Rolmops

Rolmops Recipe from Germany - Herring, Onion, Bay Leaf, Pepper, Lemons, Dill, Vinegar, Water, Salt

Region / culture: Germany | Preparation time: 30 minutes | Servings: 12 rolls

Introduction

Rolmops is a traditional German dish made with pickled herring fillets rolled around a pickle and other flavorful ingredients. This dish is a popular appetizer or snack in many European countries and is known for its tangy and savory flavors.

History

The history of Rolmops dates back to the 19th century in Germany, where pickled herring was a common ingredient in many dishes. The name "Rolmops" is believed to have originated from the German word "rollen" which means to roll, and "mops" which means a small dog. This dish was traditionally made as a way to preserve herring and other ingredients for longer periods of time.

Ingredients

6 whole herring fillets
1 onion, sliced and quartered
1 bay leaf
4-6 peppercorns
1 small mild pepper or hot pepper
3 slices of lemon
12 small pickles (sour or dill)
1 cup of vinegar
1 cup of water
1 tsp of salt

How to prepare

Sterilize a one quart jar.
Soak the Herring in water overnight.
Clean the Herring, remove the head, and leave the skin.
Cut the Herring in half down the belly and remove the bones. Each Herring will yield two fillets.
Wrap each Herring fillet around a pickle and fasten with a toothpick.
Place the Herring rolls in the jar, along with the Onion, pepper, lemon, bay leaf, and peppercorns.
Mix vinegar, water, and salt together.
Pour the mixture over the contents in the jar.
Seal the jar tightly.
Place a label with the date on the jar.
Refrigerate for at least a week before using.
Will keep up to six weeks in the refrigerator.

Variations

Add sliced onions, carrots, or bell peppers to the pickling mixture for added flavor.
Use different types of vinegar, such as apple cider vinegar or white wine vinegar, for a unique taste.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

Soaking the herring in water overnight helps to remove excess salt and soften the fish.

- Wrapping the herring fillets around a pickle adds a crunchy texture and tangy flavor to the dish.

- Refrigerating the Rolmops for at least a week allows the flavors to meld together and develop a more intense taste.

Serving Suggestions

Serve Rolmops as an appetizer with crusty bread, crackers, or sliced vegetables. It can also be served as part of a charcuterie board or as a topping for salads.

Cooking Techniques

The key cooking technique for Rolmops is pickling, which involves marinating the herring fillets in a vinegar-based mixture to preserve and flavor the fish.

Ingredient Substitutions

If you cannot find herring fillets, you can use mackerel or sardines as a substitute. You can also use different types of pickles, such as gherkins or dill pickles, in place of the traditional pickle.

Make Ahead Tips

Rolmops can be made ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator for up to six weeks. This makes it a convenient dish to prepare for parties or gatherings.

Presentation Ideas

Serve Rolmops on a platter garnished with fresh herbs, lemon slices, or capers for an elegant presentation. You can also arrange the rolls in a decorative jar or container for a more rustic look.

Pairing Recommendations

Rolmops pairs well with crisp white wines, such as Riesling or Sauvignon Blanc. It also goes well with beer, especially lagers or pilsners.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Store leftover Rolmops in the refrigerator in an airtight container for up to six weeks. To serve, simply remove from the refrigerator and allow to come to room temperature before enjoying.

Nutrition Information

Calories per serving

Each serving of Rolmops contains approximately 120 calories.

Carbohydrates

Each serving of Rolmops contains approximately 2 grams of carbohydrates.

Fats

Each serving of Rolmops contains approximately 5 grams of fats.

Proteins

Each serving of Rolmops contains approximately 10 grams of proteins.

Vitamins and minerals

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

Alergens

Rolmops contains fish and may not be suitable for individuals with fish allergies.

Summary

Rolmops is a nutritious dish that is high in proteins and healthy fats. It is also a good source of vitamins and minerals, making it a healthy and delicious snack or appetizer option.

Summary

Rolmops is a delicious and nutritious dish that is perfect for serving as an appetizer or snack. With its tangy and savory flavors, this traditional German dish is sure to be a hit at your next gathering.

How did I get this recipe?

The memory of discovering this recipe for the first time is a treasured one. It was a hot summer day and I was visiting my dear friend Elise, who lived in a small cottage by the sea. Elise was a wonderful cook and she always had a new recipe up her sleeve to share with me.

On this particular day, Elise invited me into her cozy kitchen and told me she had a special treat for me. She handed me a plate of rolled pickled herring fillets, garnished with onions and gherkins. I had never seen anything like it before, but Elise assured me that it was a traditional German dish called Rolmops. She explained that it was made by rolling pickled herring around a savory filling, and that it was a popular appetizer in her family for generations.

I took a bite of the Rolmops and was instantly hooked. The combination of tangy herring, crunchy onions, and briny gherkins was simply divine. Elise could see the delight in my eyes and she offered to teach me how to make it myself.

We spent the afternoon in her kitchen, with Elise guiding me through each step of the recipe. She showed me how to prepare the herring fillets by soaking them in a vinegar brine, which helped to mellow their strong flavor. She then demonstrated how to layer the fillets with onions and gherkins, and roll them up tightly to create the signature spiral shape of the Rolmops.

As we worked together, Elise shared stories of her own grandmother, who had passed down the recipe to her many years ago. She spoke fondly of the times they had spent in the kitchen together, making Rolmops and other traditional German dishes. It was clear that this recipe held a special place in her heart, and now it held a special place in mine as well.

By the time we finished making the Rolmops, the sun was setting over the sea and the kitchen was filled with the savory aroma of pickled herring. Elise and I sat down at her table and enjoyed our creation, savoring each bite and reminiscing about our day together.

From that moment on, Rolmops became a staple in my own cooking repertoire. I made it for family gatherings, dinner parties, and quiet nights at home. Each time I rolled up those pickled herring fillets, I thought of Elise and our special day in her kitchen by the sea.

Years passed, and Elise and I remained close friends. We continued to share recipes and culinary adventures, always finding joy in discovering new flavors and techniques together. But no matter how many dishes we tried, Rolmops remained a favorite of mine – a reminder of that first magical day when I learned to make it from Elise.

Now, as I pass on this recipe to my own grandchildren, I hope that they will find as much joy and satisfaction in making Rolmops as I have. And I hope that they, too, will remember the special bond that can be created through a shared love of cooking and good food. For me, that bond will always be tied to the memory of discovering Rolmops for the first time – a treasure that I will cherish forever.