Sild - Scandinavian Pickled Herring

Ingredients

Rye bread

for serving

Salt

1 tablespoon

Fresh dill

for garnish

Bay leaf

1

Whole black peppercorns

1 teaspoon

Sugar

1 tablespoon

Water

1 cup

White vinegar

1 cup

Red onion

1, thinly sliced

Pickled herring fillets

2 cups

Instructions

1. In a small saucepan, combine the white vinegar, water, sugar, peppercorns, bay leaf, and salt. Bring to a boil over medium heat, stirring occasionally until the sugar is completely dissolved. Remove from heat and allow the marinade to cool to room temperature.
2. While the marinade is cooling, prepare the herring and onions. In a glass or ceramic dish, layer the pickled herring fillets and the thinly sliced red onion.
3. Once the marinade has cooled, pour it over the herring and onion, ensuring that the fillets are fully submerged. If necessary, use a small weight or a clean plate to press the fish down.
4. Cover the dish tightly with plastic wrap or a lid and refrigerate for at least 4 hours, or preferably overnight, to allow the flavors to meld and deepen.
5. To serve, carefully remove the herring fillets from the marinade and arrange them on a serving platter. Garnish with fresh dill before serving.
6. Serve with slices of hearty rye bread to complement the tangy herring. Enjoy this traditional Scandinavian dish as part of a festive meal or as a delightful appetizer.