Surinamese Herrin Brood
A savory bread filled with spiced herring, onions, and sometimes hard-boiled eggs, often enjoyed as a snack or light meal. This dish reflects the Dutch influence on Surinamese cuisine.

๐ง Ingredients
- 500 g All-purpose flour
- 7 g Active dry yeast
- 250 ml Lukewarm water
- 1 tbsp Sugar
- 1 tsp Salt
- 50 ml Vegetable oil
- 400 g Salted herring fillets(rinsed, desalted, and finely chopped)
- 2 medium Onions(finely chopped)
- 3 minced Garlic cloves
- 1 tbsp Curry powder
- 1 tsp Turmeric powder
- 0.5 tsp Black pepper
- 2 chopped Hard-boiled eggs(optional)
- 1 beaten Egg(for egg wash)
๐จโ๐ณ Instructions
- 1
In a small bowl, combine yeast, sugar, and lukewarm water. Let it sit for 5-10 minutes until foamy.
- 2
In a large bowl, combine flour and salt. Make a well in the center and pour in the yeast mixture and vegetable oil. Mix until a dough forms.
๐ก Tip: Knead the dough on a lightly floured surface for about 8-10 minutes until smooth and elastic. - 3
Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover, and let it rise in a warm place for about 1 hour, or until doubled in size.
- 4
While the dough rises, prepare the filling. Sautรฉ onions and garlic in a little oil until softened. Add the chopped herring, curry powder, turmeric, and black pepper. Cook for about 5-7 minutes until fragrant and the herring is heated through. If using, stir in the chopped hard-boiled eggs.
๐ก Tip: Ensure herring is well-rinsed to remove excess salt. - 5
Punch down the risen dough and divide it into 8 equal portions. Roll each portion into a rectangle.
๐ก Tip: Work with one portion at a time, keeping the others covered. - 6
Spoon the herring filling onto one half of each dough rectangle, leaving a border. Fold the other half of the dough over the filling and crimp the edges to seal.
๐ก Tip: Ensure the filling is evenly distributed. - 7
Place the filled breads on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Cover and let them rest for another 15-20 minutes.
- 8
Preheat oven to 190ยฐC (375ยฐF). Brush the tops of the breads with beaten egg wash.
- 9
Bake for 35-40 minutes, or until golden brown and cooked through.
๐ก Pro Tips
- โAdjust the amount of curry powder and pepper to your preference.
- โIf salted herring is not available, you can use pickled herring, but adjust seasoning accordingly.
- โEnsure the bread is fully sealed to prevent the filling from leaking out during baking.
โจ Twist Ideas
Inspiration for your own version of this recipe
- Add finely chopped bell peppers to the filling for extra flavor and color.
- Incorporate a tablespoon of tomato paste into the filling for a richer taste.
- Serve with a side of Suriname's favorite hot sauce.