Embark on a culinary journey to the picturesque Åland Islands with our delightful recipe for Aland Silakkapihvit, showcasing the rich flavors of the region's renowned herring. Silakkapihvit, or herring patties, are a beloved dish that captures the essence of the archipelago's maritime heritage. In this recipe, we blend the succulence of fresh herring fillets with a medley of aromatic herbs and spices, creating a symphony of flavors that is both comforting and distinctively Åland. Join us in crafting these crispy treats that pay homage to the culinary traditions of Åland, bringing a taste of the islands to your kitchen.

Here's a simple recipe for Aland Silakkapihvit (Herring Patties):

Ingredients:

• 500g fresh herring fillets, deboned and finely chopped
• 1 onion, finely chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 tablespoons fresh dill, chopped
• 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped
• 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
• 2 eggs
• 1/4 cup milk
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 1/2 cup flour (for coating)
• Vegetable oil for frying

Instructions:

Prepare the Herring Mixture:

1-In a large mixing bowl, combine the chopped herring fillets, chopped onion, minced garlic, fresh dill, fresh parsley, breadcrumbs, eggs, and milk.

2-Season the mixture with salt and pepper to taste.

3-Mix everything thoroughly until well combined. Let the mixture rest for about 15 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.

Form Patties:After the mixture has rested, shape it into small, round patties using your hands. You can make them about 2 inches in diameter.

Coat in Flour:Lightly coat each patty with flour, shaking off any excess. This helps create a crispy exterior when frying.

Heat Vegetable Oil:In a frying pan, heat enough vegetable oil over medium-high heat to cover the patties.

Fry the Silakkapihvit:Carefully place the patties in the hot oil and fry until they are golden brown on both sides. This usually takes about 3-4 minutes per side.

Drain Excess Oil:Once the patties are golden and crispy, transfer them to a plate lined with paper towels to drain any excess oil.

Serve and Enjoy:

Serve the Aland Silakkapihvit hot, perhaps with a side of lemon wedges or a dipping sauce of your choice. They can be enjoyed as appetizers, snacks, or as part of a larger meal.

These Aland Silakkapihvit are a delicious way to experience the flavors of the Åland Islands. Enjoy the crispy exterior and the savory, aromatic filling that captures the essence of this regional dish.

Nutritional Values:

It's challenging to provide exact nutritional values without specific brands and variations in ingredient sizes. However, I can offer approximate values based on standard nutritional information. Please note that these values are estimates and may vary based on the specific products you use:

Nutritional Values (Approximate per serving, assuming 4 servings):

500g fresh herring fillets (raw):

• Calories: 400
• Protein: 50g
• Fat: 20g
• Carbohydrates: 0g
• Fiber: 0g

benefits:

• Rich in omega-3 fatty acids, promoting heart health and reducing inflammation.
• High-quality protein source for muscle maintenance and growth.

1 onion:

• Calories: 45
• Protein: 1g
• Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 11g
• Fiber: 2g

benefits:

• Contains antioxidants that may help combat oxidative stress in the body.
• Provides essential nutrients like vitamin C and potassium.
• Supports digestive health.

2 cloves garlic:

• Calories: 10
• Protein: 0g
• Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 2g
• Fiber: 0g

benefits:

• Known for its potential immune-boosting properties.
• Contains allicin, a compound with anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effects.

2 tablespoons fresh dill:

• Calories: 0
• Protein: 0g
• Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 0g
• Fiber: 0g

benefits:

• Packed with vitamins, including vitamin A and vitamin C.
• Contains minerals such as manganese, iron, and calcium.
• Offers anti-bacterial properties and may aid digestion.

1 tablespoon fresh parsley:

• Calories: 1
• Protein: 0g
• Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 0g
• Fiber: 0g

benefits:

• High in vitamin K, supporting bone health.
• Rich in antioxidants, helping to combat free radicals in the body.
• Contains vitamin C for immune system support.

1/2 cup breadcrumbs:

• Calories: 220
• Protein: 8g
• Fat: 3g
• Carbohydrates: 40g
• Fiber: 2g

benefits:

• Provides a source of carbohydrates for energy.
• Contains fiber for digestive health.
• Depending on the type, may contain added vitamins and minerals.

2 eggs:

• Calories: 140
• Protein: 12g
• Fat: 10g
• Carbohydrates: 1g
• Fiber: 0g

benefits:

• Excellent source of high-quality protein.
• Rich in essential nutrients such as choline, which is crucial for brain health.
• Contains various vitamins, including B12 and riboflavin.

1/4 cup milk:

• Calories: 30
• Protein: 2g
• Fat: 1g
• Carbohydrates: 3g
• Fiber: 0g

benefits:

• Good source of calcium and vitamin D for bone health.
• Provides protein and essential nutrients for overall well-being.

Salt and pepper (to taste):

• Negligible caloric value

benefits:

• Used for flavor enhancement and seasoning.
• Salt contains sodium, necessary for fluid balance and nerve function.

1/2 cup flour (for coating):

• Calories: 220
• Protein: 6g
• Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 46g
• Fiber: 2g

benefits:

• Acts as a binding agent in the recipe.
• Provides carbohydrates for energy.

Vegetable oil for frying (approximate, depends on absorption):

• Calories: 120 (per tablespoon)
• Protein: 0g
• Fat: 14g
• Carbohydrates: 0g
• Fiber: 0g

benefits:

• Source of healthy fats, including monounsaturated and polyunsaturated fats.
• Can contribute to overall energy intake.
• Depending on the oil, may contain vitamin E and other antioxidants.

Total Nutritional Values (Per Serving):

• Calories: Approximately 1186
• Protein: Approximately 89g
• Fat: Approximately 68g
• Carbohydrates: Approximately 103g
• Fiber: Approximately 8g

Please keep in mind that these values are rough estimates and can vary based on specific ingredients and preparation methods. Adjustments may be needed based on your dietary requirements and the actual nutritional information of the ingredients you use.