We’ve always loved chopped herring for its bold, tangy flavors that hail from traditional Ashkenazi Jewish kitchens, where it’s a staple at festive tables. This simple yet irresistible dish turns humble pickled herring into a fresh, zesty appetizer that’ll wow your guests.
Our recipe keeps things easy and authentic, blending crunchy apples with sweet onions for a perfect balance that captures the essence of Eastern European heritage. Whether you’re exploring new tastes or reviving family traditions, it’s a must-try that’ll elevate your next meal.
Ingredients
In our exploration of the classic Chopped Herring recipe, we gather fresh, high-quality ingredients that capture the dish’s bold, tangy essence from Ashkenazi Jewish traditions. Below, we list the ingredients in the order they are used, with specific prep notes to ensure authenticity and ease of preparation.
- Pickled herring fillets (1 pound, drained and roughly chopped): Start with high-quality, brined herring as the base for its signature sharp flavor—rinse lightly if overly salty to balance the tang.
- Crisp apples (2 medium, such as Granny Smith, cored and finely diced): We add these next for their crunchy texture and subtle acidity, which complements the herring’s richness—toss in a bit of lemon juice to prevent browning.
- Sweet onions (1 large, like Vidalia, peeled and finely chopped): Following the apples, these provide a mild sweetness and crunch—use a sharp knife for even pieces to enhance the mix’s overall freshness.
- Hard-boiled eggs (2 large, peeled and finely chopped): Incorporate these for added creaminess and protein, ensuring they are fully cooled before chopping to maintain their texture.
- Fresh dill (¼ cup, finely chopped): We use this herb for its aromatic lift, chopping it just before adding to preserve its vibrant, earthy notes.
- Apple cider vinegar (2 tablespoons): Added for extra zing, this vinegar amplifies the pickled elements—opt for unfiltered varieties for a more robust flavor.
- Granulated sugar (1 tablespoon): Balance the acidity with this sweetener, adjusting to taste based on the herring’s brine strength.
- Ground black pepper (½ teaspoon, freshly ground): Finish with a dash for subtle heat, grinding it fresh to maximize its pungent aroma.
This selection ensures our Chopped Herring remains a zesty, flavorful appetizer that connects us to time-honored culinary roots.
Instructions
We guide you through preparing our classic Chopped Herring recipe with straightforward, step-by-step directions that ensure authentic flavors and textures. Let’s transform those fresh ingredients into a zesty appetizer that delights the palate.
Prepare the Ingredients
First, we start by prepping each component to achieve the perfect balance of tanginess and crunch. Begin with the hard-boiled eggs: place 4 large eggs in a saucepan, cover with cold water, and bring to a rolling boil over high heat. Once boiling, reduce heat to low and simmer for 10 minutes to ensure firm yolks. Immediately transfer the eggs to an ice bath for 5 minutes to stop cooking and make peeling easier— this step keeps the eggs vibrant and easy to handle.
Next, prepare the pickled herring fillets: drain and rinse 8 ounces of fillets under cold water to remove excess brine, then pat dry with paper towels. This removes any overly salty residue, allowing the natural tang to shine. For the crisp apples, core and dice 2 medium apples (like Granny Smith for their sharp bite) into 1/4-inch pieces to maintain a refreshing crunch that contrasts the herring’s richness.
Tackle the sweet onions: peel and finely chop 1 large onion into small, uniform pieces—aim for about 1 cup—to release their subtle sweetness without overpowering the dish. Lastly, gather and chop the fresh dill: snip 2 tablespoons of leaves from the stems for a burst of herbaceous aroma that elevates the overall freshness.
Mix and Assemble
With ingredients ready, we now combine them into a harmonious blend that captures the bold, tangy essence of traditional Ashkenazi cuisine. In a large mixing bowl, add the prepared pickled herring fillets, diced crisp apples, chopped sweet onions, and peeled, chopped hard-boiled eggs (yielding about 4 eggs total). Gently toss these together with a fork to distribute evenly, ensuring the textures remain intact for a satisfying bite.
To balance flavors, whisk together in a small bowl: 2 tablespoons of apple cider vinegar, 1 tablespoon of granulated sugar, and 1/2 teaspoon of ground black pepper until the sugar dissolves completely— this creates a tangy dressing that ties everything together. Pour the dressing over the mixture in the large bowl, then sprinkle in the chopped fresh dill. Use a spoon to stir thoroughly, coating all ingredients for 1-2 minutes until the dish achieves a glossy, unified appearance. Taste and adjust seasoning if needed, then cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to let flavors meld, resulting in a refreshingly zesty appetizer ready to serve.
Equipment Needed
To prepare our chopped herring recipe efficiently and safely, we rely on a few essential tools that ensure precision and ease in the kitchen. These items help us handle the chopping, mixing, and chilling steps seamlessly, maintaining the dish’s authentic flavors and textures.
- Cutting board: We use a sturdy, non-slip cutting board as our base for chopping pickled herring, crisp apples, sweet onions, and fresh dill, allowing for clean and safe preparation.
- Sharp knife: A high-quality, sharp knife is crucial for us to achieve uniform pieces of ingredients, enhancing the tangy crunch that defines this traditional appetizer.
- Saucepan: We select a medium-sized saucepan to boil the hard-boiled eggs perfectly, ensuring they peel easily and integrate smoothly into the mix.
- Mixing bowl: Our go-to large mixing bowl holds all the chopped elements together, where we blend them with the tangy dressing for optimal flavor unification.
- Measuring cups and spoons: Accurate measurements are key for us, so we use these tools to portion out apple cider vinegar, granulated sugar, and ground black pepper precisely.
- Spatula or mixing spoon: We prefer a silicone spatula or wooden spoon for gently combining ingredients without bruising delicate items like apples and dill.
- Refrigerator: A reliable refrigerator chills the finished dish, allowing flavors to meld and delivering the zesty, refreshing result we love in chopped herring.
- Serving platter: Finally, we choose a simple serving platter to present the appetizer attractively, making it ready for any gathering or meal enhancement.
Make-Ahead Instructions
As we perfect our Chopped Herring recipe, making it ahead not only saves time but also enhances its bold, tangy flavors through chilling and melding. In our experience, preparing this zesty appetizer in advance ensures a harmonious balance of crunch from the apples and onions with the sharp tang of pickled herring.
Steps for Preparing Ahead
Follow these straightforward steps to make our Chopped Herring recipe effortlessly:
- Prepare the hard-boiled eggs first. We recommend boiling and peeling the eggs up to 48 hours in advance. Once cooled, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator to maintain their firm texture and prevent any absorption of other flavors.
- Chop and store fresh ingredients separately. Dice the pickled herring, crisp apples, sweet onions, and fresh dill individually. We suggest placing each in separate airtight containers and refrigerating them for up to 24 hours. This keeps the apples from browning and the onions from overwhelming the other elements with their pungency.
- Assemble the mixture ahead of time. Once all components are prepped, combine the chopped herring, apples, onions, dill, and eggs in a large mixing bowl. Add the tangy dressing—made from apple cider vinegar, granulated sugar, and ground black pepper—then mix gently with a spatula. We advise refrigerating the fully assembled dish for at least 2 to 4 hours, or ideally overnight, to let the flavors intensify and create a refreshingly zesty bite.
- Store and handle for optimal freshness. Transfer the mixed Chopped Herring to an airtight container and keep it chilled in the refrigerator. Important: Consume within 3 days to preserve its authentic taste and texture. Always stir before serving to redistribute the flavors evenly.
| Component | Make-Ahead Time | Storage Tips | Benefits |
|---|---|---|---|
| Hard-boiled eggs | Up to 48 hours | Store in airtight container | Retains firmness and flavor |
| Chopped ingredients (herring, apples, onions, dill) | Up to 24 hours | Keep separate to avoid sogginess | Prevents oxidation and flavor mixing |
| Fully assembled dish | Up to 3 days | Refrigerate in airtight container | Allows flavors to meld for a bolder taste |
Conclusion
We’ve loved diving into the world of chopped herring and sharing how it brings bold flavors to life. It’s a simple yet authentic dish that connects us to rich traditions while adding zest to any gathering.
As we wrap up, we’re confident you’ll find joy in preparing and savoring this recipe—it’s perfect for creating memorable moments with family and friends.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is chopped herring?
Chopped herring is a traditional Ashkenazi Jewish appetizer featuring tangy pickled herring mixed with crunchy apples, sweet onions, and hard-boiled eggs. It’s known for its bold, zesty flavors that blend tanginess and sweetness, making it a perfect dish for exploring cultural roots or adding excitement to meals.
What ingredients are needed for chopped herring?
The key ingredients include pickled herring fillets, crisp apples, sweet onions, hard-boiled eggs, fresh dill, apple cider vinegar, granulated sugar, and ground black pepper. These high-quality components balance sharp tanginess with subtle sweetness, ensuring an authentic and flavorful result.
How do you prepare chopped herring?
Start by prepping hard-boiled eggs, herring, apples, onions, and dill. Combine them in a bowl, add a dressing of apple cider vinegar, sugar, and black pepper, then mix well. Refrigerate to meld flavors, creating a zesty appetizer ready in under 30 minutes of active prep time.
What equipment is required for chopped herring?
You’ll need a cutting board, sharp knife for chopping, saucepan for boiling eggs, large mixing bowl, measuring cups and spoons, spatula, and refrigerator. These tools ensure safe, efficient preparation while preserving the dish’s authentic textures and flavors.
Can chopped herring be made ahead of time?
Yes, prepare ingredients like boiled eggs and chopped veggies in advance, storing them separately. Assemble the full dish and refrigerate for up to 24 hours to enhance flavors. This method saves time and improves taste, making it ideal for events or busy schedules.