Herring Salad Delight

Herring Salad Delight is a wonderfully flavorful dish that combines the savory taste of salted herring with the freshness of cucumbers and the creaminess of sour cream. It's an ideal dish for those who enjoy a balance of satisfying textures and tastes, making it perfect for any occasion. The salad also incorporates sweet honey and the aromatic touches of tarragon and parsley, taking it to a delightful level of complexity. Citric zest from lime and lemon adds a refreshing zing, while grated cheese ties everything together. This dish is simple to prepare, but it does require a little resting time to let the flavors develop fully. It's best served chilled and pairs beautifully with bread and boiled eggs. Invite your friends over and impress them with this deliciously unique salad. This recipe is not only easy to follow but also leaves plenty of room for adaptations and personal touches.

Ingredients

Main Ingredients

• 200g salted herring pieces
• 200ml diced cucumber
• 200ml sour cream
• 100ml chopped leek
• 50g grated cheese (such as Džiugas Mix for salad)
• 3 tablespoons honey
• 1 tablespoon chopped fresh tarragon
• 1 tablespoon chopped parsley
• Zest of 1 lime, grated
• Zest of 1 lemon, grated

Preparation Time

• Total Time: Approximately 1 hour and 20 minutes (including 1 hour of chilling time)

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Prepare the Ingredients: Begin by ensuring all your ingredients are ready and measured. Grate the cheese and lemon, chop the leek, parsley, and tarragon finely.
2. Mix the Salad: In a large bowl, combine the diced cucumber, chopped leek, and grated cheese.
3. Add the Herring: Incorporate the salted herring pieces into the bowl. Ensure they are distributed evenly throughout the other ingredients.
4. Dress the Salad: Add the sour cream, honey, lime zest, and lemon zest to the bowl. Mix all the ingredients thoroughly until they are well combined.
5. Flavor Enhancements: Add the chopped tarragon and parsley to enhance the salad's aroma and flavor.
6. Chill the Salad: Cover the bowl with plastic wrap or a lid and let it sit in the refrigerator for at least 1 hour. This time allows the flavors to meld and develop fully.
7. Stir Before Serving: Once chilled, remove the salad from the fridge and give it another good mix to redistribute the flavors.
8. Serve and Enjoy: Accompany with fresh bread and boiled eggs for a complete meal.

Tips

• Consider using freshly caught herring for an even more delightful taste.
• Substitute sour cream with Greek yogurt for a lighter version.
• Adjust the level of sweetness by varying the honey according to your preference.

Nutrition

Serving Suggestion: Nutritional values will vary based on specific ingredients used.

Variations

• For a vegetarian version, substitute the herring with smoked tofu.
• If desired, add diced boiled potatoes for a heartier salad.
• Use different herbs like dill or chives for alternative flavors.

Serving Suggestions

• Serve with rye bread for a traditional touch.
• Perfect as a starter or light main course.
• Pair with a crisp white wine to complement the dish's refreshing flavors.

Best Places

1. Noma - Innovative cuisine with an emphasis on local flavors. Location: Refshalevej 96, 1432 Copenhagen, Denmark.
2. The Nordic Baltic - Known for its exquisite seafood dishes. Location: 123 Example St., Oslo, Norway.
3. Ain Soph - Offers a creative take on classic dishes. Location: 1 Chome-7-10 Kabukicho, Shinjuku City, Tokyo, Japan.
4. Smør - A delightful spot for herring lovers. Location: Amaliegade 9, 1256 Copenhagen, Denmark.
5. Nordic House - Celebrates authentic Nordic flavors. Location: 970 F. St. NW, Washington, D.C., USA.
6. Kadeau - Gourmet dishes with a focus on local ingredients. Location: Wildersgade 10B, 1408 Copenhagen, Denmark.
7. Aquavit - Blending traditional and modern styles. Location: 65 E 55th St, New York, NY, USA.
8. Oaxen Slip - Offers sustainable dining choices. Location: Beckholmsvägen 26, 115 21 Stockholm, Sweden.
9. Le Bernardin - Known for exceptional seafood offerings. Location: 155 W 51st St, New York, NY, USA.
10. Restaurant Frantzén - Delivers a contemporary culinary journey. Location: Klara Norra Kyrkogata 26, 111 22 Stockholm, Sweden.