Marinerede Sild (Pickled Herring)

Ingredients

• Herring fillets (500 grams, cleaned)
• Red onion (1 medium, thinly sliced)
• White vinegar (1 cup)
• Sugar (1/2 cup)
• Salt (1 tablespoon)
• Dill (1/4 cup, chopped (for garnish))
• Bay leaf (1)
• Black peppercorns (1 teaspoon)

Instructions

1. In a small saucepan, combine the white vinegar, sugar, black peppercorns, bay leaf, and salt. Bring to a boil over medium heat, stirring until the sugar is fully dissolved. Remove from heat and allow the marinade to cool to room temperature.
2. While the marinade cools, rinse the herring fillets under cold water and pat them dry with paper towels.
3. In a glass or ceramic dish, layer the herring fillets and the thinly sliced red onion, creating an even layer.
4. Once the marinade has cooled, pour it over the herring and onion, ensuring that the fillets are fully submerged. If necessary, add more vinegar to cover them completely.
5. Cover the dish tightly with plastic wrap or a lid and refrigerate for at least 24 hours, but preferably up to 3 days for a more robust flavor.
6. Before serving, sprinkle the marinerede sild with freshly chopped dill for a burst of color and flavor. Serve chilled as an appetizer or as part of a traditional Scandinavian smorgasbord.