Sild og Kal - Salted Herring Fish

Welcome, food adventurers, to a taste of the remote and beautiful Faroe Islands! Today, we're diving into a beloved traditional dish that truly captures the essence of Faroese culinary heritage: Sild og Kal. This comforting meal, featuring delicious salted herring fish, often paired with tender potatoes and crisp, quick pickled cabbage, is more than just food—it's a story on a plate. If you've been curious about a genuine Faroese herring dish or are looking for a fantastic salted herring recipe, you've come to the right place. We're going to guide you through making this authentic and surprisingly simple dish that’s perfect for both beginners and seasoned cooks. Get ready to explore the rich flavors of the North Atlantic and bring a piece of the Faroes into your kitchen!
This recipe brings together the key elements of a traditional Sild og Kal meal. We'll prepare the salted herring (often bought pre-salted), boil some simple potatoes, and whip up a vibrant quick pickled cabbage for herring to balance the flavors.

Ingredients

• For the Salted Herring:
• 4-6 fillets of salted herring fish (look for pre-salted or matjes herring)
• Water, for soaking (if needed, check packaging instructions)
• 2 tablespoons fresh dill, chopped (optional, for garnish)
• For the Boiled Potatoes:
• 1 lb small waxy potatoes (e.g., new potatoes, red bliss), scrubbed
• Salt, to taste
• For the Quick Pickled Cabbage:
• 2 cups finely shredded green cabbage
• 1/2 cup apple cider vinegar
• 1/4 cup water
• 2 tablespoons granulated sugar
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon black peppercorns (optional)
• Optional Accompaniments:
• Sour cream or crème fraîche
• Rye bread or crispbread

Directions

1. Prepare the Salted Herring
   1. If your salted herring fish is very salty (often indicated on packaging or by taste), you may need to soak it. Place the herring fillets in a bowl of cold water and refrigerate for 30 minutes to 2 hours, changing the water every 30 minutes. Taste a small piece after soaking to ensure it's to your liking; it should still be salty but not overwhelmingly so. If using matjes herring, this step is usually not necessary.
   2. Once desalted (if needed), gently pat the herring fillets dry with paper towels.
   3. Slice the herring into bite-sized pieces, about 1/2 to 1 inch thick. Set aside.
2. Cook the Boiled Potatoes
   1. Place the scrubbed potatoes in a medium pot and cover with cold water by about an inch. Add a generous pinch of salt.
   2. Bring the water to a boil over medium-high heat, then reduce heat to a simmer.
   3. Cook for 15-20 minutes, or until the potatoes are fork-tender.
   4. Drain the potatoes thoroughly and keep warm.
3. Make the Quick Pickled Cabbage
   1. In a medium heatproof bowl, combine the shredded green cabbage.
   2. In a small saucepan, combine the apple cider vinegar, water, sugar, and salt. If using, add the black peppercorns.
   3. Heat the mixture over medium heat, stirring until the sugar and salt have dissolved. Bring it just to a simmer, then remove from heat.
   4. Pour the hot pickling liquid over the shredded cabbage. Stir well to ensure all the cabbage is coated.
   5. Let the cabbage sit for at least 15-20 minutes, stirring occasionally, to allow it to soften and absorb the flavors. For best results, let it cool completely.
4. Assemble and Serve Your Faroese Herring Dish
   1. Arrange the warm boiled potatoes on serving plates.
   2. Place the sliced salted herring alongside the potatoes.
   3. Serve a generous portion of the quick pickled cabbage.
   4. Garnish with fresh dill, if desired.
   5. Offer sour cream or crème fraîche and rye bread as optional accompaniments. Enjoy your authentic Faroese herring dish!