Śledź w Śmietanie (Herring in Sour Cream)
User Reviews
4.9
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Prep Time
20 mins
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Cook Time
20 mins
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Additional Time
2 hrs
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Total Time
2 hrs 40 mins
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Servings
4 servings
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Course
Appetizer
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Cuisine
Polish, Eastern European
Śledź w Śmietanie (Herring in Sour Cream)
Description
This preparation starts by soaking brined herring fillets in water for at least an hour to mellow salt content; oil-packed fillets only need drying. Finely chopped red onions are blanched with boiling water to reduce sharpness before combining with drained and chopped herring pieces. Grated apple is added for natural sweetness and to help prevent browning.
The mixture is bound with sour cream containing at least 18% fat, along with chopped fresh dill and chives that lend herbal notes. Black pepper is added for mild heat. This creamy herring salad pairs well with rye bread or potatoes and is traditional in Polish cuisine, served chilled.
Ingredients
- 7.5 oz herring fillets 6-8 individual fillets
- 2 onion red onion, large
- 2 apple
- 1.5 cup sour cream min 18% fat
- 3 tbsp dill fresh, chopped
- 2 tbsp chives chopped
- pinch black pepper
Instructions
- If you're using brined herring fillets, you have to soak the fish to remove the excess salt. To do that, place the herring in a bowl and cover with water and leave aside for 1 hour, at least. If you have oil fillets, just dry them thoroughly with a paper towel and cut them into strips. Such herring fillets do not need to be soaked in water.
- Peel two small or one larger onion and chop finely.
- To soften the onions and remove some of the peppery taste, place them in a strainer and pour freshly boiled water on top to blanche.
- Once the fish has soaked sufficiently, strain away the water and dry using some kitchen towels. Cut the herring up in bite-sized pieces and throw them in a bowl.
- Peel and grate the apple and toss it into the bowl together with the onion.
- Add 1.5 cup of sour cream (or more) and the chopped dill and stir everything thoroughly (it will keep the apple from browning as well as give a creamy flavor to the fish).
- Season to taste with pepper and place in the fridge for the flavors to meld 1 hour (or more, until it's time to serve).