Honey-glazed herrings: A surprising twist on a classic dish
Herrings have a distinct flavour, but pairing them with the right additions needn't be difficult. They go well with vegetables, fruits, eggs, and even nuts. However, we don't typically think of incorporating honey with herrings, as it is more commonly associated with sweet pastries. Nonetheless, it's a perfect match.
Herrings and honey? It's not a flavour pairing that immediately springs to mind. It seems as though something as sweet as honey wouldn't naturally pair with salty herrings. However, these flavours complement each other wonderfully.
Why is it worth making herrings with honey?
Of course, it's not about submerging herrings in honey. It's simply an addition to the brine, which enhances the taste of these fish. Honey pairs very well with spices or can soften the taste of vinegar. Therefore, there's no shortage of ideas for using this sweet addition in the context of herrings.
If you want to surprise friends or family, offer them herrings with honey. It's a great way to reinvent a classic appetiser. Herrings enriched by honey gain a depth of flavour. And as we know, they're even healthier. These fish are rich in omega-3 fatty acids, which are particularly important for the body at this time of year. They have a positive effect on heart and nervous system functions. Herrings are also a good source of calcium, phosphorus, selenium, magnesium, potassium, iodine, and vitamins, especially D and B12. And honey? It's a natural antibiotic, so it should have an important place in meals during the autumn and winter transition. It helps in reducing the effectiveness of bacteria and viruses. Rapeseed honey is often recommended for herrings.
Herrings with honey in two ways
In vinegar brine
Ingredients:
- Approximately 450 grams of herring fillets,
- Brine:
- 500 ml water,
- 60 ml of 10% spirit vinegar,
- 1 onion,
- 1 carrot,
- 5 tablespoons of honey,
- Allspice, coloured pepper to taste,
- 1 tablespoon of salt.
Preparation method:
- Soak the herring fillets if needed. Then dry them and cut into small pieces. Transfer to jars.
- Prepare the brine: pour water into a pot, add salt and spices, then cook for about 5 minutes.
- Add sliced onions and carrots to the brine, cook for one more minute.
- Add vinegar and honey to the brine. Mix and set aside to cool.
- Pour the brine over the herrings; they will be ready after a few days. Place sealed jars in the refrigerator.
In oil marinade
Ingredients:
- Approximately 450 grams of herring fillets,
- 2 onions,
- 120 ml of oil,
- 2 tablespoons of tomato paste,
- 2 tablespoons of ketchup,
- 2 tablespoons of honey,
- 2 bay leaves,
- Several grains of allspice,
- Salt and pepper to taste.
Preparation method:
- Soak the herrings if needed. Then drain, dry, and cut into small pieces.
- Peel the onions, then slice them thinly. Heat oil in a pan and sauté them.
- Add tomato paste, ketchup, bay leaves, and allspice to the onions. Simmer for a few minutes on low heat.
- Season the marinade with salt and pepper. Set aside to cool slightly.
- Mix gently and heat the herrings and honey to the cooled marinade. Season to taste.
- Transfer the prepared herrings to a jar or a sealed container. They're best after three days in the refrigerator.
