Last Sunday I bought plenty of fish from a fishmonger who usually comes to my village once every two months to sell fresh shellfish and saltwater fish.

I purchased fillets of ’strömming’. (The Latin name is Clupea harengus membras).

‘Strömming’ is the Swedish name for a small, iridescent glossy food fish of the herring family. Sometimes it is also called Silver of the Sea. They swim in vast shoals, filtering plankton out of the water with their gill rakers as they move. They also form the staple food of cod and haddock, for instance.

The concentration of dioxin in this fish is higher than the prescribed EU maximum, which has led to dietary restrictions. However, it is very high in healthy long-chain Omega 3 fatty acids. So, it is a balance between the harm and health benefits of this fish.

Eating fried ’strömming’, potato mash and grated carrots now and then does not harm me. I do not belong to any of the risk groups.

It is a good idea to fry more than needed for one dinner and then marinate the leftovers.

Very often I am sitting up late at nights. Too often, as a matter of fact. I get hungry towards the small hours of the morning, and I make sandwiches in order to appease the worst of my hunger. A plain herring sandwich is also a solution for a snack any time of the day.

INGREDIENTS:
* 1 kg (1000 g) fish fillets
* 1 dl (100 ml) bread crumbs mixed with ½ dl (50 ml) flour
* 1 - 1 ½ teaspoon salt
* butter
* 1 red onion, peeled and thinly sliced
* 5 allspice corns, cracked

MARINADE:
* 1 dl (100 ml) white distilled vinegar (24 percent)
* 3 dl (300 ml) water
* 3 ½ dl (350 ml) sugar

METHOD:
1. With a pair of scissors, cut away the dorsal fins.
2. Roll the fillets in a mixture of flour, bread crumbs and salt.
3. Fry them in butter on both sides until golden brown, 2-3 minutes.
4. Mix the marinade ingredients, boil for a few minutes and cool.
5. Layer the fried fish fillets, onion slices and allspice in a deep bowl.
6. Pour the marinade over the fish fillets.
7. Put the bowl into the refridgerator for at least 30 minutes.

THE SANDWICH:
Wasa crispbread
marinated herring fillets
butter, margarine or cream cheese
fresh cucumber, thinly sliced
pickled cucumber mixed with some mayonnaise and mustard

Source: My Recipes