Pickled Herring

Delicious Pickled Herring Recipe from Poland

Region / culture: Poland | Preparation time: 24 hours | Cooking time: 10 minutes | Servings: 6

Introduction

Pickled herring is a traditional dish that has been enjoyed for centuries in many cultures around the world. This tangy and flavorful dish is made by marinating herring fillets in a mixture of vinegar, sugar, and spices. It is typically served as an appetizer or snack, and is often enjoyed with bread or crackers.

History

Pickled herring has a long history, dating back to at least the Middle Ages. It was originally developed as a way to preserve herring for long periods of time, allowing people to enjoy this nutritious fish even when it was out of season. Over the years, pickled herring has become a beloved dish in many countries, including Sweden, Germany, and the Netherlands.

Ingredients

2 lb (907 g) salt herring fillets
0.75 cup water
0.75 cup white vinegar
1 bay leaf
2 cloves garlic
0.25 tsp black peppercorns
0.25 tsp whole allspice
0.25 tsp dill seeds
0.33 cup granulated sugar
1 red onion

How to prepare

Soak the fillets in a bowl of cold water in the refrigerator for 12 to 24 hours.
Change the water twice.
To make the pickling solution, combine water, vinegar, seasonings, and sugar in a saucepan; bring to a boil.
Stir to dissolve the sugar; let it cool.
Rinse the fillets with cold water and pat them dry with paper towels.
Cut them into 1-inch pieces, removing the bones.
Peel and slice the onion.
Separate the slices into rings.
Arrange the herring and onion rings in alternate layers in sterilized jars.
Cover them with the pickling solution and cap the jars.
Refrigerate them for at least 3 days before serving.
The herring will keep for up to 3 weeks when refrigerated.

Variations

You can customize your pickled herring by adding different spices or herbs to the pickling solution. Some popular additions include mustard seeds, coriander seeds, and fresh dill.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

When making pickled herring, it is important to use fresh herring fillets and to soak them in cold water before pickling. This helps to remove any excess salt and impurities from the fish. Additionally, be sure to sterilize your jars before filling them with the herring and pickling solution to ensure that the dish stays fresh for as long as possible.

Serving Suggestions

Pickled herring can be served on its own as an appetizer, or enjoyed with bread or crackers. It is also delicious when served with boiled potatoes and sour cream.

Cooking Techniques

Pickled herring is typically made by marinating the fish in a mixture of vinegar, sugar, and spices. It is important to let the herring sit in the pickling solution for at least 3 days before serving to allow the flavors to develop.

Ingredient Substitutions

If you cannot find herring fillets, you can use another type of fish, such as mackerel or sardines, in this recipe.

Make Ahead Tips

Pickled herring can be made ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 weeks. This makes it a great dish to prepare in advance for parties or gatherings.

Presentation Ideas

Serve pickled herring in a decorative glass jar or on a platter garnished with fresh herbs and lemon slices for an elegant presentation.

Pairing Recommendations

Pickled herring pairs well with rye bread, boiled potatoes, and sour cream. It is also delicious when served with pickled vegetables or a crisp green salad.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Store pickled herring in the refrigerator in a sealed container for up to 3 weeks. To serve, simply remove the herring from the refrigerator and let it come to room temperature before enjoying.

Nutrition Information

Calories per serving

Each serving of pickled herring contains approximately 150 calories.

Carbohydrates

Each serving of pickled herring contains approximately 10 grams of carbohydrates.

Fats

Each serving of pickled herring contains approximately 5 grams of fat.

Proteins

Each serving of pickled herring contains approximately 15 grams of protein.

Vitamins and minerals

Pickled herring is a good source of vitamin D, vitamin B12, and omega-3 fatty acids.

Alergens

Pickled herring contains fish and may not be suitable for those with fish allergies.

Summary

Pickled herring is a nutritious dish that is high in protein and healthy fats. It is also a good source of vitamins and minerals, making it a healthy choice for a snack or appetizer.

Summary

Pickled herring is a delicious and nutritious dish that is perfect for serving as an appetizer or snack. With its tangy and flavorful taste, it is sure to be a hit at your next gathering.

How did I get this recipe?

I remember the excitement that washed over me when I first saw this recipe for pickled herring. It was a rainy day in the small coastal town where I grew up, and my dear friend Mrs. Jenkins had invited me over for tea. As we sat in her cozy kitchen sipping on warm cups of tea, she began to tell me about her recent trip to Scandinavia.

Mrs. Jenkins had always been an adventurous soul, and her travels often brought back new culinary delights that she would share with me. This time, she had learned how to make pickled herring from a kind old woman in a quaint fishing village. The thought of tangy pickled herring tickled my taste buds, and I begged Mrs. Jenkins to teach me the recipe.

With a twinkle in her eye, Mrs. Jenkins handed me a worn piece of paper with the handwritten recipe. As I read through the ingredients and instructions, I couldn't help but feel a sense of nostalgia. The recipe called for simple ingredients like fresh herring fillets, vinegar, sugar, and spices. It was a dish that reminded me of my own grandmother, who had passed down her love for cooking to me.

I set out to gather the ingredients for the pickled herring, eager to recreate the flavors that Mrs. Jenkins had described. I visited the local fish market to purchase the freshest herring fillets, then stopped by the grocery store to pick up the remaining ingredients. As I measured out the vinegar and sugar, the kitchen filled with the pungent aroma of spices like cloves and peppercorns.

I followed the recipe carefully, marinating the herring fillets in the vinegar and spices for several hours. The tangy scent of the pickling liquid filled the air, making my mouth water in anticipation. As I placed the pickled herring in a jar to cure, I couldn't help but feel a sense of pride in carrying on the tradition of homemade cooking.

Days passed, and the pickled herring sat in the refrigerator, slowly developing its flavors. I couldn't wait to taste the final product, imagining the burst of tangy, savory goodness on my tongue. Finally, the moment arrived when I opened the jar and pulled out a piece of pickled herring.

The first bite was a revelation. The herring was tender and flavorful, with just the right balance of acidity and sweetness. The spices added a depth of flavor that lingered on my palate, making me savor each bite. I couldn't help but think of Mrs. Jenkins and the kind old woman in the fishing village who had shared this recipe with her.

From that day on, pickled herring became a staple in my kitchen. I would make batches of it to share with friends and family, each time feeling a sense of connection to the generations of cooks who had passed down their culinary wisdom. The recipe for pickled herring had become a part of my own culinary heritage, a reminder of the joy and camaraderie that cooking can bring.

As I sit here now, writing this story for my grandchildren, I can't help but smile at the memories that flood back to me. The excitement of discovering a new recipe, the satisfaction of mastering a dish, and the simple pleasure of sharing food with loved ones. These are the things that make cooking such a special and meaningful part of my life.

And so, I pass on this recipe for pickled herring to you, my dear grandchildren. May you find as much joy and fulfillment in cooking as I have, and may the flavors of this dish remind you of the love and tradition that bind us together as a family. Happy cooking, my darlings, and bon appétit!