Smørrebrød with Spiced Herring, Crispy Onion and Caramelised Apple
Spiced herring with crispy onion and caramelised apple © kvalifood.com
Spiced herring — the red herrings in a seasoned brine — is a staple alongside aquavit at any Danish lunch. The herring is marinated in a sweetish spice brine with cloves, bay and pepper, which gives it its characteristic deep flavour and red colour. Here it is lifted with caramelised apple, which plays against the herring’s sweetness, and homemade crispy fried onions that add crunch and contrast. It is a combination that moves between sweet, salty and crispy in every bite. Spiced herring is a cornerstone of the classic cold table and belongs with an ice-cold aquavit.
Ingredients
Yields 4 servings
Caramelised apple
- 2 tart apples (e.g. Granny Smith), cut into thin slices
- 1 tbsp butter
- 1 tbsp sugar
- 1 pinch cinnamon
Crispy onion
- 1 onion, cut into very thin rings
- 2 tbsp flour
- neutral oil, for frying
- flaky salt
Assembly
- 4 slices dark rye bread
- butter, for the bread
- 8–12 spiced herrings (red herrings)
- 4 tbsp crème fraîche 38%
- fresh dill
- coarsely ground black pepper
Directions
Caramelised apple
Melt the butter in a pan over medium heat. Add the apple slices, sugar and cinnamon. Cook for 3–4 minutes until the apple is golden and soft but still holds its shape. Allow to cool.
Crispy onion
Toss the onion rings in flour and shake off the excess. Fry in oil at 355°F (180°C) for about 2 minutes until golden and crispy. Drain on kitchen paper and sprinkle with flaky salt.
Assembly
Spread the bread with butter. Arrange the spiced herrings on the bread. Lay the caramelised apple slices on top. Place a dollop of crème fraîche in the centre. Top with crispy onion, fresh dill and coarsely ground pepper.