Forget soaking in milk. This method guarantees superior taste
Herring is a must-have at the holiday table. When properly prepared, this dish can be a great appetizer not just for Christmas but for any occasion. This approach will ensure your herring dishes are never overly salty.
For much of the year, herring tends to be overlooked. However, its popularity resurfaces during the holiday season. There are various forms available: fresh, salted, pickled, or in a variety of brines. All these forms of the popular Baltic fish are healthy, and recommended, and the low price only encourages more purchases.
Are herring healthy?
Herrings are a real treasure trove of valuable nutrients. They contain iodine, essential for proper thyroid functioning. They're also rich in phosphorus, which aids in brain function and helps repair nucleic acids. Furthermore, herring are an excellent source of vitamin D, protecting against osteoporosis and cancer, and omega-3 fatty acids, crucial for the proper functioning of the circulatory system and brain.
To fully reap the health benefits of eating herring and maintain their delightful taste, it's best to avoid common preparation mistakes. Too often, herring dishes tend to be overly salty or carry a bitter taste. These issues can be avoided with a few simple tricks.
What should you soak herring in?
We frequently buy herring fillets. These are fish that have been soaked in brine before packaging for preservation. After soaking in a salt solution for several months, the herring develops a pleasant smell, taste, and soft texture. However, without proper preparation, these dishes can become unpleasantly salty.
Before use, herrings should be soaked first to remove an excessive amount of salt. This can be done by soaking the herring in water, milk, or buttermilk. The most common method involves soaking them in milk. Arrange the fish in a large dish and pour milk until fully covered. After a few minutes, drain the milk and repeat the process. For the most effective salt removal, repeat this process three times.
Troubleshooting bitter herring
Sometimes, herring dishes served with onions can taste bitter. Fortunately, this issue can be prevented with proper onion preparation. The simplest way is to salt the onion, leave it aside for a few minutes, then rinse with cold water. This method removes the bitterness. Alternatively, freeze the onion for a few hours before chopping it to make it sweeter and milder. You can also pour boiling water over the sliced onions before chopping them. This approach maintains the onion's flavor while eliminating its bitterness.
