16+ Christmas Herring Recipe Unleash Your Inner Chef!
Published on: Mar 21, 2024
Christmas is a time for gathering with loved ones, exchanging gifts, and indulging in delicious food. One dish that is sure to make an appearance on many holiday tables is Christmas herring. This traditional recipe has been passed down for generations and is a staple in many cultures. The key to a perfect Christmas herring lies in the preparation and seasoning, and with this easy-to-follow recipe, you can create a mouth-watering dish that will impress your guests and leave them wanting more. So, let's dive into the details and learn how to make the perfect Christmas herring!
Main Ingredients: Herring, Champignons, Onions, Egg, Butter, Chopped
Baked herring is a classic dish that never goes out of style. The tender and flaky fish is packed with flavor and pairs perfectly with a cold beer. To make this dish, simply marinate the herring in a mixture of vinegar, brown sugar, and spices, then bake until golden and crispy.
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Salt herring
Main Ingredients: Herring, Maldon Sea Salt
Salt herring is a staple in many European countries, and for good reason. The salt brine not only preserves the fish, but also adds a unique depth of flavor. To enjoy salt herring, simply rinse off the excess salt and serve with a dash of lemon juice and some fresh herbs.
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Dutch Herring Salad
Main Ingredients: Herring, Red Beets, Waxy Potatoes, Apple, Yellow Onion
This refreshing salad is a popular dish in the Netherlands, especially during the summer months. It combines diced herring with crunchy vegetables like cucumbers, bell peppers, and onions, all tossed in a light vinaigrette dressing. Serve with a side of crusty bread for a complete meal.
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Old Fashioned Pickled Herring
Main Ingredients: Herring, Milk, Water, White Sugar, White Vinegar
A true classic, pickled herring is a dish that has stood the test of time. The tangy and slightly sweet pickling sauce perfectly complements the rich and buttery herring, making it a delicious snack or appetizer. For an extra kick, add some chopped onions and dill to the pickling liquid.
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Slightly Salted Herring Sandwich
Main Ingredients: Herring, Black Peppercorns, Vinegar, Cloves, Water, Red
This simple yet satisfying sandwich is perfect for a quick lunch or snack. Start with a base of rye bread, then top it with slices of slightly salted herring, fresh tomatoes, and a creamy spread like mayonnaise or cream cheese. Add some fresh dill for an extra burst of flavor.
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Herring and Vegetable Salad
Main Ingredients: Eggs, Tomato, Beetroot, Cucumber, Onion, Fresh Dill
If you're looking for a healthier option, this herring and vegetable salad is a great choice. It combines chunks of herring with a variety of colorful veggies like carrots, corn, and peas, all dressed in a light and tangy dressing. Serve on a bed of lettuce for a fresh and nutritious meal.
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Herring With Marinated Mushrooms
Main Ingredients: Herring, Mushrooms, Onion, Sunflower Oil, Vinegar
This unique dish adds a twist to traditional pickled herring by adding marinated mushrooms to the mix. The earthy and tangy flavors of the mushrooms pair perfectly with the rich and buttery herring, creating a harmonious balance of flavors in every bite.
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Herring with sun-dried tomatoes
Main Ingredients: Sun Dried Tomatoes, Herring, Onion, French Mustard
For a burst of Mediterranean flavors, try this herring dish with sun-dried tomatoes. The sweet and tangy tomatoes add a unique twist to the classic pickled herring, making it a delicious and unexpected combination. Serve with a side of crusty bread to soak up all the tasty juices.
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Herring and Pickled Cucumber Appetizer
Main Ingredients: Dill, Carrot, Black Bread, Onion, Sour Cream, Green
This easy and elegant appetizer is perfect for entertaining. Simply layer pickled herring and pickled cucumbers on top of a slice of rye bread, then top with a dollop of sour cream and a sprinkle of dill. Serve as a bite-size snack or as part of a larger spread.
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Pickled Herring Salad
Main Ingredients: Herring, Mayonnaise, Sour Cream, Fresh Lemon Juice
For a more substantial meal, try this pickled herring salad. It combines chunks of herring with a variety of veggies like potatoes, carrots, and onions, all marinated in a tangy dressing. Serve as a light lunch or as a side dish for a larger meal.
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Asian-Style Herring
Main Ingredients: Herring, Salt, Pepper, Pastry Flour, Vegetable Oil, Red
This flavorful dish takes inspiration from Asian cuisine by marinating herring in a mixture of soy sauce, sesame oil, ginger, and garlic. The result is a delicious and unique fusion of flavors that will have your taste buds singing.
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Herring With Apples
Main Ingredients: Herring, Apples, White Bread, Butter, Sour Cream
The sweetness of apples is the perfect complement to the rich and buttery herring in this dish. The apples add a refreshing and slightly tart flavor, while also providing a satisfying crunch. Serve as a light lunch or as an appetizer for a dinner party.
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Savoury Herring Canapés
Main Ingredients: Eggplant, Vegetable Oil, Apple, Lemon, Herring, Cider
These savory herring canapés are the perfect party food. Simply top a slice of rye bread with pickled herring, sliced boiled eggs, and a sprinkle of dill, then cut into bite-size pieces. Your guests will love the unique and delicious combination of flavors.
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Polish Pickled Herring
Main Ingredients: Grated Horseradish, Sliced Carrot, Celery Stalk
This Polish classic is a must-try for any herring lover. The herring is marinated in a flavorful mixture of vinegar, sugar, and spices, then topped with sliced onions and carrots. Serve with a side of boiled potatoes for a traditional and satisfying meal.
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Herring with cranberries
Main Ingredients: Dried Cranberries, Onion, Herring, Sunflower Oil
If you're looking for a festive dish for the holidays, this herring with cranberries is a great choice. The sweet and tart cranberries add a seasonal twist to the classic pickled herring, making it a perfect addition to any holiday spread.
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Herring In Sour Cream Marinade
Main Ingredients: Herring, Mayonnaise, Sour Cream, Onion, Apple, Pickled
This herring dish is a popular choice in Eastern Europe, where it's often served as an appetizer or as part of a traditional feast. The herring is marinated in a tangy and creamy sour cream dressing, creating a rich and flavorful dish that is sure to please.
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Herring and Potato Appetizer
Main Ingredients: Dill, Sour Cream, Onion, Potato, Herring
This hearty and satisfying appetizer is a perfect choice for a game day snack or for a casual dinner party. Simply top boiled potatoes with pickled herring, diced onions, and a dollop of sour cream for a tasty and easy-to-make dish.
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Potato Salad With Herring
Main Ingredients: Potatoes, Red Onion, Tomatoes, Herring, Lettuce Leaves
If you love potato salad, then you'll love this herring version. The creamy and tangy dressing pairs perfectly with the tender potatoes and chunks of herring, making it a delicious and filling meal. Serve as a side dish or as a main course.
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Salad “Herring under Fur Coat”
Main Ingredients: Herring, Potatoes, Carrots, Beetroots, Onion, Mayonnaise
This colorful and festive salad is a staple in Russian cuisine. Layers of herring, boiled potatoes, beets, carrots, and mayonnaise create a beautiful and delicious salad that is perfect for any special occasion or holiday.
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Marinated Herring With New Potatoes
Main Ingredients: Herring, New Potatoes, Red Onion, Butter, Vegetable
This simple and satisfying dish is perfect for a quick lunch or dinner. Marinated herring is served with boiled new potatoes and topped with a sprinkle of fresh dill. It's a classic combination that never disappoints.
Ingredients for Christmas Herring
1. Fresh Herring
The star of this dish is, of course, the herring. It is important to select fresh herring from a reputable fishmonger to ensure the best quality. Look for herring that has shiny skin and a mild, oceanic smell. If you are unable to find fresh herring, you can also use canned herring as a substitute.
2. Brine Solution
To prepare the herring for marinating, you will need to make a brine solution. This is a mixture of water, vinegar, and salt that will help to preserve the herring and infuse it with flavor. The proportions for this solution are 2 parts water to 1 part vinegar and 1 tablespoon of salt per cup of liquid.
3. Aromatic Spices
To give the herring its signature holiday flavor, you will need a few aromatic spices such as whole cloves, allspice berries, and bay leaves. These spices will be added to the brine solution to infuse the herring with their warm and festive flavors.
4. Fresh Vegetables
To add some freshness and crunch to the dish, you will need to chop up some fresh vegetables. Cucumbers, onions, and carrots are the most commonly used vegetables in this recipe, but you can also add some bell peppers or celery for extra flavor.
Steps to Make Christmas Herring
Now that you have gathered all the necessary ingredients, it's time to start preparing your Christmas herring! Here are the steps to follow:
Step 1: Prepare the Herring
Clean and fillet the herring, removing any bones and skin. Cut the fillets into bite-sized pieces and place them in a bowl.
Step 2: Make the Brine Solution
In a pot, combine the water, vinegar, and salt, and bring it to a boil. Once the salt has dissolved, remove the pot from heat and let the brine cool to room temperature.
Step 3: Marinate the Herring
Pour the cooled brine solution over the herring pieces, making sure they are fully submerged. Add the spices and vegetables to the bowl and mix everything together. Cover the bowl and let it marinate in the refrigerator for at least 24 hours.
Step 4: Serve and Enjoy
After 24 hours, your Christmas herring will be ready to be served. You can eat it as is or pair it with some crackers or bread for a delicious appetizer. The herring can also be stored in the refrigerator for up to a week, making it a perfect make-ahead dish for holiday gatherings.
With its festive flavors and easy preparation, Christmas herring is a must-try dish this holiday season. So, gather your ingredients and follow these simple steps to create a dish that will impress your loved ones and bring a taste of tradition to your table. Happy cooking and happy holidays!
