European
Sweden - Starters
Sill Inlagd (Classic Pickled Herring)
Chef's Menu Description
Sweden's national smörgåsbord centerpiece: tender salted herring fillets soaked in a clear sweet 1-2-3 vinegar brine layered with red onion rings, fresh carrot rounds, allspice, and bay leaves.
Ingredients
- • 400g salted herring fillets (inläggningssill), desalted and cut into bite-sized pieces
- • 100ml distilled vinegar (ättiksprit 12%)
- • 200g granulated sugar
- • 300ml cold water
- • 1 small red onion, thinly sliced into rings
- • 1 small carrot, sliced in ridged rounds
- • 10 whole allspice berries, crushed lightly
- • 10 whole black peppercorns
- • 2 dried bay leaves
Preparation Steps
1
Phase 1
In a pot, bring vinegar, sugar, and water to a boil until sugar dissolves completely. Remove from heat and chill until completely cold.
2
Phase 2
Slice desalted herring fillets on a bias into 2cm pieces. Slice red onion and carrot thinly.
3
Phase 3
In clean glass jars, layer herring pieces alternately with sliced red onion, carrot, allspice, peppercorns, and bay leaves.
4
Phase 4
Pour chilled pickling brine over herring to submerge. Seal tightly and refrigerate for at least 24 hours (best after 48 hours). Serve cold with rye bread.