Prepare to be transported to the heart of Russian cuisine with a legendary dish that's more than just a salad—it's a vibrant, layered masterpiece that tells a story on your plate! The "Herring Under Fur Coat" (Селёдка под шубой) is not just a recipe, but a beloved cultural tradition that has warmed Russian tables for generations. This visually stunning and incredibly delicious salad is a perfect blend of textures, flavors, and colors that will surprise and delight your taste buds, making it an absolute must-try for food adventurers and culinary explorers.
Prep Time: 30 mins
Cook Time: -
Total Time: 30 mins
Cuisine: Russian
Serves: 6 servings
Ingredients
- 2 herring fillets, salted
- 2 medium potatoes, boiled and grated
- 2 carrots, boiled and grated
- 1 beetroot, boiled and grated
- 1 onion, finely chopped
- 1 cup mayonnaise
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Prepare the vegetables by washing and boiling potatoes, carrots, and beetroot separately until tender. Allow them to cool completely after cooking.
- While vegetables are cooling, rinse the salted herring fillets and pat them dry with paper towels. Carefully remove any bones and cut the herring into small, uniform pieces.
- Peel and finely chop the onion. If the onion is too strong, you can briefly soak the chopped onion in cold water to reduce its sharpness.
- Grate each cooled vegetable separately using a medium-sized grater. Keep the grated vegetables in separate bowls to maintain their individual colors.
- In a clear glass serving dish, begin layering the salad. Start with a layer of grated potatoes, lightly seasoning with salt and pepper, and spread a thin layer of mayonnaise.
- Add a layer of chopped herring pieces evenly across the potato layer.
- Sprinkle the finely chopped onion over the herring layer.
- Next, add a layer of grated carrots, again seasoning lightly and covering with a thin mayonnaise layer.
- Create a layer of grated beetroot, which will give the salad its distinctive purple "fur coat" appearance. Cover this layer completely with mayonnaise.
- Refrigerate the salad for at least 1-2 hours before serving to allow flavors to meld and layers to set.
- Before serving, optionally garnish with a sprinkle of fresh chopped herbs or additional mayonnaise.
Tips
- Temperature Matters: Ensure all boiled vegetables are completely cooled before grating to maintain distinct layer colors and prevent mixing.
- Herring Preparation: Rinse salted herring thoroughly and remove all bones for a smooth, pleasant eating experience.
- Layer with Precision: Use a clear glass dish to showcase the beautiful layers, and spread each mayonnaise layer thinly and evenly.
- Onion Hack: Soak chopped onions in cold water for a few minutes to reduce their sharp bite, creating a more balanced flavor.
- Marination Magic: Refrigerating the salad for 1-2 hours before serving allows flavors to meld and develop a more cohesive taste.
- Optional Garnish: Fresh herbs like dill or chives can add a bright, fresh finish to the salad.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 306kcal
Carbohydrates: 16g
Protein: 6g
Fat: 24g
Saturated Fat: 4g
Cholesterol: 12mg
