Kilavu Salad - A Delightful Mix of Flavors

This recipe offers a delightful culinary experience with Kilavu Salad, a dish blending a variety of vegetables and cured fish for a taste explosion. The salad is both colorful and flavorful, combining the earthiness of potatoes and carrots with the tanginess of pickled cucumbers and tomatoes. Fresh greens and herbs like dill and parsley add a fragrant touch, while the green peas provide a subtle sweetness. The stars of the dish, however, are the sprats, which lend a salty richness that ties the flavors together. The salad dressing, a simple vinaigrette, enhances these tastes with a blend of oil, vinegar, sugar, salt, and pepper. This dish is perfect as a light meal or a refreshing side, ideal for those who appreciate bold and diverse flavors. Kilavu Salad brings a healthy twist to traditional salads and is excellent for any occasion. Prepare this dish in under an hour and enjoy a taste that resonates with freshness and zest.

Ingredients

Main Ingredients

• 200 g sprats
• 3 potatoes
• 2 pickled cucumbers
• 2 pickled tomatoes
• 1 carrot
• 3 tbsp canned green peas
• 5 lettuce leaves
• Green onions
• Dill
• Parsley leaves

For the Dressing

• 3 tbsp oil
• 1 tbsp 9% vinegar
• 1/2 tsp sugar
• Salt to taste
• Ground black pepper to taste

Preparation Time

• Total Time: 60 minutes

Step-by-Step Instruction

1. Begin by boiling the potatoes and carrot until they are tender. This should take about 20-25 minutes. Once cooked, let them cool.
2. Peel the boiled potatoes and carrot. Cut them into small cubes, preparing them for mixing into the salad.
3. Slice the pickled cucumbers and tomatoes into small pieces, providing a tangy contrast to the other ingredients.
4. Chop the green onions finely to add a fresh and crisp element to the salad.
5. Take a bowl and combine the cubed potatoes, carrot, sliced cucumbers, tomatoes, and chopped green onions.
6. Add the canned green peas to the mixture, which will contribute a slight sweetness and more texture.
7. Carefully clean and prepare the sprats, removing any bones if necessary, and slice them into bite-sized pieces. Fold these into the vegetable mixture.
8. In a smaller bowl, whisk together the oil, vinegar, and sugar until fully combined. Season with salt and ground black pepper according to your preference.
9. Gently pour the dressing over the salad mixture, ensuring even coverage for all ingredients.
10. Toss the salad gently to combine, making sure the dressing is well incorporated.
11. Prepare a serving dish lined with fresh lettuce leaves for presentation.
12. Transfer the salad onto the lined dish, shaping it into a mound for visual appeal.
13. Finely chop the dill and parsley. Sprinkle these aromatic herbs generously over the salad as garnish.
14. Serve immediately to enjoy the crisp textures and vibrant flavors at their best, or refrigerate for about 30 minutes for the flavors to meld.

Tips

• Substitute: If sprats are unavailable, opt for other small, cured, or smoked fish like anchovies.
• Vinegar Options: Try apple cider vinegar for a slightly sweeter dressing.
• Herbs: Experiment with additional fresh herbs like cilantro for varied flavors.
• Storage: Store in an airtight container for up to 24 hours.

Variations

• Vegetarians can omit the sprats and add more peas or chickpeas for protein.
• Low-carb option: Substitute potatoes with cauliflower or reduce their amount.
• Gluten-free when all ingredients are certified gluten-free, making it suitable for those with dietary restrictions.

Serving Suggestions

• Serve with crusty bread to mop up the delicious dressing.
• Pair with grilled chicken for a hearty meal.
• Garnish with extra dill and parsley for added freshness and color.

Best Places

1. Central Kitchen - A charming spot offering a modern twist on traditional dishes. Location: Riga Street 22, Riga, Latvia.
2. Sprat Delight - Known for artisanal sprat dishes, celebrated for its unique flavors. Location: Old Town, Tallinn, Estonia.
3. The Veggie Palette - Focuses on fresh, locally sourced ingredients with vibrant displays. Location: Green Market 4, Vilnius, Lithuania.
4. Bistro Nordic - Offers a blend of Northern European cuisines with rustic decor. Location: Strand Avenue 11, Oslo, Norway.
5. Herbivore Haven - Catering to vegetarian needs with creative adaptations. Location: Garden Street 18, Stockholm, Sweden.
6. Gourmet Sprats & More - Celebrated for seafood versatility and ambient setting. Location: Fish Street 9, Helsinki, Finland.
7. Culinary Crafts - Known for innovative dishes and seasonal specialties. Location: Chef's Lane 5, Moscow, Russia.
8. Urban Eats - Offers eclectic menus inspired by traditional and modern influences. Location: City Center 6, Copenhagen, Denmark.
9. Seaside Bites - Specializes in fresh seafood salads by the bay. Location: Shoreline 7, Amsterdam, Netherlands.
10. City Table - Combines international flavors with local expertise. Location: Grand Avenue 23, Berlin, Germany.