Śledzie po Królewsku (Royal Herring)

Śledzie po królewsku, or “Royal Herring,” is a traditional Polish dish, often served during holidays or special occasions. This dish features pickled herring marinated in a rich sauce made of vegetables, spices, and aromatic herbs. The “royal” touch comes from the addition of flavorful ingredients like onions, apples, and sometimes even hard-boiled eggs. This classic recipe offers a delicious combination of tangy, sweet, and savory flavors, making it a popular choice for gatherings and festive meals.

Ingredients:

500g pickled herring fillets, soaked in water for 2-3 hours to reduce saltiness
1 large onion, thinly sliced
1 medium apple, peeled and sliced into thin strips
2 hard-boiled eggs, chopped
100 ml vegetable oil or olive oil
1 tablespoon white vinegar
1 tablespoon sugar
1 teaspoon mustard seeds
3-4 cloves
1 bay leaf
Salt and pepper to taste
Fresh dill for garnish
Directions:

Begin by soaking the herring fillets in water for 2-3 hours to lessen their saltiness. Once done, drain the water and pat them dry with a paper towel.
Slice the onion thinly, and cut the apple into thin strips or small cubes. Chop the hard-boiled eggs into small pieces.
In a medium saucepan, heat the oil over medium heat. Add the mustard seeds, cloves, and bay leaf. Sauté for a minute until the mustard seeds begin to pop.
Add the vinegar, sugar, salt, and pepper to the pan. Stir and bring the mixture to a gentle simmer for 3-5 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together. Remove from heat and let it cool.
In a large bowl, combine the herring fillets, onion, apple, and hard-boiled eggs. Pour the cooled marinade over the ingredients and mix gently to coat everything evenly.
Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 12 hours, ideally 24 hours, to let the flavors develop.