Entree: Sweden – Stockholm & Central Sweden – Stekt Strömming (Classic pan-fried Baltic herring, crisped and served with potatoes and traditional accompaniments)

Serving Size: 4

Approximate Time

Prep 15 min

Cook 25 min

Total 40 min

Ingredients

- 1.5 lb (680 g) Baltic herring fillets (strömming), skinned and pin-boned (about 12–16 small fillets)
- 1 cup (120 g) all-purpose flour for dredging
- 1 tsp (5 g) kosher salt
- 1/2 tsp (2 g) black pepper
- 4 tbsp (60 g) unsalted butter
- 2 tbsp (30 ml) vegetable oil
- 2 lb (900 g) potatoes for mashing, peeled and cut into even chunks
- 1/2 cup (120 ml) milk, warmed
- 2 tbsp (30 g) unsalted butter for mash
- 1/2 tsp (3 g) ground white pepper or black pepper for mash
- 1/2 cup (160 g) lingonberry jam (to serve)
- 1 cup (240 g) quick pickled cucumber or pressgurka, sliced (to serve)
- Lemon wedges for garnish
- 2 tbsp (8 g) chopped fresh parsley or dill for garnish

Instructions

1. Rinse the herring fillets and pat dry with paper towels. Season fillets lightly with 1/2 tsp (3 g) salt and 1/4 tsp (1 g) pepper.
2. Combine the flour, remaining 1/2 tsp (2 g) salt and remaining 1/4 tsp (1 g) pepper on a plate. Dredge each fillet in the flour, shaking off excess.
3. Heat 2 tbsp (30 g) butter and 2 tbsp (30 ml) oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat until foam begins to subside. Fry the fillets in batches, skin side down first, 2–3 minutes per side until golden brown and crisp. Transfer to a warm plate; keep warm in a low oven.
4. While frying, cook the potatoes in salted boiling water until tender, about 15–20 minutes. Drain well.
5. Mash the potatoes with 2 tbsp (30 g) butter, warm milk 1/2 cup (120 ml), and 1/2 tsp (3 g) pepper to a smooth consistency. Adjust salt to taste.
6. To serve, arrange mashed potatoes on plates, top with several fried herring fillets, and spoon a little buttery pan juices over the fish. Offer lingonberry jam and pickled cucumber on the side, garnish with parsley or dill and lemon wedges.
7. Serve immediately while the fish is crisp and the potatoes are hot.