackers, bread slices, or vegetable sticks for a tasty and satisfying treat.

How did I get this recipe?

I remember the thrill of stumbling upon this recipe for the first time. It was many years ago, when I was just a young girl living in a small village by the sea. One day, while walking along the shore, I came across a group of fishermen unloading their catch of the day. Among the various fish they were pulling out of their nets, there was one that caught my eye - herring.

I had never tried herring before, but something about the shiny silver fish intrigued me. The fishermen noticed my curiosity and offered me a small piece to taste. It was salty and briny, with a rich and oily texture that I found surprisingly delicious. From that moment on, I knew I had to learn how to cook herring in a way that would truly showcase its unique flavor.

I approached one of the older fishermen, a grizzled man with weathered hands and a twinkle in his eye. I asked him if he knew of any recipes that would highlight the taste of herring. He smiled and nodded, telling me about a dish that his own grandmother used to make - Herring Paste with Walnuts.

He described the process of making the paste in great detail, from filleting the herring to grinding the walnuts into a fine powder. As he spoke, I could almost taste the savory and nutty flavors blending together in my mouth. I was determined to learn how to make this dish, and the fisherman agreed to teach me.

Over the next few weeks, I spent every spare moment with the fisherman, watching and learning as he prepared the herring paste. I helped him clean and fillet the fish, carefully removing the bones and skin. I ground the walnuts into a fine powder, savoring their earthy aroma. And finally, I mixed the two together with a touch of olive oil and a sprinkle of salt, creating a smooth and creamy paste that was bursting with flavor.

As I took my first bite of the herring paste with walnuts, I knew that I had discovered a recipe that would become a staple in my cooking repertoire. The combination of the salty herring and the crunchy walnuts was a match made in culinary heaven, and I couldn't wait to share this dish with my family and friends.

Over the years, I continued to perfect the recipe for herring paste with walnuts, tweaking and adjusting the ingredients to suit my own tastes. Sometimes I would add a pinch of garlic for extra flavor, or a squeeze of lemon juice to brighten up the dish. But no matter how I prepared it, the herring paste always brought back memories of that fateful day by the sea, when I first discovered the joys of cooking with herring.

Now, as I sit in my cozy kitchen, surrounded by the comforting smells of garlic and olive oil, I can't help but feel grateful for the knowledge and wisdom that the old fisherman passed down to me all those years ago. His recipe for herring paste with walnuts has become a beloved tradition in my family, a dish that we enjoy together on special occasions and holidays.

I may have learned many recipes from various places and people over the years, but the story of how I came to master the art of making herring paste with walnuts will always hold a special place in my heart. It is a reminder of the power of food to bring people together, to create lasting memories, and to celebrate the simple joys of life.