| Prep: 20 mins | Cook: 30 mins | Difficulty: Medium | Serves: 6 |
| kcal | fat | saturates | carbs |
| 650 | 47g | 28g | 26g |
| sugars | fibre | protein | salt |
| 5g | 2g | 34g | 1g |
Why I Love Finnish Fried Baltic Herring with Onion Sauce
There’s a particular intrigue and affinity I find in exploring different cuisines from around the world. Some would argue the Midwestern roots that define my culinary background, present in my many comfort food recipes, may seem miles away from the complex flavors and distinctive style of Finnish cooking. However, I’d heartily disagree. Both, in their own unique way, reflect a deep appreciation for local ingredients, simple preparation, and the joy of coming together over a delightful meal. One of my favorite Finnish recipes, the Fried Baltic Herring with Onion Sauce, encapsulates this regional culinary charm beautifully.
A Nordic Delight: Fried Baltic Herring with Onion Sauce
Perhaps what’s most captivating about Finnish cuisine is how it’s intimately tied to the region’s climate, geography, and the inspiring resilience of its people. The Fried Baltic Herring with Onion Sauce brings the bracingly cold Baltic Sea right onto your plate in the form of fresh and flavorsome herring fillets, lightly breaded and fried to a gentle crisp with a touch of butter. The unique tang of the accompanying onion sauce, courtesy of vinegar and a hint of sugar, transforms this everyday fish into a gastronomical delight.
Embarking on the Finnish Culinary Journey: Ingredient Breakdown
The blend of ingredients that go into this Finnish classic is as diverse as they come. Starting with 2 pounds of fresh Baltic herring fillets, the recipe blends the sharp taste of the sea with the pleasant heat of black, white, and green peppercorns. The flour offers a lovely texture, while the butter imparts a subtle richness.
The sauce – a vibrant mix of chopped onions, all-purpose flour, warm water, vinegar, sugar, and bay leaves – uplifts the flavor profile to a gustatory work of art. The hit of fresh dill stems adds an invigorating breath of brightness, while the boiled potatoes, a staple across Finland, provide a comforting finish to this unequivocally Finnish fare.
Created in the vein of contemporary star chefs like Antti Vahtera, who is known for his innovative take on traditional Finnish cooking, this recipe is designed to honor the Nordic land and seascape.
Whether you’re new to Finnish cuisine, or a Scandinavian food enthusiast like myself, the Fried Baltic Herring with Onion Sauce is a dish that promises a delightful culinary trip to the heart of Finland, right from your kitchen.
What You’ll Need
- 2 pounds of Baltic herring fillets
- Salt to taste
- 1 cup of flour for breading
- 1 cup of butter for frying
- 2 medium onions, chopped
- 2 tablespoons of all-purpose flour
- 1 1/4 cups of warm water
- 1 1/4 cups of vinegar
- 1 tablespoon of sugar
- 1 teaspoon of black, white, and green peppercorns
- 2 bay leaves
- 6-8 fresh dill stems
- Boiled potatoes for serving
Method
Step One
Begin by seasoning your Baltic herring fillets generously with salt. Set them aside for a few minutes to allow the salt to penetrate the fish.
Step Two
Next, you’ll dredge the salted fillets in the flour. Ensure every piece is completely coated and shake off any excess flour.
Step Three
Heat up butter in a large frying pan. Once the butter has melted and is hot, add the floured herring fillets and fry. Remember to turn them occasionally, until they become golden brown on all sides. Transfer your fried fish fillets to a serving platter.
Step Four
In the same frying pan, add the chopped onions and sauté them until they become soft and translucent.
Step Five
Now, sprinkle 2 tablespoons of all-purpose flour over the sautéed onions and stir to combine. Cook this mixture for a couple of minutes to lose the raw flour taste.
Step Six
Slowly add warm water to the pan, stirring continuously to avoid lumps. Following this, pour in the vinegar and add the sugar, peppercorns, bay leaves, and fresh dill stems.
Step Seven
Bring your onion sauce to a simmer and allow it to cook for about 10-15 minutes, until it thickens to your desired consistency. Make sure to stir occasionally to prevent it from sticking to the bottom of the pan.
Step Eight
Drizzle the finished onion sauce over your fried herring fillets. Serve hot, accompanied with boiled potatoes.
