Salted Herring and Onion Salad

Salted Herring and Onion Salad Recipe - Moldovan and Romanian Cuisine

Region / culture: Moldova, Romania | Preparation time: 6 hours | Servings: 4

Introduction

Salted Herring and Onion Salad is a traditional dish that is popular in many European countries, especially in Scandinavia. This dish is known for its simple yet flavorful ingredients that come together to create a delicious and satisfying meal.

History

The history of Salted Herring and Onion Salad dates back to the days when herring was a staple food in many coastal regions of Europe. Herring was often salted and preserved to be enjoyed throughout the year, and combining it with onions and other ingredients was a common way to create a tasty and nutritious dish.

Ingredients

2 medium herrings
3 large onions
4 oz / 100 g olives
2 – 3 tbsp oil
2 – 3 tbsp vinegar

How to prepare

Split the herrings lengthwise along their belly, remove the roe and soak it in tepid water for 5 – 6 hours.
Next, wash the herrings in cold water and skin them from head to tail. Remove the backbone and any large bones. Cut the herrings into pieces about two fingers thick and arrange them side by side on a long platter to resemble the whole fish.
Peel the onions, soak them in cold water, and then thinly slice them.
Arrange the onion slices around the herrings and place some on top of them.
Drizzle the herrings with the oil and vinegar dressing.
Serve with potatoes or rye bread.

Variations

Add chopped fresh herbs such as dill or parsley for a burst of freshness.
Mix in some diced apples or pickles for a sweet and tangy twist.
Substitute the olives with capers or pickled vegetables for a different flavor profile.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

Soaking the herrings in tepid water helps to remove some of the saltiness and soften the fish.

- Skinning the herrings from head to tail can be a bit tricky, so take your time and be gentle to avoid tearing the fish.

- Slicing the onions thinly and soaking them in cold water helps to mellow their flavor and texture.

Serving Suggestions

Serve the Salted Herring and Onion Salad with boiled potatoes or rye bread for a complete and filling meal. You can also add a side of pickles or a simple green salad to complement the flavors of the dish.

Cooking Techniques

Soaking the herrings in tepid water helps to remove excess salt and soften the fish.

- Skinning the herrings from head to tail can be done with a sharp knife and a gentle hand.

- Slicing the onions thinly and soaking them in cold water helps to mellow their flavor and texture.

Ingredient Substitutions

If you can't find herrings, you can use another type of salted fish such as mackerel or sardines.

- Substitute the olives with capers or pickled vegetables for a different flavor profile.

- Use apple cider vinegar or lemon juice instead of vinegar for a different tangy flavor.

Make Ahead Tips

You can prepare the Salted Herring and Onion Salad a few hours in advance and let it marinate in the refrigerator to allow the flavors to meld together. Just be sure to give it a good stir before serving to redistribute the dressing.

Presentation Ideas

Arrange the herrings and onions on a platter in a decorative pattern to make the dish visually appealing. Garnish with fresh herbs or lemon slices for a pop of color.

Pairing Recommendations

Serve the Salted Herring and Onion Salad with a crisp white wine or a cold beer to complement the salty and tangy flavors of the dish. A glass of aquavit or schnapps can also be a traditional and festive pairing.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Store any leftovers of the Salted Herring and Onion Salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. To reheat, simply let the dish come to room temperature or enjoy it cold straight from the fridge.

Nutrition Information

Calories per serving

Calories: 250 per serving

Carbohydrates

Carbohydrates: 10g per serving

Fats

Total Fat: 15g per serving

Saturated Fat: 2g per serving

Proteins

Protein: 20g per serving

Vitamins and minerals

Iron: 10% of the daily recommended intake per serving

Vitamin C: 15% of the daily recommended intake per serving

Alergens

Contains fish

Summary

Salted Herring and Onion Salad is a good source of protein, healthy fats, and essential vitamins and minerals. It is a nutritious and satisfying dish that can be enjoyed as part of a balanced diet.

Summary

Salted Herring and Onion Salad is a classic dish that is easy to prepare and full of flavor. With a few simple ingredients and some basic cooking techniques, you can create a delicious and nutritious meal that is perfect for any occasion. Enjoy this traditional recipe with family and friends for a taste of Scandinavian cuisine.

How did I get this recipe?

The moment I found this recipe is etched in my memory forever. It was a warm summer day, the sun shining brightly overhead as I rummaged through an old box of my grandmother's recipes. I had always been fascinated by the culinary treasures hidden within those faded index cards and yellowed newspaper clippings. And on that particular day, I stumbled upon a recipe that would become a family favorite for years to come - Salted Herring and Onion Salad.

As I read through the ingredients and instructions, I couldn't help but smile at the memories it brought back. My grandmother had learned this recipe from a dear friend of hers many years ago, a woman with a culinary prowess that was unmatched. She had passed down the recipe to my grandmother, who in turn had shared it with me. And now, as I held that tattered piece of paper in my hands, I knew I had to recreate the dish and carry on the tradition.

I set out to gather the ingredients, making my way to the local market to pick up some fresh herring, onions, and a few other key components. As I walked through the bustling aisles, the scent of spices and herbs filled the air, igniting my senses and fueling my excitement to get started on the dish.

Back in my kitchen, I laid out the ingredients on the counter, taking a moment to appreciate the simplicity of each component. The herring, with its delicate flesh and salty brine, the sharp bite of the onions, and the tangy dressing made from vinegar, sugar, and a touch of mustard. It was a perfect balance of flavors, each one complementing the other in a harmonious dance of taste.

I began by marinating the herring in a mixture of salt and water, allowing it to brine and infuse with flavor. As it sat in the fridge, I thinly sliced the onions and soaked them in cold water to mellow out their sharpness. I then prepared the dressing, whisking together the vinegar, sugar, mustard, and a splash of oil until it formed a creamy emulsion.

With everything ready, I assembled the salad, layering the herring and onions in a bowl and drizzling the dressing over the top. The colors of the dish were vibrant and inviting, the aroma tantalizing my taste buds as I took my first bite. The flavors exploded on my palate, the saltiness of the herring tempered by the sweetness of the onions and the tang of the dressing. It was a revelation, a dish that spoke to the soul and warmed the heart.

I shared the salad with my family that evening, watching as their faces lit up with delight at the first taste. They marveled at the complexity of flavors, the depth of the dish, and the love and care that had gone into its creation. It was a moment of pure joy, a reminder of the power of food to bring people together and create lasting memories.

From that day on, Salted Herring and Onion Salad became a staple in our household, a dish that we would turn to time and time again for comfort and nourishment. And as I passed the recipe down to my own children and grandchildren, I knew that it would continue to be a cherished part of our family history, a link to the past and a promise for the future. For me, this recipe was more than just a dish - it was a legacy, a tradition, and a testament to the enduring power of food to connect us to our roots and each other.