There is always some comfort food from your family food recipe. Herring in tomato sauce is a rooted traditional comfort food to me. Every time I miss home, I prepare this sauce with herrings.
Although fresh Baltic herring is not available in my area, I made it with a canned one. It’s very simple to make with a few ingredients, but a pure comfort.
In this article, I’ll tell you how to make this Scandinavian herring in tomato sauce at home.
What is Herring in Tomato Sauce?
Herring in tomato sauce is a cooked tomato sauce that can be served cold or warm with herring.
This is a classic and popular dish among the Baltic and Scandinavian regions. Usually, this sauce is made with fresh tomatoes, onion, olive oil, sugar, and some spices. A
nd Baltic herring are the main ingredients of this dish. With a lot of nutritional value, this sauce can be your complete meal with rye bread or boiled potatoes on a holiday dinner.
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How to Make Herring In Tomato Sauce At Home?
Ingredients You’ll Need
Baltic herrings
Take Baltic herrings near about 500 g; they need to be cleaned properly, the head bones and guts need to be removed, and then fillet it.
Onion
Onion helps to add natural sweetness and gives a crunchy flavour to the sauce. It also helps to digest the food properly. Take one onion and slice it.
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Tomato
Now, take two medium-sized tomatoes. There are 2 processes to prepare tomatoes for this sauce.
Olive Oil
Using olive oil helps to absorb the nutrients in the tomatoes and fish. 2 tablespoons of extra virgin olive oil are enough for the recipe.
Sugar
Just a teaspoon of sugar can be a game-changer here. It won’t make your sauce sweet, but it will balance out the acidity from tomatoes.
Salt
The sauce will reduce at the end, and another is that herring is already briny flavored. So, go easy; use just one pinch of it, and then you can adjust.
Black Pepper
Grind ½ teaspoon of black pepper for the best flavor.
Cayenne Pepper
This is optional, but if you like a bit of spice, then use this ingredient. Cayenne won’t overpower your sauce, but it will give that subtle kick.
Bay Leaf
Bay leaf gives the sauce an herbal aroma. Use a single leaf in the sauce. And don’t forget to remove it before serving.
Make It With Simple 5 Steps
Step 1
First, remove the bones from the herrings and fillet them. Then rinse it properly and pat it dry with a paper towel.
Step 2
Now start the sauce-making process; take a skillet, then pour the olive oil and sliced onion. Let it cook for 4-5 minutes on medium heat. Do not let it brown.
Step 3
Now add the bay leaf to the oil; this process will help to enhance the aroma of the bay leaf. Then add tomatoes and sugar, salt, black pepper, and cayenne (if you’re using it). Then let it simmer for 6-8 minutes.
Step 4
After that, gently lay the herring fillets into the sauce. Spoon some sauce over them. Cover and cook on low heat for just 4-5 minutes until the herring is opaque and cooked through.
Step 5
You can serve it warm right away with boiled potatoes or cool it completely, transfer it to a container, and chill for a few hours. It’s often even better cold the next day.
Pro Tips
- Don’t overcook the herring; 4–5 minutes is enough for this fish, or else they’ll fall apart and look weird.
- Take fresh tomatoes, which make for better sauce, but canned crushed tomatoes work too if fresh ones are not available.
- For extra richness, stir in a small spoonful of tomato paste with the crushed tomato
- Serving it cold? Put the sauce in the refrigerator for the whole night.
- No fresh herring? You can use thawed frozen Baltic herring fillets.
Serving suggestion
- If you’re serving this sauce cold, it never fails on buttered rye bread or some crispbread. The best servings ever.
- And if it is served warm, next to a bowl of boiled baby potatoes and a sprinkle of dill, you’re going to love this.
- Serve it as a part of a smörgåsbord spread with pickled veggies and hard-boiled eggs. A guest or family member is going to thank you for this.
- Or just tossed on a plate with some greens and crusty bread for a quick, no-fuss dinner.
This one’s filling, rich in healthy fats, and honestly, way more satisfying than it looks.
Herring in Tomato Sauce
Ingredients
- 500 Gram Baltic Herrings
- 1 Medium Onion Sliced
- 2 Fresh Tomato
- 2 Tbsp Olive Oil
- 1 Tsp Sugar
- A Pinch Salt
- 1/2 Tsp Black Pepper
- A Pinch Cayenne Pepper
- 1 Bay Leaf
Instructions
- Prepare the herrings, clean the bones, and fillet it. Then wash and dry it.
- Then prepare the sauce in a pan over medium heat. Add olive oil, onion, and bay leaf. Cook for 4-5 minutes.
- Now add tomatoes and other ingredients. Cook it for 6-8 more minutes.
- After that, add herring and slow the heat and cook 4-5 minutes by covering it with a lid.
- Serve it hot or cold. If you want it more flavourful, let it rest for at least 4-5 hours.
Nutrition
Final Thoughts
This was the traditional herring in tomato recipe from my own secret book. If you miss your grandmother’s kitchen, the smell of simmered onions and tomatoes, or those quiet holiday evenings, this recipe will take you back.
To me, this dish is more than just a way to use up fish. It’s a memory to me, that cold night with a warm plate. Let your kitchen smell like comfort. Let your table feel like home.
FAQs
How to Serve Herring in Tomato Sauce?
You can serve it chilled or warm, however you want. As cold, it goes well with buttered rye bread for a Scandinavian-style snack. And if you’re serving it warm, serve it with boiled baby potatoes and fresh dill.
Is Herring in Tomato Sauce Healthy?
Yes, it’s quite healthy. Herring is rich in omega-3 fatty acids, protein, and vitamin D. The tomato sauce adds antioxidants like lycopene to that.
What to Eat With Canned Herring in Tomato Sauce?
Canned herring in tomato sauce pairs well with toasted rye or sourdough bread, boiled or mashed potatoes, steamed vegetables like green beans or carrots, and a crisp green salad with lemon vinaigrette.
