Chopped herring is a classic dish that brings bold flavors and rich tradition to the table. Popular in various European cuisines, this savory treat combines tender herring fillets with fresh ingredients for a delightful balance of taste and texture. It’s perfect as an appetizer or a flavorful snack that’s easy to prepare.
We love how versatile chopped herring can be, whether served on rye bread, crackers, or alongside fresh vegetables. Its unique blend of salty, tangy, and slightly sweet notes makes it a crowd-pleaser at gatherings or a satisfying addition to any meal. Let’s dive into this simple yet delicious recipe that’s sure to become a staple in your kitchen.
Ingredients
To create our flavorful Recipe Chopped Herring, we need a combination of fresh and well-chosen ingredients that build layers of bold, tangy, and slightly sweet flavors. Here’s what we will gather:
- Salted herring fillets – 8 oz, finely chopped
- Red onion – 1 medium, finely diced
- Green apple – 1 small, peeled and finely chopped
- Hard-boiled eggs – 2, chopped
- Sour cream – ½ cup, for creamy balance
- Mayonnaise – 2 tablespoons, adds richness
- Fresh dill – 2 tablespoons, chopped for herbaceous freshness
- Lemon juice – 1 tablespoon, enhances tanginess
- Black pepper – to taste, freshly ground
| Ingredient | Quantity | Preparation |
|---|---|---|
| Salted herring fillets | 8 oz | Finely chopped |
| Red onion | 1 medium | Finely diced |
| Green apple | 1 small | Peeled, finely chopped |
| Hard-boiled eggs | 2 | Chopped |
| Sour cream | ½ cup | N/A |
| Mayonnaise | 2 tablespoons | N/A |
| Fresh dill | 2 tablespoons | Chopped |
| Lemon juice | 1 tablespoon | Freshly squeezed |
| Black pepper | To taste | Freshly ground |
These ingredients will combine to create a savory and vibrant chopped herring dish that captures traditional flavors with a rich texture and balanced zest. Let’s move forward to preparing and mixing these components perfectly.
Equipment Needed
To prepare our Recipe Chopped Herring perfectly, having the right equipment is essential. Here is a detailed list of tools we will need to achieve the ideal texture and flavor balance in this traditional dish.
| Equipment | Purpose |
|---|---|
| Sharp Chef’s Knife | To finely chop the herring and other ingredients precisely |
| Cutting Board | A clean stable surface for safe chopping |
| Mixing Bowl | To combine all chopped ingredients evenly |
| Measuring Spoons | For accurately adding lemon juice, black pepper, and other seasonings |
| Spoon or Spatula | To mix ingredients thoroughly without breaking the fillets |
| Hard-Boiled Egg Slicer (optional) | For uniform slicing of eggs if preferred over chopping |
| Small Bowl | To mix sour cream and mayonnaise before adding them to the main mixture |
| Citrus Juicer (optional) | To extract fresh lemon juice efficiently |
By preparing these tools in advance, we ensure a smooth workflow and proper handling of ingredients throughout the chopping and mixing process. This setup allows us to maintain the freshness and balanced flavors that define our chopped herring recipe.
Preparation
To create the perfect Recipe Chopped Herring, precise and careful preparation of each ingredient is essential. Let’s begin by handling the core component: the herring, followed by the fresh vegetables that bring brightness and crunch to the dish.
Preparing the Herring
Start with salted herring fillets. Rinse each fillet gently under cold running water to remove excess salt. Pat them dry using paper towels to avoid excess moisture diluting the flavor.
Next, remove any remaining bones by running your fingers along the fillet. It’s important to leave the fish skin on as it adds texture and nutrients but make sure it is clean and free from scales.
After cleaning, cut each fillet into bite-sized pieces approximately ½ inch (1.25 cm) square. Uniform pieces ensure balanced flavor and ease of mixing.
| Step | Action | Tips |
|---|---|---|
| Rinse | Gently under cold water | Preserve natural salty taste |
| Dry | Pat with paper towels | Avoid watery mixture |
| Debone | Remove all bones carefully | Use tweezers if needed |
| Cut | Into ½ inch squares | Maintain consistent size |
Chopping the Vegetables
The vegetables add vibrant flavors and a mix of textures. We use red onion, green apple, and hard-boiled eggs for sharpness, sweetness, and creaminess.
- Red Onion: Peel and halve the onion. Slice thinly then chop finely to create small, even pieces that will blend seamlessly.
- Green Apple: Core the apple, peel if preferred, then dice it into small cubes matching the size of the herring pieces.
- Hard-boiled Eggs: Peel carefully, then chop coarsely to maintain some texture without overpowering the other ingredients.
Combine these chopped vegetables in a clean mixing bowl. The balance between the sharp onion, sweet apple, and creamy egg elevates the Recipe Chopped Herring from simple to flavorful.
| Vegetable | Preparation Method | Size of Cut |
|---|---|---|
| Red Onion | Peel, slice thin, finely chop | Small diced pieces |
| Green Apple | Core, peel (optional), dice | Small cubes, ½ inch |
| Hard-boiled Eggs | Peel, chop coarsely | Medium chunks |
Together this methodical preparation of the herring and vegetables lays the foundation for an impeccable chopped herring salad bursting with traditional, well-balanced flavors.
Recipe Chopped Herring Instructions
Let’s walk through the precise steps to bring together our chopped herring salad. Following these instructions ensures a perfectly balanced dish with vibrant textures and bold flavors.
Mixing Ingredients
First, combine the prepared components carefully to preserve individual textures while blending flavors together.
- Place the bite-sized salted herring fillets into a large mixing bowl.
- Add the finely chopped red onion and diced green apple for crunch and subtle sweetness.
- Gently fold in the chopped hard-boiled eggs to add a creamy, rich texture.
- Spoon in the sour cream and mayonnaise, which will bind ingredients while balancing the saltiness of the herring.
- Add the freshly chopped dill for that signature herbaceous note.
- Use a sturdy spoon or spatula to mix everything gently but thoroughly, ensuring the dressing coats all pieces evenly without mashing the ingredients.
Seasoning the Mixture
Seasoning creates the essential layer that makes our recipe chopped herring truly stand out.
- Squeeze fresh lemon juice over the mixture to brighten flavors and add a vital tang.
- Sprinkle freshly ground black pepper to taste, enhancing the overall profile.
- Taste the salad and adjust seasoning carefully. Because the herring is salted, avoid adding extra salt immediately.
- Let the mixture rest covered in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes before serving. This chilling allows flavors to meld and intensify.
| Ingredient | Purpose | Quantity |
|---|---|---|
| Lemon juice | Adds bright tanginess | 1 tablespoon |
| Black pepper | Enhances flavor complexity | To taste |
| Sour cream | Creamy binder | ¼ cup |
| Mayonnaise | Binds components, balances salt | ¼ cup |
| Fresh dill | Adds fresh herbal notes | 2 tablespoons |
“Resting the salad is crucial to develop a harmonious taste. We recommend preparing it a bit in advance.”
Following this method guarantees a delicious and authentic chopped herring dish that captivates with every bite.
Serving Suggestions
To serve our recipe chopped herring in a way that highlights its rich flavors and textures, we recommend several versatile and appealing options.
Classic Bread Accompaniments
We often pair the chopped herring with dense rye bread or crisp toasted baguette slices. The hearty bread balances the dish’s salty and tangy notes and provides a satisfying crunch. For a more traditional approach, serve the chopped herring atop buttery crackers or pumpernickel rounds. This classic pairing elevates the textures and makes it perfect for appetizers.
Fresh Vegetable Pairings
Adding fresh vegetables as a side contributes a crisp contrast and enhances the overall experience. We suggest serving with:
- Cucumber slices
- Radish rounds
- Cherry tomatoes
These fresh bites brighten the palate and complement the creamy texture of the sour cream and mayonnaise dressing.
Garnishing for Presentation and Flavor
Presentation is key. We like to use:
- A sprinkle of fresh dill or chopped chives on top for vivid color and herbaceous aroma
- A few lemon wedges on the side to allow guests to adjust acidity to taste
These garnishes add vibrant freshness that enhances both aroma and visual appeal.
Serving Temperature & Plating Tips
We always recommend serving the chopped herring chilled. After refrigerating for at least 30 minutes, the flavors blend beautifully, and the cool temperature intensifies the refreshing quality.
When plating:
| Serving Detail | Recommendation |
|---|---|
| Serving vessel | Shallow bowls or rustic wooden boards |
| Portion size | Small, bite-sized mounds or spreads |
| Accompaniments | Bread, crackers, fresh vegetables |
| Garnish | Fresh herbs, lemon wedges |
Suggested Beverage Pairings
To complement the bold flavors of our chopped herring, we recommend beverages such as:
- A dry white wine like Sauvignon Blanc or Riesling
- A crisp, cold lager beer
- Traditional vodka served chilled for an authentic experience
These drinks accentuate the dish’s savory and tangy profile making every bite memorable.
Tip: For a festive presentation, serve chopped herring in small individual glasses layered with finely diced boiled potatoes or beets, creating a visually stunning and flavorful appetizer.
Storage Tips
Proper storage of chopped herring is essential to maintain its fresh flavors and texture. Follow these steps to ensure our dish stays safe to eat and delicious:
- Refrigerate immediately: After preparing the chopped herring, transfer it into an airtight container. Store it in the refrigerator at or below 40°F (4°C).
- Use airtight containers: This helps avoid absorption of other odors and keeps the herring moist and flavorful.
- Consume within 3 to 4 days: For optimal taste and food safety, eat the chopped herring within this timeframe.
- Avoid freezing: Freezing can alter the texture of the mayonnaise and sour cream, making the mixture watery and less appealing.
- Stir before serving: After refrigeration, gently stir the chopped herring to redistribute the flavors evenly.
| Storage Condition | Recommendation | Reason |
|---|---|---|
| Temperature | 40°F (4°C) or below | Keeps the dish fresh and safe |
| Container | Airtight | Prevents odor absorption and drying |
| Maximum Storage Duration | 3 to 4 days | Ensures best flavor and texture |
| Freezing | Not recommended | Maintains texture and consistency |
“Storing our chopped herring properly preserves the harmony of bold and fresh flavors that make this dish so delightful.”
By following these Storage Tips we can enjoy our chopped herring safely while preserving its unique taste profile and vibrant texture.
Conclusion
Chopped herring offers a unique blend of flavors that can elevate any meal or gathering. With its balance of salty, tangy, and fresh ingredients, it’s a dish that’s both satisfying and versatile. Preparing it at home allows us to control the quality and customize the taste to our liking.
By following simple preparation and storage tips, we ensure that every bite stays fresh and delicious. Whether served on rye bread or with crisp vegetables, chopped herring is a timeless recipe worth adding to our culinary repertoire. Let’s enjoy this classic dish and share its rich flavors with friends and family.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is chopped herring?
Chopped herring is a traditional European dish made from tender, salted herring fillets combined with fresh ingredients like onions, apples, eggs, and sour cream. It’s known for its bold, salty, tangy, and slightly sweet flavors.
How do you prepare chopped herring?
Preparation involves rinsing, deboning, and chopping the herring, followed by cutting vegetables and mixing all ingredients gently. The mixture should rest in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes to let flavors blend.
What ingredients are needed for chopped herring?
Key ingredients include salted herring fillets, red onion, green apple, hard-boiled eggs, sour cream, mayonnaise, fresh dill, lemon juice, and black pepper.
What equipment is essential for making chopped herring?
You’ll need a sharp chef’s knife, cutting board, mixing bowl, and measuring spoons. Optional tools include an egg slicer and citrus juicer for easier prep.
How should I serve chopped herring?
Serve chopped herring with dense rye bread, toasted baguette slices, or crackers. Garnish with fresh dill or chives and lemon wedges. It pairs well with dry white wine or chilled vodka.
How do I store chopped herring?
Store chopped herring in an airtight container in the refrigerator at or below 40°F (4°C). Consume within 3 to 4 days for best taste. Avoid freezing to maintain texture.
Can chopped herring be frozen?
Freezing is not recommended as it alters the texture and can diminish the flavor of chopped herring.
Why should the chopped herring mixture rest before serving?
Resting the mixture for at least 30 minutes allows the flavors to meld and enhances the dish’s overall taste and texture.
Is chopped herring suitable as an appetizer?
Yes, chopped herring’s bold and balanced flavors make it an ideal appetizer or snack, perfect for gatherings and special occasions.
What garnishes complement chopped herring?
Fresh dill, chives, and lemon wedges add visual appeal and enhance the dish’s flavors.