Dressed Herring
A layered dressed herring salad resembling a cake, featuring tender herring, boiled vegetables, eggs, and mayonnaise, perfect for festive occasions or a hearty appetizer.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Boil potatoes, carrots, and beets until tender in one pan.
- Boil eggs until hard-boiled.
- Peel the skin from the salted herrings and cut them along the spine.
- Remove all bones from the herrings.
- Cut herring meat into very small pieces, checking for bones.
- Spread herring meat evenly over the bottom of a large dish.
- Optional: Add small pieces of onion on top of the herring.
- Spread a thin layer of mayonnaise over the herring layer.
- Grate the boiled potatoes and spread as the next layer.
- Spread another thin layer of mayonnaise over the potatoes.
- Use a fork to gently level the layers.
- Grate and spread the carrots over the previous layer.
- Grate and spread the 4 eggs over the carrots.
- Grate and spread the beets over the eggs.
- Spread mayonnaise on top of the beets and grate 1 egg on top for decoration.
- Chill the dish in the refrigerator for 1 hour before serving.
Tips & Substitutions
For a flavor boost, consider adding a squeeze of lemon juice over the herring before layering. You can substitute fresh herring with canned if needed, though it may change the texture. If you're short on time, using pre-cooked beets can speed up preparation. Make sure to let the layers set well for better presentation when serving.
Serving Suggestions
Dressed herring is best served chilled, making it a refreshing dish for gatherings. It pairs beautifully with crusty bread or a light salad. You can also serve it alongside other seafood recipes for a diverse spread. Garnish with fresh herbs for an added touch.
Storage & Reheating
Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors often improve when allowed to sit, but be cautious of the texture of the potatoes and beets. Reheat gently in the microwave if preferred, though this dish is typically served cold.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Dressed Herring contains roughly 971 calories, with 9g protein, 94g carbohydrates, and 65g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin A (161% of the Daily Value), dietary fiber (47% of the Daily Value), and potassium (42% of the Daily Value), and a good source of vitamin C and protein. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 699mg per serving (30% of the Daily Value).
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use fresh herring instead of salted?
Yes, fresh herring can be used, but you may need to cure it with salt for a day or two to replicate the flavor and texture of salted herring. Ensure to adjust the seasoning in the recipe accordingly.
How can I make this dish vegetarian?
To make a vegetarian version, substitute the herring with finely chopped mushrooms or tofu, seasoned for flavor. Use vegetable broth to boil your vegetables for added depth. This will maintain the layered presentation while catering to dietary preferences.
What can I serve with Dressed Herring?
Dressed herring is versatile and goes well with a variety of sides. Consider pairing it with boiled potatoes, a green salad, or even some pickles. It also complements dishes like Lori'S Hawaiian Tuna Salad for a seafood-themed meal.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).