Ingredients with Measurements:
- 2 lbs fresh herring fillets
- 1 cup white vinegar
- 1 cup water
- 1/2 cup sugar
- 1/4 cup salt
- 2 bay leaves
- 1 tsp whole black peppercorns
- 1 small onion, sliced
- 1 small carrot, sliced
- 1 small celery stalk, sliced
Special Equipment Needed:
- Glass jar or container 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 them dry with paper towels. Cut the fillets into bite-sized pieces and set them aside.
2. In a mixing bowl, whisk together the white vinegar, water, sugar, and salt until the sugar and salt are dissolved.
3. Add the bay leaves, black peppercorns, sliced onion, carrot, and celery to the vinegar mixture and stir to combine.
4. Place the herring pieces in a glass jar or container with a lid.
5. Pour the vinegar mixture over the herring pieces, making sure they are completely covered.
6. Cover the jar or container with a lid and refrigerate for at least 24 hours, or up to 3 days.
7. To serve, remove the herring pieces from the pickling liquid and arrange them on a platter. Garnish with sliced onions and fresh dill, if desired.
- Time:
Preparation time: 15 minutes
- Pickling time: 24-72 hours
Temperature:
- Refrigerate pickled herring at all times
Serving size:
- 4-6 servings
Nutritional information:
- Calories: 180
- Fat: 8g
- Carbohydrates: 10g
- Protein: 18g
Substitutions for ingredients:
- White wine vinegar can be used instead of white vinegar
- Brown sugar can be used instead of white sugar
- Whole allspice berries can be used instead of black peppercorns
Variations:
- Add sliced garlic or fresh herbs to the pickling liquid for extra flavor
- Use different types of vinegar, such as apple cider vinegar or rice vinegar, for a different taste
- Add sliced jalapenos or other hot peppers for a spicy kick
Tips and Tricks:
- Use fresh, high-quality herring for the best flavor
- Make sure the herring pieces are completely covered with the pickling liquid to ensure even pickling
- Let the pickled herring sit in the refrigerator for at least 24 hours to allow the flavors to develop
Storage Instructions:
- Store pickled herring in the refrigerator for up to 1 week
Reheating Instructions:
- Pickled herring is served cold and does not need to be reheated
Presentation Ideas:
- Serve pickled herring on a platter with sliced onions and fresh dill for garnish
- Arrange pickled herring on a bed of lettuce or other greens for a colorful presentation
Garnishes:
- Sliced onions
- Fresh dill
- Lemon wedges
Pairings:
- Rye bread
- Boiled potatoes
- Pickled vegetables
Suggested Side Dishes:
- Creamy potato salad
- Beet salad
- Cucumber salad
Troubleshooting Advice:
- If the pickling liquid is too salty, add more water and sugar to balance the flavors
- If the herring pieces are not completely covered with the pickling liquid, add more liquid to the jar or container
Food Safety Advice:
- Always use clean utensils and containers when pickling food
- Keep pickled herring refrigerated at all times to prevent spoilage
Food History:
- Kostromskoy pickled herring is a traditional Russian dish that has been enjoyed for centuries. Herring was a popular fish in Russia due to its availability and affordability.
Flavor Profiles:
- Tangy
- Sweet
- Salty
- Savory
Serving Suggestions:
- Serve Kostromskoy pickled herring as an appetizer or snack
- Enjoy with a glass of cold beer or vodka
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Region: Russian