Pickled Beet and Herring Appetizer
This is a vibrant, tangy appetizer featuring tender herring fillets marinated with sweet-and-sour pickled beets, onions, and often a touch of sugar or vinegar. A staple in Northern and Eastern European cuisines, particularly in Scandinavian, German, and Polish traditions, it's commonly served chilled as part of a smörgåsbord, on dark rye bread, or alongside other pickled fish dishes.
🍽️ Nutrition at a glance
It is a high-protein, low-carb dish with a moderate amount of healthy fats from the herring. Key nutrients include omega-3 fatty acids, vitamin B12, selenium, and antioxidants from the beets, with a typical serving containing roughly 150-200 calories.
Nutrition breakdown
| Calories | 280 kcal |
| Protein | 18 g |
| Carbs | 14 g |
| Fat | 17 g |
| Fiber | 3 g |
| Sugar | 9 g |
| Sodium | 1200 mg |
| Vitamin B12 | 4.5 µg |
| Vitamin D | 4.2 µg |
| Selenium | 38 µg |
| Phosphorus | 280 mg |
| Potassium | 420 mg |
| Omega-3 (EPA+DHA) | 1.2 g |
| Iron | 1.8 mg |
| Vitamin C | 8 mg |
Per 1 cup (220 g) · estimated, varies by recipe
💡 What's interesting
The striking magenta color from the beets not only makes it visually stunning but also adds natural antioxidants, while the combination of fatty fish and fermented/pickled vegetables represents a traditional method of preservation and flavor enhancement long before refrigeration.
