Smørrebrød with Herring, Apple-Chive Cream and Crispy Rye

Name: Smørrebrød with Herring, Apple-Chive Cream and Crispy Rye
Prep time: 15 min
Total time: 20 min

March 21, 2014

Prep 15 min Total 20 min

Smørrebrød with herring, apple-chive cream and crispy rye © kvalifood.com

This herring smørrebrød is about contrasts in texture. The soft, marinated herring meets a fresh apple-chive cream and is topped with crispy rye breadcrumbs that provide a crunch otherwise missing from a classic herring smørrebrød. The apple in the cream adds a natural sweetness and freshness that lifts the salty, acidic character of the herring. Chives tie together the Scandinavian feel. It is an approach inspired by newer Nordic smørrebrød thinking, where texture plays just as important a role as flavour. The rye breadcrumbs must be made just before serving — otherwise they lose their crispness.

Herring with apple-chive cream and crispy rye assembly © kvalifood.com

Ingredients

Yields 4 servings

Apple-chive cream

1 dl crème fraîche 38%
½ dl mayonnaise
½ green apple, finely grated
3 tbsp finely chopped chives
1 tsp honey
½ lemon, juice of
salt
white pepper

Crispy rye

2 slices rye bread, torn into coarse crumbs
1 tbsp butter
flaky salt

Assembly

4 slices dark rye bread
butter, for the bread
8–12 marinated white herring fillets
1 green apple, cut into thin slices
fresh chives
chervil
grated lemon zest

Directions

Crispy rye

Toast the rye breadcrumbs in butter in a pan over medium heat for 3–4 minutes until crisp and golden. Season with flaky salt. Leave to cool.

Apple-chive cream

Mix the crème fraîche, mayo, grated apple, chives and honey. Season with lemon juice, salt and white pepper. The cream should be fresh and lightly sweet.

Assembly

Butter the rye bread. Arrange the herring neatly on the bread. Spoon the apple-chive cream generously on top. Lay on the thin apple slices. Top with crispy rye breadcrumbs, fresh chives and chervil. Finish with grated lemon zest.