Appetizer > Seafood > Pickled

Danilovsky-Style Pickled Herring Recipe

Ingredients with Measurements:
- 1 lb. fresh herring fillets, skin-on
- 1 cup white vinegar
- 1 cup water
- 1/2 cup sugar
- 1 tbsp. salt
- 1/2 tsp. black peppercorns
- 1/2 tsp. mustard seeds
- 1 bay leaf
- 1 small onion, thinly sliced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/4 cup fresh dill, chopped

Special Equipment Needed:
- Glass jar with lid
- Cutting board
- Chef's knife
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Mixing bowl
- Whisk

Step-by-Step Instructions:

1. Rinse the herring fillets under cold running water and pat dry with paper towels. Cut them into bite-sized pieces and set aside.

2. In a mixing bowl, whisk together the white vinegar, water, sugar, salt, black peppercorns, mustard seeds, and bay leaf until the sugar and salt are dissolved.

3. Layer the sliced onion, minced garlic, and chopped dill in the bottom of the glass jar.

4. Add the herring pieces on top of the onion mixture.

5. Pour the vinegar mixture over the herring, making sure that all the pieces are covered.

6. Close the jar tightly with the lid and shake it gently to distribute the ingredients.

7. Refrigerate the jar for at least 24 hours before serving.


Time:
Preparation time: 20 minutes
Cooking time: None
Temperature:
Refrigerate at 40°F or below.
Serving size:
This recipe makes about 4 servings.

Nutritional information:
Calories per serving: 220
Total fat: 10g
Saturated fat: 2g
Cholesterol: 60mg
Sodium: 970mg
Total carbohydrates: 14g
Dietary fiber: 0g
Total sugars: 13g
Protein: 18g

Substitutions for ingredients:
- You can use any type of vinegar instead of white vinegar.
- You can use honey or maple syrup instead of sugar.
- You can use any type of fresh herbs instead of dill.

Variations:
- You can add sliced carrots, celery, or bell peppers for extra crunch and flavor.
- You can use different spices such as coriander seeds, fennel seeds, or allspice berries.
- You can use different types of fish such as mackerel, salmon, or trout.

Tips and Tricks:
- Use fresh, high-quality herring for the best flavor and texture.
- Make sure the herring is completely covered with the vinegar mixture to prevent spoilage.
- Let the pickled herring marinate in the refrigerator for at least 24 hours for maximum flavor.
- Serve the pickled herring cold with crackers, bread, or boiled potatoes.

Storage Instructions:
Store the pickled herring in the refrigerator for up to 2 weeks.

Reheating Instructions:
Serve the pickled herring cold.

Presentation Ideas:
Serve the pickled herring in a glass bowl or on a platter with fresh herbs and lemon wedges.

Garnishes:
Garnish the pickled herring with fresh dill or parsley.

Pairings:
Serve the pickled herring with rye bread, sour cream, and sliced cucumbers.

Suggested Side Dishes:
Serve the pickled herring with boiled potatoes, roasted beets, or pickled vegetables.

Troubleshooting Advice:
- If the herring tastes too sour, add a little more sugar to the vinegar mixture.
- If the herring tastes too salty, add a little more water to the vinegar mixture.

Food Safety Advice:
- Use clean and sanitized equipment when preparing the pickled herring.
- Keep the pickled herring refrigerated at all times.
- Discard any pickled herring that smells or tastes off.

Food History:
Pickled herring is a traditional dish in many European countries, especially in Scandinavia, Germany, and Russia. It was originally a way to preserve fish for the winter months when fresh fish was scarce.

Flavor Profiles:
The pickled herring has a tangy, sweet, and savory flavor with a hint of dill and garlic.

Serving Suggestions:
Serve the pickled herring as an appetizer or as part of a buffet spread.

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Region: Russian

Taste: Tangy, Salty, Sour, Savory, Briny