Cold, layered, and built to rest, this shuba (dressed herring salad ) brings salty herring, sweet beets, tender potatoes, and a creamy finish into one sliceable dish.
Ingredients
- 3 small beets (about 450 g), boiled until tender, peeled
- 3 medium potatoes (about 500 g), boiled, peeled
- 1 medium carrot, boiled, peeled
- 3 eggs, hard-boiled and peeled
- 3 salted herring fillets (about 200–250 g), diced small
- 1 small white or yellow onion, finely diced
- ¾–1 cup (180–240 g) mayonnaise, to taste
- Freshly ground black pepper, optional
- Green onion garnish
- 1 sour apple, grated
Instructions
- 1Boil the beets, potatoes, and carrot separately until tender, then cool and peel.
- 2Hard-boil the eggs, then cool and peel.
- 3Grate the potatoes, carrot, eggs, and beets on the coarse side of a box grater, keeping each separate.
- 4Spread the herring in an even layer in a serving dish and cover lightly with mayonnaise.
- 5Add the onion in an even layer and spread over a thin layer of mayonnaise.
- 6Layer over the potatoes, press lightly to level, and spread with a thin layer of mayonnaise.
- 7Add the carrot, then a light layer of mayonnaise.
- 8Add the eggs, then another thin layer of mayonnaise.
- 9Finish with the beets and spread a final thin layer of mayonnaise over the top.
- 10Cover and chill for at least 4 hours, or overnight, before slicing and serving.
Cook's Note
Cool every component fully before layering so the salad stays distinct instead of turning soft and streaked. Keep the mayonnaise light between layers or the whole dish can start to feel heavy.
Best Served With
dark rye bread, boiled potatoes, or roast chicken
Why This Recipe Works
Grated vegetables keep the layers light and cohesive, while resting time lets the flavors settle without losing definition. Sweet beets soften the edge of the salty herring, and the mayonnaise holds the layers together without turning the salad dense.
Make It Yours
- Add grated sour apple for brightness and sweetness.
- Add a little prepared horseradish between layers for more bite.
- Stir a small amount of mustard into the mayonnaise.
- Chop the vegetables instead of grating for a more rustic texture.
Leftover Strategy
Store covered in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Serve cold straight from the fridge, since the layers taste better once they have settled.
Want to impress guests with this dish? Ask Jeff →
Pairing
Sparkling mineral water or a crisp pilsner works well with the salty herring and beets; rye crisps ↗ keep the side sharp and simple.
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