Preserved Herring Variations

Ingredients

• •8 herring fillets, cleaned and deboned
• •1 tbsp kosher salt
• •1 cup white vinegar
• •1/2 cup water
• •1/4 cup sugar
• •1 large onion, thinly sliced
• •8 whole black peppercorns
• •2 bay leaves
• •1 tsp mustard seeds
• •1/2 tsp allspice berries
• •1 small carrot, thinly sliced (optional)

Instructions

1. 1

   Rinse the herring fillets and pat them dry, then rub lightly with kosher salt.

2. 2

   In a saucepan, combine the vinegar, water, sugar, peppercorns, bay leaves, mustard seeds, and allspice.

3. 3

   Bring the pickling liquid just to a simmer, stirring until the sugar dissolves, then remove from the heat and cool completely.

4. 4

   Layer the herring fillets in a glass or ceramic container with the sliced onion and optional carrot.

5. 5

   Pour the cooled vinegar brine over the fish, making sure all pieces are submerged.

6. 6

   Cover the container and refrigerate for at least 24 hours, preferably 2 to 3 days, for fuller flavor.

7. 7

   Turn or gently rearrange the fillets once during pickling so the seasoning distributes evenly.

8. 8

   Serve chilled as an appetizer, snack, or with bread, keeping leftovers refrigerated in the brine.