Smørrebrød with Ginger Herring and Pear
Ginger Herring with Pear and Crème Fraîche © kvalifood.com
Ginger and herring is a combination that works better than you might expect. The warm spice note from the ginger balances the richness of the herring, and the grated pear gives a mild sweetness without overpowering. Crème fraîche keeps it fresh and ties the elements together.

Ingredients
Yields 4 servings
Ginger herring
- 300 g pickled herring (raw-cured), drained
- 2 tbsp freshly grated ginger
- 1 tbsp sugar
- 1 dl white wine vinegar
- ½ tsp black pepper, coarsely ground
- ½ red onion, in thin rings
To serve
- 4 slices rye bread
- 4 tbsp crème fraîche 38%
- 1 ripe pear, peeled and coarsely grated
- lemon juice, to taste (for the pear, to prevent browning)
- fresh dill (or chives)
Directions
Ginger herring
- Mix together the ginger, sugar, vinegar and pepper in a bowl and stir until the sugar has dissolved.
- Cut the herring into suitable pieces and turn in the marinade with the red onion rings.
- Cover and marinate for at least 4 hours in the fridge — ideally overnight.
To serve
- Grate the pear coarsely and immediately turn in lemon juice to prevent browning.
- Spread crème fraîche on the rye bread.
- Distribute the ginger herring pieces over the top.
- Add a couple of spoonfuls of grated pear on top.
- Garnish with fresh herbs.
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