5 easy-breezy Herring Appetizers

Posted On January 16, 2021

 5 easy-breezy Herring Appetizers

If you find yourself in a time-crunch with unexpected guests, look no further than these 5 easy-breezy herring appetizers. Herring, a low-calorie “super fish” full of Omega-3 fatty acids, is often associated with European dishes. However, it can be found in dishes worldwide, making its appearance as far as Canada and Jamaica. The versatile fish can be found in fresh, pickled, or canned form and can be served as an appetizer or the main dish.

             Nutrition Facts for Wild Herrings

Though some may have reservations about consuming fish and other seafood multiple times a week, according to an FDA published study, Herring is considered one of the safest and healthiest fish for pregnant women and others to consume.  (Germanfoods.org) In fact, herring in oil contains multiple great nutrients and antioxidants, including protein, natural Retinol (hello anti-aging benefits!), Β-carotene, Vitamins D, E, K, B1, B2, B6, B12, folic acid, vitamin C, Iron, Zinc, as well as the brain-boosting Omega 3 and 6 fatty acids. No wonder it is a staple in dishes all over the world.

                     Where herrings live?

“Herring can be found in the shallow, temperate waters of the North Pacific and North Atlantic Oceans, including the Baltic Sea, as well as off the west coast of South America” (Wikipedia.org/Herring as food). It is commonly found in European dishes and has become a staple in the continent’s diet. Countries like Russia, Sweden, Finland, Holland, Lithuania, and Poland have embraced the nutritious fish into their appetizer and main dishes.

British Columbia, Canada, and Newfoundland have also incorporated the low-calorie fish as well as the Ashkenazi Jewish community, which prepares it in a chopped salad dish. Herring is preserved in Japan in large amounts and rationed throughout the winter as a healthy protein. Red Herring is commonly serving in Jamaica like “pick up salt fish.” It is the perfect fish to pick up with your fingers after deboning. Jamaicans enjoy frying the fish with onions and hot peppers, adding an element of heat to the fish. (www.wikipedia.org)

I have compiled five easy-breezy recipes for you to enjoy, some as an appetizer and some as a main dish. Herring, a real delicacy with its unique flavors and characteristics, offers a unique option to serve guests.

            Herring with Apples and Onions

Apples and onions — sound crazy, but believe me, the taste is perfect with the pickled herring

4 herring fillets

2 apples (sour apples are the best)

1 medium yellow onion

1 medium red sweet onion

2 teaspoons of sour cream

2 teaspoons of mayonnaise

Pinch of sugar

Pinch of fresh dill

       Workflow:

First, take herring fillets and wash out the saltiness. Cut in the squares and put them on the plate.

Second, peel apples and onions, cut them into small squares and put them in the bowl.

Third, mix sour cream and mayonnaise, add a pinch of sugar.

Next, combine apples and onions with sour cream/mayonnaise mixture.

Then, mix everything, and put on the herring. Sprinkle fresh dill on the top.

           Herring with Raisins and Onions

Another weird recipe: It looks like raisins and onions do not match, right? A few days ago, I prepared this dish for my family. My husband just looked at me but did not say anything. Five minutes later, he tried the plate and tried again, and again. So….

4 herring fillets

4 oz raisins

1 large yellow onion (2 medium)

3 tablespoons of olive oil

4 tablespoons of tomato paste

Pinch of cinnamon

Pinch of Allspice (ground)

          The workflow of herring with raisins and onions:

First, wash out salt from the herring and cut in the squares, put on the plate.

Second, soak the raisins for at least 15 min.

Third, peel the onion and cut it into small squares.

Next, mix onion and soaked raisins put into the skillet, add olive oil, and easy sauté them.

Then, add Allspice and cinnamon. Add tomato paste and finish to sauté. Please wait until it cools off and put it next to the herring.

Enjoy!

                  Herring with Tomatoes

4 herring fillets

1 yellow onion

1 green chili pepper

6 tomatoes on the vine (12 cherry tomatoes is OK too)

2 green onions

Pinch of chopped ginger

1 lime juice

               The workflow of wild herring fillets

First, peel and chop yellow onion and ginger.

Second, cut green chili pepper into small pieces. Chop green onions too.

Third, cut pickled herring (wash before cut) and mix all ingredients all together.

Then, squeeze the juice from the lime, cut tomatoes into slices, and remix everything.

Sprinkle green onion on the top and Voilà!

                               Herring and rice

4 herring fillets

4 tablespoons of cooked rice                   

1 yellow onion (chopped)

1/3 of a cup of mayonnaise

2 pinches of dill

2 bits of fresh parsley

                   Workflow:

First, wash pickled herring and cup in small pieces.

Second, take a plate and put all ingredients in the layer:

First layer: cooked rice, chopped onion, mayonnaise, herring, one pinch of dill, and chopped fresh parsley.

Second layer: rice, chopped onion, herring, mayonnaise, and sprinkle a pinch of dill and parsley.

Tips for 5 easy-breezy herring appetizers:

Keep the dish in the refrigerator for 24 hours before start eating.

Do not put a heavy mayonnaise layer; otherwise, you cannot feel other ingredients also, herring.

         Herring with Mushrooms and Pickles

4 herring fillets

2 oz of mushrooms (chopped)

1 pickle (chopped)

1 cooked carrot (peeled and cut into small pieces)

1 yellow or red onion (chopped)

1 boiled egg (cut into slices)

1 spoon of olive oil

                              Workflow:

First, wash and cut the herring, put it on the plate.

Then, put all the ingredients in separate piles. Sprinkle olive oil on the herring.

        Enjoy  5 easy-breezy Herring Appetizers!

As a European native, I have known about the nutritious and delicious herring my whole life. I would be doing my audience a disservice if I did not share my super quick and healthy recipes with my readers. Not only is Herring packed full of nutrients and antioxidants, but it is also low calorie, gluten-free, and super versatile. This fish’s unique properties make it a staple in diets worldwide, from European countries to Jamaica and Trinidad. Now it is time for my readers to incorporate this “super fish” into their diets as well. (www.wikipedia.org)

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