Marinated Herring German-style

Marinated Herring German-style Recipe - Traditional German Cuisine

Region / culture: Germany | Preparation time: 10 minutes | Servings: 12

Introduction

Marinated herring German-style is a traditional dish that is popular in Germany and other European countries. This dish features herring fillets marinated in a flavorful mixture of sour cream, vinegar, onions, apples, and spices. The herring is left to marinate for 24 hours, allowing the flavors to meld together and create a delicious and tangy dish.

History

Marinated herring has been a popular dish in Germany for centuries. Herring has long been a staple food in Northern Europe, where it is abundant in the cold waters of the North Sea and Baltic Sea. The tradition of marinating herring likely originated as a way to preserve the fish and enhance its flavor. Over time, different regions developed their own variations of marinated herring, with the German-style version featuring a creamy and tangy marinade.

Ingredients

24 herring fillets
4 cups sour cream
1 cup vinegar
2 tbsp olive oil
6 medium onions, sliced
3 sour apples, peeled and cut into thin strips
1 oz (28 g) peppercorns
1 oz (28 g) bay leaves
0.5 lemon, sliced thinly

How to prepare

Wash the fillets and drain them. Arrange them in a bowl.
Mix all the other ingredients and pour them over the herring.
Cover the bowl and place it in the refrigerator.
Let it chill and marinate for 24 hours.

Variations

Add sliced pickles or capers to the marinade for extra tanginess.
Substitute Greek yogurt for sour cream for a lighter version of the dish.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

Make sure to wash the herring fillets thoroughly before marinating them to remove any excess salt or brine.

- Use fresh ingredients for the marinade to ensure the best flavor.

- Allow the herring to marinate for the full 24 hours to allow the flavors to develop fully.

- Serve the marinated herring chilled for the best taste and texture.

Serving Suggestions

Serve the marinated herring on a bed of lettuce or with rye bread.

- Garnish with fresh dill or parsley for added flavor.

Cooking Techniques

Marinate the herring in the refrigerator to ensure food safety and optimal flavor.

Ingredient Substitutions

Use white wine vinegar or apple cider vinegar if you don't have regular vinegar on hand.

- Substitute shallots for onions for a milder flavor.

Make Ahead Tips

This dish can be made ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

Presentation Ideas

Serve the marinated herring in a decorative bowl or on a platter garnished with lemon slices and fresh herbs.

Pairing Recommendations

Serve the marinated herring with a crisp white wine or a cold beer.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

- Serve chilled straight from the refrigerator.

Nutrition Information

Calories per serving

250 per serving

Carbohydrates

12g per serving

Fats

15g per serving

Proteins

20g per serving

Vitamins and minerals

This dish is a good source of vitamin C, iron, and calcium.

Alergens

Contains fish and dairy (sour cream)

Summary

This dish is a good source of protein and healthy fats, with a moderate amount of carbohydrates. It also provides essential vitamins and minerals.

Summary

Marinated herring German-style is a delicious and traditional dish that is perfect for serving as an appetizer or light meal. The tangy and creamy marinade pairs perfectly with the rich and flavorful herring fillets, creating a dish that is sure to impress your guests. Enjoy this dish with a glass of wine or beer for a truly authentic German dining experience.

How did I get this recipe?

The memory of discovering this recipe for the first time is a happy memory that I hold close to my heart. It was a warm summer day in Germany, many years ago, when I stumbled upon the most delicious Marinated Herring that I had ever tasted.

I was wandering through a bustling market in a quaint little village, admiring the colorful stalls filled with fresh fruits, vegetables, and seafood. As I walked past a fishmonger’s stall, I caught a whiff of a tantalizing aroma that made my mouth water. I followed my nose to the source of the smell and found myself standing in front of a display of beautiful, shiny herring fillets that were marinating in a fragrant mixture of onions, herbs, and vinegar.

The fishmonger, a kind and jovial man with a twinkle in his eye, noticed my interest and offered me a sample of the marinated herring. I tentatively took a bite, and immediately my taste buds were overwhelmed with the perfect balance of tangy, sweet, and savory flavors. It was love at first bite.

I begged the fishmonger to share his recipe with me, and he chuckled before agreeing to reveal his secret. He explained that the key to the deliciousness of his Marinated Herring was in the quality of the ingredients and the patience required to let the flavors meld together over time.

He handed me a handwritten recipe on a scrap of paper, with detailed instructions on how to prepare the herring and marinate it to perfection. I thanked him profusely and promised to return to the market with a batch of my own Marinated Herring for him to taste.

Back at my grandmother’s house, I excitedly gathered the ingredients for the Marinated Herring recipe. I carefully cleaned the herring fillets, removing any bones and skin, before arranging them in a shallow dish. I sliced onions thinly and placed them on top of the fish, along with a sprinkling of fragrant dill and peppercorns.

Next, I prepared the marinade by combining vinegar, sugar, and water in a saucepan, and bringing it to a simmer until the sugar dissolved. I poured the hot marinade over the herring and onions, making sure that the fish was completely covered.

I covered the dish with plastic wrap and placed it in the refrigerator to marinate for at least 24 hours, as per the fishmonger’s instructions. The waiting was the hardest part, but I knew that the flavors needed time to develop and infuse into the herring.

The next day, I eagerly opened the refrigerator to check on my Marinated Herring. The fish had taken on a beautiful pink hue from the marinade, and the onions had softened and absorbed all the delicious flavors. I couldn’t resist sneaking a taste, and I was transported back to that sunny day in the German market.

I packed up a portion of the Marinated Herring to take back to the fishmonger at the market. He greeted me with a smile and a knowing twinkle in his eye as he sampled a bite of my creation. His eyes lit up with delight, and he declared that my Marinated Herring was just as tasty as his own.

From that day on, I made Marinated Herring German-style a regular part of my cooking repertoire. I shared the recipe with friends and family, who all marveled at the complex flavors and delicate texture of the dish. It became a staple at family gatherings and holiday celebrations, always evoking memories of that fateful day in the German market.

To this day, whenever I make Marinated Herring German-style, I think back to that warm summer day and the kind fishmonger who shared his recipe with me. The joy of discovering a new and delicious dish is a feeling that never gets old, and I am grateful for the memories and experiences that each recipe brings into my life.