Matjeshering
Young Herring with Onions and Cream
A classic Northern German dish featuring tender young herring fillets, thinly sliced onions, and a creamy apple sauce, traditionally served with boiled potatoes. This recipe is a celebration of spring and the fresh catch from the sea.
🧂 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
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
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
Generously top each herring fillet with a portion of the thinly sliced onion rings. Distribute them evenly over the fish.
⏱️ 3 minutes - 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
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.
✨ Twist Ideas
Inspiration for your own version of this recipe
- 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.