Atlantic Salted Herring

Ingredients

• •2 pounds Atlantic herring fillets
• •6 cups cold water
• •1 cup kosher salt
• •2 tablespoons sugar, optional for balance
• •1 tablespoon black peppercorns
• •2 bay leaves
• •1 teaspoon whole allspice
• •1 small onion, sliced, optional for serving
• •1 tablespoon vinegar, optional for soaking water

Instructions

1. 1

   Rinse the herring fillets and check that they are clean and properly trimmed.

2. 2

   In a nonreactive bowl or container, dissolve the kosher salt in the cold water to make a strong brine; add the peppercorns, bay leaves, and allspice.

3. 3

   Submerge the herring fully in the brine, weighting it down if necessary so all pieces remain covered.

4. 4

   Refrigerate the fish for 24 to 48 hours, depending on thickness and desired saltiness.

5. 5

   Remove the herring from the brine and store chilled if using soon, or continue in fresh brine for longer preservation.

6. 6

   Before serving, soak the herring in cold water for 30 minutes to 2 hours, changing the water as needed to reduce the salt level.

7. 7

   Taste a small piece; if still too salty, continue soaking briefly.

8. 8

   Slice into serving pieces and, if desired, garnish with onion or serve with bread and potatoes.

9. 9

   Serve cold as an everyday or pre-meal protein.