Herring Salad
Herring Salad Recipe - Authentic Danish Cuisine
Introduction
Herring salad is a traditional Scandinavian dish that combines the flavors of herring, potatoes, veal, pickles, apples, and beets in a creamy dressing. This dish is perfect for a smørgåsbord or any special occasion.
History
Herring salad has been a popular dish in Scandinavian cuisine for centuries. Herring has long been a staple food in the region due to its abundance in the cold waters of the North Sea and Baltic Sea. The combination of herring with other ingredients like potatoes, veal, and beets creates a flavorful and satisfying dish that is perfect for festive occasions.
Ingredients
- 3 herring
- 3 cups boiled and diced potatoes
- 2.5 cups cooked and cut up veal
- 1 large dill pickle, bite-size pieces
- 2.5 cups diced tart apples
- 2.5 cups cooked and diced beets
- salt
- pepper
- 2 tbsp minced onions
- 1 cup cooked and diced carrots
- 6 tbsp vinegar
- 1 tbsp sugar
- 1 cup whipping cream
- 2 hard-boiled eggs, sliced
- 1 hard-boiled egg, minced
- parsley
How to prepare
- Wash the herring and cover it with cold water. Let it soak overnight.
- Remove the skin and bones from the herring, using only the fillets. Dry them and cut them into small chunks.
- Prepare the salad 4 hours before serving. Mix together the potatoes, fish, veal, pickle, apples, and beets (reserving about 0.25 of the beets for garnishing). Season with salt and pepper to taste. Add the onion and carrots, and toss with a fork until lightly mixed.
- Mix vinegar and sugar together, and pour the mixture over the salad.
- Whip half of the cream and fold it into the salad, mixing gently. Whip the remaining cream and top the salad with it just before serving.
- Pack the salad into a salad bowl and chill it for 4 hours. Unmold it onto a chilled serving platter. Slice the 2 hard-boiled eggs over it and garnish with the remaining beets. Spread the minced hard-boiled egg over the beets. Decorate with sprigs of parsley.
- This is a wonderful dish for a smørgåsbord.
Variations
- Substitute smoked herring for a different flavor profile.
- Add chopped dill or chives for extra freshness.
- Use sour cream instead of whipping cream for a tangier dressing.
Cooking Tips & Tricks
Soak the herring overnight to remove excess saltiness.
- Use a fork to gently mix the salad ingredients to avoid breaking them up too much.
- Chill the salad for at least 4 hours before serving to allow the flavors to meld together.
Serving Suggestions
Serve herring salad as part of a smørgåsbord with other traditional Scandinavian dishes like pickled herring, gravlax, and rye bread. Pair it with a glass of aquavit or a cold beer.
Cooking Techniques
Boil the potatoes, veal, and carrots until tender.
- Whip the cream until stiff peaks form before folding it into the salad.
Ingredient Substitutions
Use canned herring if fresh herring is not available.
- Substitute chicken or turkey for veal if desired.
Make Ahead Tips
Prepare the salad up to 1 day in advance and chill until ready to serve.
- Garnish with eggs and parsley just before serving.
Presentation Ideas
Mold the salad into a ring shape for a more elegant presentation. - Garnish with additional parsley or dill sprigs for a pop of color.
Pairing Recommendations
Serve herring salad with a side of pickled vegetables or a cucumber salad.
- Pair with a crisp white wine or a cold beer.
Storage and Reheating Instructions
Store leftover herring salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days.
- Do not freeze as the texture may become mushy.
Nutrition Information
Calories per serving
- Approximately 350 calories per serving
Carbohydrates
- Potatoes: 3 cups
- Apples: 2.5 cups
- Carrots: 1 cup
- Sugar: 1 tbsp
Fats
- Herring: rich in omega-3 fatty acids
- Whipping cream: 1 cup
Proteins
- Herring: 3 fillets
- Veal: 2.5 cups
- Eggs: 3 hard-boiled
Vitamins and minerals
Beets: rich in folate and manganese
- Apples: a good source of vitamin C and dietary fiber
Alergens
Herring: contains fish allergens
- Eggs: contains egg allergens
Summary
Herring salad is a nutritious dish that provides a good balance of carbohydrates, fats, proteins, vitamins, and minerals. It is a great source of omega-3 fatty acids, protein, and essential nutrients.
Summary
Herring salad is a classic Scandinavian dish that combines the flavors of herring, potatoes, veal, pickles, apples, and beets in a creamy dressing. This dish is perfect for a smørgåsbord or any special occasion, providing a balance of carbohydrates, fats, proteins, vitamins, and minerals. Enjoy this flavorful and nutritious dish with friends and family!
How did I get this recipe?
I have a clear memory of the first time I discovered this recipe for Herring Salad. It was many years ago, when I was just a young girl living in a small village in Eastern Europe. My grandmother, a skilled cook and a treasure trove of traditional recipes, taught me how to make this delicious dish.
One summer day, as the sun was shining brightly and the breeze was carrying the smell of blooming flowers through the air, my grandmother called me into the kitchen. She had a mischievous twinkle in her eye, a sure sign that she was about to teach me something special.
"Today, we are going to make Herring Salad," she announced, as she laid out the ingredients on the kitchen table. I watched with curiosity as she deftly sliced the herring into small pieces, and mixed it with potatoes, onions, apples, and a tangy dressing made of vinegar, sugar, and mustard.
As we worked together, my grandmother shared the story of how she had learned to make this dish. She told me that the recipe had been passed down through generations of our family, originating from a distant relative who had traveled to the Baltic Sea and brought back this unique and flavorful recipe.
Over the years, my grandmother had added her own twist to the recipe, incorporating local ingredients and techniques to make it her own. She explained the importance of balancing the flavors and textures, and how each ingredient played a crucial role in creating the perfect harmony of tastes.
As we sat down to enjoy the fruits of our labor, I marveled at how the humble herring had been transformed into a delicious and satisfying dish. The salty and savory flavors of the fish were complemented by the sweetness of the apples, the crunch of the onions, and the creaminess of the potatoes.
From that day on, Herring Salad became a staple in our household, a dish that we would often prepare for special occasions and family gatherings. I would watch closely as my grandmother made it, taking mental notes and absorbing every detail of the process.
As I grew older and started my own family, I continued to make Herring Salad, passing down the recipe to my children and grandchildren. I would tell them the story of how I had learned to make it from my own grandmother, and how it had become a beloved tradition in our family.
Now, as I look back on those memories, I realize how much I have learned from my grandmother and her love of cooking. She taught me not just how to make delicious meals, but also the importance of preserving and honoring our culinary heritage.
Every time I make Herring Salad, I am reminded of the bond that connects me to my grandmother and the generations that came before me. It is a dish that carries with it the flavors of the past, the stories of our ancestors, and the love that we share as a family.
So the next time you sit down to enjoy a bowl of Herring Salad, remember to savor each bite and appreciate the history and tradition that it embodies. And perhaps, as you taste the salty, savory, and tangy flavors, you too will feel the presence of generations past, guiding you through the art of cooking and the joy of sharing a meal with loved ones.
Categories
| Apple Recipes | Danish Recipes | Danish Salads | Herring Recipes | Light Whipping Cream Recipes | Potato Recipes | Salad Recipes | Veal Recipes |