Danish Herring and Onion Delight on Pumpernickel
This traditional Danish open-faced sandwich, known as Smørrebrød, is a flavorful combination of rich herring fillets, sweet onions, and fresh tomatoes, all elegantly layered on a hearty slice of pumpernickel or rye bread. Originating from Denmark, this dish is not just a meal; it's an experience that showcases the art of Nordic culinary traditions. Served with a garnish of vibrant watercress or parsley, this sandwich is perfect for lunch or as a snack, and is best enjoyed with a knife and fork. Make your gatherings memorable with this delightful recipe that brings the taste of Denmark right to your table.
8
Servings
60
Calories
6
Ingredients
Ingredients
Butter
4 teaspoons (softened)
Danish pumpernickel bread or rye bread
4 slices (crusts removed)
Herring fillets in wine sauce
1 jar (8 ounces) (drained and cut into 1-inch strips)
Sweet onion
1 medium (cut into thin rings)
Tomato
1 (cut into 8 thin slices)
Watercress or parsley
for garnish (sprig)
Instructions
1
Start by evenly spreading 1 teaspoon of softened butter on each slice of pumpernickel or rye bread, ensuring complete coverage to prevent sogginess.
2
Once buttered, cut each slice crosswise in half or into two (4-by-2-inch) rectangular pieces for easy handling.
3
Place one-eighth of the drained herring fillets on top of each piece of bread, ensuring that the smooth side of the fillet is facing up for presentation.
4
Add several thin rings of sweet onion atop the herring, followed by one slice of tomato for a burst of freshness.
5
Finish the assembly by garnishing each sandwich with a sprig of watercress or parsley to enhance its visual appeal.
6
Serve immediately with a knife and fork, and enjoy the delicious blend of flavors!
Nutrition Information
3g
Fat
6g
Carbs
2g
Protein
1g
Fiber
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Danish Herring and Onion Delight?
It is a traditional Danish open-faced sandwich, also known as Smørrebrød, featuring herring, onions, and tomatoes on pumpernickel bread.
What type of bread is best for this recipe?
Hearty Danish pumpernickel or rye bread with the crusts removed is the best choice for this dish.
How many servings does this recipe make?
This recipe is designed to produce 8 servings.
How many calories are in one serving?
There are 60 calories per serving of this sandwich.
What type of herring should I use?
The recipe calls for one 8-ounce jar of herring fillets in wine sauce, which should be drained.
Why is butter spread on the bread?
Butter is spread evenly on the bread to provide a barrier that prevents the bread from becoming soggy from the toppings.
What is the fat content per serving?
Each serving contains 3 grams of fat.
How should the herring be placed on the sandwich?
The herring should be placed with the smooth side facing up for the best presentation.
What kind of onion is recommended?
A medium sweet onion cut into thin rings is recommended for this recipe.
How should the bread be sliced?
Each slice of bread should be cut crosswise in half or into two 4-by-2-inch rectangular pieces.
Is this dish traditionally eaten with hands?
No, this traditional Danish sandwich is best enjoyed using a knife and fork.
What is the carbohydrate count for this recipe?
There are 6 grams of carbohydrates per serving.
What garnishes can I use?
You can use a sprig of fresh watercress or parsley as a garnish.
How much protein is in each sandwich?
Each serving provides 2 grams of protein.
Does this recipe contain fiber?
Yes, there is 1 gram of fiber per serving.
How many tomatoes do I need?
You need one tomato, which should be cut into 8 thin slices.
What preparation is needed for the herring?
The herring should be drained and cut into 1-inch strips before assembly.
How much butter is used in the entire recipe?
A total of 4 teaspoons of softened butter is used.
When should I serve these sandwiches?
They should be served immediately after assembly to ensure the best flavor and texture.
Is Smørrebrød a snack or a meal?
It can be served as both a light lunch or a flavorful snack.
What culture does this recipe originate from?
This recipe originates from Danish and Nordic culinary traditions.
Should the onion be cooked?
No, the sweet onion should be served raw and cut into thin rings.
How much herring goes on each piece of bread?
Approximately one-eighth of the total herring fillets should be placed on each of the eight pieces of bread.
Can I use any type of bread?
While pumpernickel or rye is traditional, any hearty dark bread will work best for the structural integrity of the sandwich.
Is the herring served hot or cold?
The herring is typically served cold or at room temperature as it is a preserved product.
What size are the bread pieces?
The bread is cut into rectangular pieces approximately 4 inches by 2 inches.
Is this a low-calorie recipe?
Yes, with only 60 calories per serving, it is a relatively light option.
What is the main flavor profile of this dish?
It is a mix of rich, briny herring, sweet onion, and fresh tomato on earthy bread.
Does the recipe require salt?
No additional salt is listed, as the herring in wine sauce usually provides enough sodium.
What is the preparation for the butter?
The butter should be softened to make it easier to spread evenly over the bread slices.