Delicious Polish Pickled Herring
This delightful Polish Pickled Herring recipe comes from my cherished family traditions, passed down through generations. Made for Christmas Eve gatherings, it is a dish that embodies love and togetherness. Soaking the herring fillets in cold water helps to mellow their briny flavor, while the pickling solution, infused with aromatic spices and sweetened with sugar, transforms the fish into a flavorful treat. Traditionally enjoyed during the New Year’s Eve toast, it symbolizes good luck and prosperity. Serve it on its own or alongside crusty bread for a delectable appetizer that will impress your guests.
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
10
Ingredients
Ingredients
Salt Herring Fillets
2 lbs (soaked and cut into 1-inch pieces)
Water
3/4 cup (for pickling solution)
White Vinegar
3/4 cup (for pickling solution)
Bay Leaf
1 (for pickling solution)
Garlic
2 cloves (crushed)
Black Peppercorns
1/4 teaspoon (for pickling solution)
Whole Allspice
1/4 teaspoon (for pickling solution)
Dill Seed
1/4 teaspoon (for pickling solution)
Granulated Sugar
1/3 cup (for pickling solution)
Red Onion
1 (peeled and sliced into rings)
Instructions
1
Begin by soaking the salt herring fillets in a large bowl of cold water in the refrigerator for 12 to 24 hours, ensuring to change the water at least twice during the soaking period to remove excess salt.
2
In a medium saucepan, combine 3/4 cup of water, 3/4 cup of white vinegar, bay leaf, garlic cloves, black peppercorns, allspice, dill seed, and granulated sugar.
3
Bring this mixture to a boil over medium heat while stirring continuously until the sugar is fully dissolved. Once boiling, remove from heat and allow the pickling solution to cool completely.
4
While the solution cools, rinse the soaked herring fillets under cold running water to further reduce their saltiness; then use paper towels to pat them dry gently.
5
Carefully cut the herring fillets into bite-sized pieces, approximately 1 inch, ensuring to remove any lingering bones as you do so.
6
Peel the red onion and slice it thinly, separating the slices into individual rings for even distribution.
7
In sterilized jars, layer the herring pieces and onion rings alternately until the jars are filled, ensuring a nice balance of flavors in each spoonful.
8
Pour the cooled pickling solution over the layered herring and onions, ensuring they are fully submerged. Seal each jar tightly with a lid.
9
Refrigerate the jars for at least 3 days to allow the flavors to meld before serving, although the herring will only improve with time.
10
This pickled herring can be safely enjoyed for up to 3 weeks when kept refrigerated.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Delicious Polish Pickled Herring?
It is a traditional Polish dish made of salt herring fillets preserved in a seasoned vinegar-based pickling solution, often served during holidays.
What are the main ingredients for this recipe?
The main ingredients include salt herring fillets, white vinegar, water, sugar, red onion, garlic, bay leaf, peppercorns, allspice, and dill seed.
How long should the salt herring fillets be soaked?
The fillets should be soaked in cold water in the refrigerator for 12 to 24 hours.
Why is it necessary to soak the herring?
Soaking the herring in cold water helps to mellow their briny flavor and remove excess salt.
How often should the soaking water be changed?
The water should be changed at least twice during the 12 to 24-hour soaking period.
What is in the pickling solution?
The solution consists of water, white vinegar, a bay leaf, garlic cloves, black peppercorns, allspice, dill seed, and granulated sugar.
How do I prepare the pickling solution?
Combine the water, vinegar, sugar, and spices in a saucepan and bring to a boil until the sugar is dissolved, then cool completely.
Do I need to cool the pickling liquid before adding it to the fish?
Yes, the pickling solution must be allowed to cool completely before being poured over the herring and onions.
How should the herring be prepared after soaking?
Rinse the fillets under cold running water, pat them dry with paper towels, and cut them into 1-inch bite-sized pieces.
Should I remove the bones from the herring?
Yes, you should ensure any lingering bones are removed while cutting the fillets into pieces.
How do I prepare the red onion?
Peel the red onion and slice it thinly, then separate the slices into individual rings.
How should the jars be packed?
Layer the herring pieces and onion rings alternately in sterilized jars until they are filled.
Is it important to use sterilized jars?
Yes, using sterilized jars helps ensure the preservation process is safe and the fish stays fresh.
How long does the herring need to refrigerate before it is ready?
The jars should be refrigerated for at least 3 days to allow the flavors to properly meld.
How long can pickled herring be stored?
This pickled herring can be safely enjoyed for up to 3 weeks when kept refrigerated.
What is the traditional significance of this dish?
It is a traditional dish for Christmas Eve and is also served during New Year's Eve toasts to symbolize good luck.
What does this dish symbolize?
In Polish tradition, eating pickled herring is said to symbolize good luck and prosperity for the coming year.
What can I serve with Polish Pickled Herring?
It can be served on its own or alongside crusty bread as a delectable appetizer.
How much sugar is used in the brine?
The recipe calls for 1/3 cup of granulated sugar for the pickling solution.
How much vinegar and water are needed?
The recipe uses 3/4 cup of white vinegar and 3/4 cup of water.
What spices are used for the aromatic flavor?
The aromatic profile comes from one bay leaf, 1/4 teaspoon each of black peppercorns, whole allspice, and dill seed.
How many garlic cloves are required?
The recipe requires 2 cloves of garlic, crushed, for the pickling solution.
What type of onion is best for this recipe?
One large red onion is recommended for its flavor and color.
Does the flavor of the herring change over time?
Yes, the herring only improves with time as it sits in the pickling solution.
Is this a family recipe?
Yes, it is described as a cherished family tradition passed down through generations.
What is the texture of the finished herring?
The soaking and pickling process transforms the salt herring into a tender, flavorful treat.
How many pieces of herring should I cut?
The 2 lbs of fillets should be cut into approximately 1-inch pieces to ensure they are bite-sized.
Can I use other types of vinegar?
The traditional recipe specifically calls for white vinegar to achieve the correct flavor profile.
Do I need to stir the solution while boiling?
Yes, you should stir continuously until the sugar is fully dissolved.
Is this dish served hot or cold?
Polish Pickled Herring is served cold directly from the refrigerator.