Matjeshering (Young Herring with Onions and Cream)

🧂 Ingredients

• 8 Matjes herring fillets(Look for high-quality, brined young herring fillets. They should be plump and have a mild, slightly salty flavor.)
• 2 medium Yellow onions(Thinly sliced into rings. Red onion can be used for a milder flavor and color contrast.)
• 200 ml Sour cream(Full-fat sour cream will provide the richest flavor and texture.)
• 2 Apples(Tart or semi-tart apples like Granny Smith or Honeycrisp work best. Peeled, cored, and finely diced.)
• 2 tablespoons Fresh dill(Finely chopped, for garnish and flavor.)
• to taste Salt(Use sparingly, as the herring is already brined.)
• to taste Black pepper(Freshly ground.)
• for serving Boiled new potatoes(Warm or chilled, tossed with butter and parsley if desired.)

👨‍🍳 Instructions

1. 1

   Prepare the dressing: In a medium bowl, combine the sour cream, finely diced apples, and chopped fresh dill. Stir gently to mix. Season with a pinch of salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste. The dressing should be creamy with a hint of apple sweetness and freshness from the dill.

   ⏱️ 7 minutes
2. 2

   Arrange the Matjes herring fillets on a serving platter or individual plates. Ensure they are laid out neatly, not overlapping too much.

   ⏱️ 5 minutes
3. 3

   Generously top each herring fillet with a portion of the thinly sliced onion rings. Distribute them evenly over the fish.

   ⏱️ 3 minutes
4. 4

   Spoon the prepared sour cream and apple dressing over the onions and herring. Aim for a generous dollop on each serving.

   ⏱️ 3 minutes
5. 5

   Garnish with a little extra fresh dill, if desired. Serve immediately with warm or chilled boiled new potatoes on the side.

   ⏱️ 2 minutes

💡 Pro Tips

• ✓This dish is best enjoyed fresh to appreciate the delicate flavor of the Matjes herring.
• ✓Matjes herring is a spring delicacy, harvested when the herring is young and has not yet spawned, resulting in a particularly tender and mild flavor.
• ✓The combination of salty herring, sharp onion, creamy dressing, and sweet-tart apple is a hallmark of Northern German cuisine.

🔄 Variations

• Hausfrauenart (Housewife Style): This often includes a more robust sauce with capers, hard-boiled eggs, and sometimes a touch of mustard.
• With Cream and Dill Sauce: A simpler sauce focusing on sour cream, dill, and a squeeze of lemon.
• Fried Herring: While less traditional for Matjes, some may lightly pan-fry the herring fillets before assembling.

🥗 Nutrition

Per serving