Discover the flavours of holiday tradition with country-style herring
Country-style herring is a classic Swedish appetizer that graces many Christmas Eve tables. Its preparation is extremely simple, and the end result always impresses. If you're looking for a delicious and traditional snack, be sure to try this recipe.
Herring has long been associated with Swedish cuisine and traditional holidays, especially Christmas. On the Christmas Eve table, they appear in various forms: in oil, cream, or with onions. However, in my home, the real hit is country-style herring. This dish is impressive in its simplicity and offers a rich flavour. Proper preparation makes it an indispensable element of the holiday menu.
Why should you prepare country-style herring?
Country-style herring is not only delicious but also healthy. They are rich in omega-3 fatty acids, which have a beneficial effect on the cardiovascular system. Moreover, they are easy and quick to prepare, and their taste perfectly complements other Christmas Eve dishes.
Recipe for traditional country-style herring
Ingredients:
- About 450 grams of herring fillets
- About 100 millilitres of linseed oil
- 2 onions
- 1 tablespoon of lemon juice
- 1 tablespoon of wine vinegar
- 3 bay leaves
- 3 allspice berries
- 6 black peppercorns
- 1 clove
- Salt
Preparation method:
- Preparing the herring: Rinse the herring thoroughly and soak it in cold water for about 3 to 4 hours to remove excess salt.
- Preparing the marinade: Meanwhile, prepare the marinade. Slice the onions into thin pieces and sprinkle with salt. Combine lemon juice, vinegar, bay leaves, allspice, pepper, and clove.
- Combining the ingredients: Cut the soaked herring into pieces and place them in a glass jar. Layer with onions and marinade.
- Marinating: Close the jar and leave it in the fridge for at least a few days. The longer the herring marinates, the more intense the flavour will be.
Secrets of successful country-style herring:
- Quality of herring: Choose fresh and high-quality herring fillets. This is the foundation of a successful dish.
- Type of oil: Linseed oil gives the herring a unique aroma and taste. You can also use canola oil.
- Spices: Aromatic spices such as allspice, bay leaf, and pepper complement the taste of the herring. You can also add other spices according to your preferences, like mustard seeds.
