Herring Under Fur Coat
Selyodka Pod Shuboy
A classic Russian layered salad featuring savory herring beneath a 'fur coat' of colorful, grated vegetables, bound together with creamy mayonnaise. This visually striking dish is a traditional centerpiece for celebrations, especially New Year's Eve.
🧂 Ingredients
- 300 g Salted herring fillets (preferably Atlantic or Baltic)(Ensure fillets are boneless and skinless. If using whole herring, you'll need to prepare them.)
- 500 g Beets(About 3-4 medium beets.)
- 400 g Potatoes(About 3-4 medium potatoes.)
- 300 g Carrots(About 3-4 medium carrots.)
- 300-400 g Mayonnaise(Use a good quality, full-fat mayonnaise for best flavor and texture. Adjust amount to your preference.)
- 3-4 large Optional: Hard-boiled eggs(For an extra layer of richness and flavor.)
- 1 small Optional: Onion(Finely diced and optionally marinated in vinegar/sugar to mellow its bite.)
- to taste Salt(For boiling vegetables, and potentially for seasoning layers if herring is not salty enough.)
- to taste Black pepper(Freshly ground, for seasoning layers.)
👨🍳 Instructions
- 1
Prepare the vegetables: Wash the beets, potatoes, and carrots thoroughly. Do not peel them yet. Place them in separate pots, cover with cold water, add a generous pinch of salt to each pot, and bring to a boil. Cook until tender when pierced with a fork. Beets will take the longest (approx. 1-1.5 hours), followed by carrots (approx. 45-60 minutes), and then potatoes (approx. 30-45 minutes). Alternatively, you can roast them in the oven at 200°C (400°F) until tender, which can enhance their sweetness.
⏱️ 1 hour 15 minutes - 2
Cool and prepare vegetables: Once cooked, drain the vegetables and let them cool until they are comfortable to handle. Peel the cooled beets, carrots, and potatoes. Grate each vegetable separately using the large holes of a box grater. If using optional eggs, hard-boil them, cool, peel, and grate them separately. If using optional onion, peel and finely dice it. If desired, briefly marinate the diced onion in a little vinegar and sugar for 10-15 minutes to soften its raw flavor, then drain.
⏱️ 30 minutes - 3
Prepare the herring: Pat the herring fillets dry with paper towels. Dice the herring into small, uniform cubes, about 0.5 cm (1/4 inch). Ensure there are no bones or skin remaining.
⏱️ 10 minutes - 4
Assemble the salad: Choose a serving dish (a clear glass dish works well to showcase the layers). Begin layering the ingredients in the following order, spreading a thin, even layer of mayonnaise and a pinch of salt and pepper (if needed) between each layer:\n1. **Herring:** Spread the diced herring evenly over the bottom of the dish.\n2. **Optional Onion:** If using, scatter the finely diced onion over the herring.\n3. **Potatoes:** Grate about half of the potatoes over the herring/onion layer.\n4. **Carrots:** Grate about half of the carrots over the potato layer.\n5. **Optional Eggs:** If using, grate the hard-boiled eggs over the carrot layer.\n6. **Remaining Potatoes:** Grate the remaining potatoes over the egg layer.\n7. **Remaining Carrots:** Grate the remaining carrots over the second potato layer.\n8. **Beets:** Grate the beets over the carrot layer. This forms the top 'fur coat'.\n9. **Final Mayonnaise Layer:** Spread the remaining mayonnaise evenly over the top beet layer, ensuring it covers the entire surface and sides, creating a smooth finish.
⏱️ 30 minutes - 5
Chill the salad: Cover the dish tightly with plastic wrap, pressing it gently onto the surface of the mayonnaise if possible to prevent a skin from forming. Refrigerate for at least 4-6 hours, or preferably overnight. This chilling time is crucial for the flavors to meld and the salad to set, making it easier to slice.
⏱️ Minimum 4 hours, preferably overnight - 6
Serve: Before serving, you can garnish the salad with fresh dill or parsley if desired. Slice the 'Herring Under Fur Coat' into portions using a sharp knife. It is traditionally served cold as an appetizer or part of a festive spread.
⏱️ 5 minutes
💡 Pro Tips
- ✓The vibrant purple-pink color comes from the beets, which form the top layer.
- ✓The specific layering order is traditional and contributes to the final texture and flavor profile.
- ✓This salad is a beloved staple during Russian New Year celebrations and other festive occasions.
- ✓For easier grating, ensure vegetables are completely cool after cooking.
- ✓Adjust the amount of mayonnaise to your liking; some prefer a lighter coating, while others like it very rich.
✨ Twist Ideas
Inspiration for your own version of this recipe
- Adding hard-boiled eggs provides an extra layer of richness.
- Incorporating finely diced or marinated onion adds a pungent counterpoint.
- Some recipes include a layer of grated apple for a hint of sweetness and freshness.
- A layer of finely chopped fresh dill can be added for herbaceous notes.