Herring, that small but mighty fish, boasts a rich history and an even richer flavor profile. Its versatility makes it a culinary chameleon, adapting beautifully to a wide array of pairings. From the simple pleasure of pickled herring on rye bread to the complex harmonies of cream sauces and root vegetables, the question of what to eat with herring is an invitation to explore global flavors. This article delves into the best accompaniments for herring, traversing cultural traditions and offering delicious serving suggestions.
Herring and Bread: A Timeless Combination
The simplest pleasures are often the most satisfying, and herring paired with bread is a testament to this. The slightly salty, often vinegary tang of herring finds a perfect counterpoint in the humble loaf. But not just any bread will do.
Rye Bread: The Scandinavian Staple
Dark, dense rye bread is perhaps the most iconic partner for herring, particularly pickled herring. The robust flavor of the rye, often with a hint of molasses or caraway, stands up beautifully to the strong taste of the fish. Think of Swedish smörgåsbord or Dutch broodjes – rye bread is a foundational element. The slight acidity of the rye also helps to cut through the oiliness of the herring, creating a balanced and satisfying bite.
Pumpernickel: Deep and Earthy
For a more intense experience, consider pumpernickel bread. Its even darker, more pronounced flavor offers a deeper, earthier contrast to the herring. This combination is particularly well-suited for richer, creamier herring preparations.
Crackers: A Light and Crispy Alternative
If you prefer a lighter option, crackers can be an excellent choice. Look for sturdy crackers with a neutral flavor, such as water crackers or even simple saltines. These provide a textural contrast to the soft herring without overpowering its taste.
Potatoes and Herring: An Earthy Harmony
Potatoes and herring are a classic pairing found in many cuisines, from Northern Europe to Eastern Europe. The humble potato offers a blank canvas for the herring’s bold flavors, while also providing a satisfyingly hearty element.
Boiled Potatoes: Simple and Versatile
Plain boiled potatoes, simply seasoned with salt and perhaps a touch of butter or dill, are a perfect accompaniment to pickled herring or herring in cream sauce. Their mildness allows the herring’s flavors to shine.
Potato Salad: A Creamy Delight
Potato salad, particularly those with a vinegar-based dressing, complements herring beautifully. The acidity of the dressing cuts through the richness of the fish, while the creamy texture adds a luxurious touch. Adding diced onions, celery, and hard-boiled eggs elevates the potato salad to a complete meal.
Fried Potatoes: Crispy and Savory
For a heartier option, consider pan-fried potatoes. Their crispy exterior and soft interior provide a delightful textural contrast to the herring. Season them simply with salt, pepper, and perhaps a touch of paprika for added flavor.
Dairy and Herring: Creamy Complements
Dairy products, particularly sour cream, yogurt, and cream cheese, are frequently used to enhance the flavor and texture of herring. The richness of dairy balances the saltiness of the fish, creating a harmonious blend of flavors.
Sour Cream: A Classic Topping
A dollop of sour cream is a simple yet effective way to enhance the flavor of herring. Its tanginess cuts through the richness of the fish, while its creamy texture adds a luxurious touch. This is especially delicious with pickled herring or herring served on rye bread.
Yogurt: A Lighter Alternative
For a lighter option, consider using Greek yogurt instead of sour cream. Its tanginess is similar to sour cream, but it has a lower fat content. This makes it a refreshing accompaniment to herring, especially during warmer months.
Cream Cheese: A Rich and Decadent Spread
Cream cheese provides a rich and decadent base for herring. Spread it on crackers or rye bread, then top with herring and a sprinkle of dill for a delicious and satisfying appetizer.
Vegetables and Herring: A Fresh Perspective
Adding vegetables to your herring meal provides a refreshing contrast to the fish’s richness and saltiness. Onions, cucumbers, and beets are popular choices, offering a variety of flavors and textures.
Onions: Sharp and Flavorful
Thinly sliced onions, particularly red onions, are a classic accompaniment to herring. Their sharp flavor cuts through the richness of the fish, while their crisp texture adds a delightful crunch.
Cucumbers: Cool and Refreshing
Sliced cucumbers, whether pickled or fresh, provide a cool and refreshing counterpoint to herring. Their mild flavor and high water content help to balance the saltiness of the fish.
Beets: Earthy and Sweet
Pickled beets, with their earthy sweetness and vibrant color, are a visually appealing and flavorful addition to a herring plate. Their sweetness contrasts beautifully with the saltiness of the fish, creating a balanced and complex flavor profile.
Herbs and Spices: Aromatic Enhancements
A sprinkle of fresh herbs or a dash of spices can elevate your herring dish to a whole new level. Dill, parsley, and black pepper are popular choices, adding aromatic complexity and visual appeal.
Dill: The Quintessential Herring Herb
Dill is perhaps the most iconic herb to pair with herring. Its fresh, slightly anise-like flavor complements the fish beautifully. Sprinkle it generously over pickled herring, herring in cream sauce, or herring served on bread.
Parsley: A Fresh and Versatile Herb
Parsley, with its mild, slightly peppery flavor, is a versatile herb that pairs well with a variety of herring preparations. Use it as a garnish, chop it into sauces, or simply sprinkle it over the fish for added flavor and visual appeal.
Black Pepper: A Spicy Kick
A grind of fresh black pepper adds a touch of spice and complexity to herring. Its pungent flavor complements the saltiness of the fish, creating a balanced and flavorful bite.
Cultural Variations: Herring Around the World
The question of what to eat with herring is deeply rooted in cultural traditions. Different countries have developed their own unique and delicious ways to prepare and serve herring.
Scandinavian Smörgåsbord: A Herring Feast
In Scandinavia, herring is a staple of the smörgåsbord, a buffet-style meal featuring a wide variety of dishes. Pickled herring is a must-have, often served with rye bread, potatoes, sour cream, and onions.
Dutch Broodjes Haring: A Street Food Classic
In the Netherlands, broodjes haring, or herring sandwiches, are a popular street food. Raw herring is typically served on a bread roll with chopped onions and pickles.
Eastern European Matjes Herring: A Delicacy
In Eastern Europe, matjes herring, a type of young, lightly cured herring, is a delicacy. It is often served with boiled potatoes, sour cream, and dill.
Beyond the Basics: Creative Herring Pairings
While the classic pairings are tried and true, there’s always room for experimentation. Here are a few creative ideas to inspire your next herring adventure.
Herring and Avocado: A Fusion of Flavors
The creamy texture of avocado pairs surprisingly well with the salty flavor of herring. Try topping a slice of rye bread with mashed avocado, then adding a few pieces of pickled herring.
Herring and Apples: A Sweet and Savory Combination
The sweetness of apples contrasts beautifully with the saltiness of herring. Try serving thinly sliced apples with pickled herring and a dollop of sour cream.
Herring and Eggs: A Protein-Packed Meal
Hard-boiled eggs, scrambled eggs, or even a simple omelet make a great accompaniment to herring. The protein from the eggs complements the protein from the fish, creating a satisfying and nutritious meal.
The Perfect Drink Pairing for Herring
Choosing the right beverage to accompany herring can elevate the entire dining experience.
Aquavit or Snaps: The Scandinavian Choice
In Scandinavia, aquavit or snaps, a flavored distilled spirit, is the traditional accompaniment to herring. Its strong flavor and high alcohol content help to cut through the richness of the fish.
Beer: A Refreshing Option
A cold beer, particularly a lager or pilsner, is a refreshing and versatile choice. Its light flavor and crispness complement the saltiness of herring without overpowering it.
White Wine: A Sophisticated Pairing
A dry white wine, such as Riesling or Sauvignon Blanc, can be a sophisticated pairing for herring. Its acidity cuts through the richness of the fish, while its fruity notes complement its flavor.
Ultimately, the best thing to eat with herring depends on your personal preferences. Don’t be afraid to experiment with different flavors and textures to find your perfect pairing. Whether you prefer the simplicity of herring on rye bread or the complexity of a Scandinavian smörgåsbord, there’s a herring dish out there for everyone.
What are some classic European pairings with herring?
European cuisine boasts many traditional herring pairings. In Scandinavia, pickled herring is often enjoyed with dark rye bread, boiled potatoes, sour cream, dill, and chives. In Germany, “Rollmops” (pickled herring fillets rolled around a gherkin and onion) are a popular snack, frequently accompanied by beer and hearty bread.
Beyond these, consider the Dutch favorite, “Hollandse Nieuwe” (new herring) eaten raw with chopped onions. Eastern European variations include herring salad with beetroot, potatoes, and mayonnaise, or herring served with boiled eggs and sour cream. These pairings emphasize the salty, oily nature of the herring, balanced by creamy, tangy, or starchy elements.
How can I prepare herring for a modern appetizer?
For a modern appetizer, think about deconstructing traditional flavors. Consider using matjes herring (mildly cured herring) and serving it on crostini topped with crème fraîche, thinly sliced red onion, and a sprig of dill. Alternatively, create a herring tartare with finely diced herring, capers, cornichons, and a touch of Dijon mustard, serving it with toasted baguette slices.
You could also create mini herring skewers with cherry tomatoes, cucumber, and red onion, drizzled with a lemon-herb vinaigrette. The key is to balance the strong flavor of the herring with fresh, bright, and contrasting elements. Think about textural contrasts as well, such as the creamy herring against the crunch of a cracker or vegetable.
What beverages complement the taste of herring?
The ideal beverage pairings with herring depend on the preparation. For pickled herring, crisp, dry white wines like Riesling or Pinot Grigio work well, cutting through the oiliness and acidity. Beer is another excellent choice, especially lagers or wheat beers that provide a refreshing counterpoint.
For smoked herring, consider bolder flavors. A dry stout or porter can stand up to the smoky notes. Aquavit or vodka, commonly enjoyed in Scandinavian countries, are also traditional and effective pairings, providing a clean, sharp contrast to the rich flavor of the herring. Ultimately, the beverage should complement, not overwhelm, the herring’s unique taste.
Are there any unexpected flavor combinations that work well with herring?
Don’t be afraid to experiment with unexpected flavor combinations! Herring can pair surprisingly well with sweet and spicy elements. For example, try herring with a mango salsa or a pineapple chutney for a tropical twist. The sweetness and acidity of the fruit balance the saltiness of the fish.
Another interesting combination is herring with horseradish cream and beetroot. The earthy sweetness of the beetroot, the creamy coolness of the horseradish, and the salty richness of the herring create a complex and satisfying flavor profile. Consider adding a touch of chili or a drizzle of maple syrup to further enhance the contrasting flavors.
How do different curing methods affect the best pairings for herring?
Different curing methods significantly impact the flavor profile of herring, influencing the best pairings. Pickled herring, with its vinegary tang, pairs well with creamy textures and slightly sweet flavors like sour cream, boiled potatoes, and rye bread. Smoked herring, with its pronounced smoky aroma, benefits from bolder flavors that can stand up to its intensity, such as horseradish, strong cheeses, or dark bread.
Matjes herring, known for its delicate and buttery flavor, is best enjoyed with simple accompaniments that don’t overpower its subtle taste, such as chopped onions, chives, or crème fraîche. Understanding the specific characteristics of each type of herring allows you to create pairings that enhance and complement its unique qualities.
Can herring be used in warm dishes, and if so, what are some examples?
While herring is often associated with cold dishes, it can indeed be incorporated into warm preparations. Consider adding smoked herring to a creamy potato gratin for a smoky, savory flavor. Alternatively, flaked herring can be stirred into scrambled eggs or omelets for a protein-rich breakfast.
Herring also works well in warm salads. Try combining grilled or pan-fried herring fillets with roasted vegetables like peppers, onions, and zucchini, tossed in a lemon-herb vinaigrette. The heat enhances the flavors of both the herring and the vegetables, creating a satisfying and flavorful meal.
What are some vegetarian alternatives to traditionally paired ingredients with herring?
Finding vegetarian alternatives to traditional herring accompaniments is relatively easy. Instead of sour cream, use a plant-based sour cream alternative made from cashew or soy. For those who prefer a lighter option, avocado cream offers a similar creamy texture and healthy fats.
Instead of fish roe, consider using seaweed caviar for a briny, ocean-like flavor. Roasted vegetables, such as beets or sweet potatoes, can provide a satisfying earthy sweetness that complements the saltiness of the herring, similar to traditional potato pairings. Experiment with different plant-based ingredients to find combinations that suit your taste preferences and dietary needs.