Pickled Herring in Cream Sauce
Pickled Herring in Cream Sauce, known as 'Sill i gräddsås' in Swedish, is a classic Nordic dish featuring herring fillets cured in a vinegar or brine solution and then folded into a rich, creamy sauce. The sauce typically includes ingredients like sour cream, crème fraîche, or mayonnaise, often with additions such as onions, dill, mustard, or a touch of sugar. It's a staple in Scandinavian cuisine, particularly popular in Sweden, Norway, and Denmark, especially during festive occasions like Christmas or Midsummer.
🍽️ Nutrition at a glance
This dish is high in protein and healthy fats from the herring, which is an excellent source of omega-3 fatty acids, vitamin D, and B vitamins. The cream sauce adds significant fat content, making it calorie-dense, with a typical serving (about 100g) containing roughly 200-250 calories.
Nutrition breakdown
| Calories | 430 kcal |
| Protein | 24 g |
| Carbs | 12 g |
| Fat | 32 g |
| Fiber | 0.5 g |
| Sugar | 8 g |
| Sodium | 1150 mg |
| Vitamin B12 | 8.5 mcg |
| Vitamin D | 4.2 mcg |
| Selenium | 52 mcg |
| Phosphorus | 280 mg |
| Omega-3 (EPA+DHA) | 1.8 g |
| Niacin (B3) | 6.5 mg |
| Vitamin B6 | 0.4 mg |
| Magnesium | 35 mg |
Per 1 cup (240 g) · estimated, varies by recipe
💡 What's interesting
Culturally, it's a beloved part of the Swedish 'smörgåsbord' and a traditional Christmas 'julbord' dish, symbolizing preservation and seasonal abundance. Nutritionally, the herring provides heart-healthy omega-3s, while the pickling process historically served as a method to preserve fish through long Nordic winters.
