Herring with pickled onions in tomato dill marinade is a delicious combination of savory and tangy flavors. You'll start by pickling onions and mixing them with herring fillets in a flavorful tomato marinade. It's quick to prepare, making it perfect as an appetizer or snack. The blend of crunchy onions and creamy marinade creates a delightful taste experience. If you want to learn more about its history and preparation tips, there's plenty more to discover!
History
Pickled herring has a rich history that traces back to Scandinavia and Eastern Europe, where preserving fish was crucial for survival before refrigeration.
This tradition of pickling herring flourished, with variations emerging across cultures. The Dutch and Russians, for instance, enjoyed pickled herring paired with onions and spices, enhancing its flavor profile.
In Norway, "Tomatsild," or tomato herring, became a festive dish during winter holidays, showcasing seasonal ingredients. Onions, readily available, have been part of herring recipes for centuries, balancing the strong flavors of the pickled fish.
Over time, the preparation of herring with tomato and dill evolved, reflecting regional differences while keeping family traditions alive.
This historical backdrop makes pickled herring a cherished dish across generations.
Recipe
Herring with pickled onions in a tomato dill marinade is a delightful dish that combines the rich, savory flavors of herring with the tangy sweetness of pickled onions. The marinade, made from tomato puree, oil, vinegar, and a mix of spices, infuses the fish and onions with a deliciously robust flavor profile. This dish isn't only easy to prepare but also makes for a perfect appetizer or snack, especially when served on crusty bread or crispy crackers.
To achieve the best results, it's essential to layer the herring fillets and onions properly in the jar. This ensures that each layer absorbs the marinade's flavors evenly, resulting in a harmonious taste in every bite. Additionally, allowing the dish to sit for at least 24 hours in the refrigerator is crucial, as this resting period enhances the overall flavor as the ingredients meld together.
Layering the herring fillets and onions carefully in the jar ensures even flavor absorption, enhancing the dish's overall taste.
Ingredients:
- Herring fillets
- Onions (thinly sliced)
- Tomato puree
- Oil (olive or vegetable)
- Vinegar (white or apple cider)
- Sugar
- Spices (such as dill, salt, and pepper)
To prepare the dish, begin by making the marinade. In a bowl, combine the tomato puree, oil, vinegar, sugar, and your chosen spices, then mix well until the sugar dissolves.
In a clean jar, layer the herring fillets and the thinly sliced onions, alternating between the two to ensure even distribution. Once you have filled the jar, pour the cooled marinade over the herring and onions, ensuring they're fully submerged. Seal the jar tightly and place it in the refrigerator for a minimum of 24 hours before serving.
For best results, consider using high-quality herring fillets for a more flavorful dish. You can also experiment with different types of vinegar or spices to customize the marinade to your taste.
Remember to keep the dish refrigerated, as it will stay fresh for up to two weeks. When serving, feel free to add fresh herbs or a squeeze of lemon for added brightness.
Cooking Steps
To start making your herring with pickled onions, you'll want to prepare the pickled onions first.
After that, mix your tomato dill marinade, and then layer the herring with the marinade.
Finally, let everything chill for a bit before serving it up with fresh dill for a burst of flavor.
Step 1. Prepare Pickled Onions First
Start by thinly slicing your onions into rings or half-moons, making sure they're uniform for even pickling.
In a saucepan, combine equal parts vinegar and water with sugar, then heat the mixture until the sugar dissolves, creating a quick pickling brine. For added flavor, toss in spices like peppercorns or bay leaves.
Once the brine cools, place your sliced onions in a clean jar and pour the cooled brine over them, ensuring they're fully submerged. This step is crucial for perfect pickled onions.
Seal the jar and refrigerate for at least 24 hours. This allows the onions to absorb the flavors, making them a fantastic topping for your herring fillets when you're ready to serve.
Step 2. Mix Tomato Dill Marinade
Once you've prepared your pickled onions, it's time to whip up the Tomato Dill Marinade.
Start by heating ¼ cup of oil in a pot, then stir in ¼ cup of tomato puree until they're well combined.
While the mixture is warm, dissolve ¾ cup of granulated sugar to create a balanced flavor.
Next, add ¼ cup of white vinegar, which provides the necessary acidity to complement the sweetness of the sugar and the earthiness of the tomato.
Once mixed, allow the marinade to cool.
You'll then layer it in a jar with your pickled herring and sliced onions.
Refrigerate this layered herring salad for at least 24 hours to let those delicious flavors meld together beautifully.
Step 3. Add Herring to Marinade
Prepare the herring fillets by rinsing them thoroughly and cutting them into 1-inch pieces for optimal marination.
Layer the herring pieces in a clean glass jar, alternating them with sliced pickled onions. This adds a delightful flavor and texture contrast.
Once you've arranged the layers, pour the tomato dill marinade over the herring, ensuring all pieces are fully submerged in the tomato sauce. This step is crucial for allowing the herring to absorb the rich flavors of the marinade.
Seal the jar tightly to lock in freshness, and refrigerate. For the best taste experience, let the herring marinate for at least 24 hours before enjoying.
Step 4. Chill Mixture for 30 Minutes
After sealing the jar with the herring and pickled onions layered inside, it's time to enhance the dish's flavors.
First, make sure the tomato dill marinade has cooled to room temperature. Pour the cooled marinade over the herring and onions, ensuring everything's fully submerged.
Seal the jar tightly, then place it in the refrigerator. You'll want to chill the mixture for 30 minutes at a minimum. This step allows the flavors to meld beautifully, improving the overall taste.
Plus, chilling it for that half-hour can enhance the texture of the herring and soften the pickled onions, making them more enjoyable. If you have extra time, consider chilling it longer for even deeper flavors.
Step 5. Serve With Fresh Dill
To elevate your herring with pickled onions, sprinkle finely chopped fresh dill over the dish just before serving. This herb beautifully complements the acidity of the tomato dill marinade and the tanginess of the pickled onions.
Make sure your herring has marinated for at least 24 hours in the refrigerator; this allows the flavors to meld perfectly. When presenting your dish, add additional sprigs of fresh dill for a pop of color and brightness.
The fresh dill balances the richness of the herring, enhancing the overall taste. Serve it with crusty bread or crackers, and consider adding a side of extra pickled onions for a delightful contrast in flavors and textures.
Enjoy your meal!
Final Thoughts
While you might be tempted to overlook herring with pickled onions, this dish offers a delightful blend of flavors that deserve your attention.
The Tomato Herring combines the rich taste of pickled herring with tangy tomatoes and fresh dill, creating a vibrant culinary experience. The crunchy texture of red onion enhances the dish, balancing the creamy tomato marinade perfectly.
Plus, it's quick to prepare with simple ingredients like pickled herring, tomato puree, and vinegar. You can enjoy it on bread, crackers, or as part of a salad, making it a versatile addition to any meal.
Best of all, it keeps well in the fridge for up to two weeks, ensuring you can savor this delightful dish whenever you wish.
Frequently Asked Questions
How Do You Make Dill Marinated Herring?
Did you know that herring is packed with omega-3 fatty acids, making it a heart-healthy choice?
To make dill marinated herring, rinse 2 pounds of salted herring fillets and soak them in cold water overnight.
Prepare a marinade with vinegar, water, sugar, and white peppercorns, then cool it.
Cut the herring into pieces, layer it with onion and dill in jars, pour the marinade over, seal, and refrigerate for two days to develop flavors.
What's the Best Way to Eat Pickled Herring?
To enjoy pickled herring at its best, you can savor it on its own with some crusty bread or crackers.
It's fantastic paired with pickled onions, which add a nice tang.
For a traditional twist, serve it with boiled potatoes and sour cream to balance the flavors.
You can also toss it into a salad or pile it onto open-faced sandwiches with fresh herbs for a quick, delicious meal.
What Do Norwegians Eat With Pickled Herring?
When you're enjoying pickled herring, Norwegians often pair it with boiled potatoes for a hearty touch.
You might also try it on slices of rye or crisp bread to create delightful open-faced sandwiches topped with onions and dill.
A fresh salad with crunchy veggies adds a refreshing texture, while a dollop of sour cream or crème fraîche balances the tang.
Don't forget to sip some aquavit—it perfectly complements the flavors!
How Do I Make Marinated Herring in Dreamlight Valley?
To make marinated herring in Dreamlight Valley, start by soaking your herring in a vinegar, sugar, and water brine for at least 12 hours.
Once it's flavorful, chop it into bite-sized pieces and layer it with diced pickled onions in a jar.
For the marinade, mix tomato puree, fresh dill, and spices.
Let the herring marinate in this mixture for 24 hours in the fridge before serving it on crusty bread or crackers.
