Creamy Herring Forshmak with Potato and Apple
A savoury chilled herring spread with potato, apple, carrot and cream cheese.
This creamy herring spread blends salted herring with potato, apple, carrot, onion and soft cheese. The source says the finished dish may be warmed, but this version serves it chilled as a spread and keeps the fish cold. Taste before adding salt because preserved herring varies in saltiness. Pulse briefly in a food processor for a textured spread, or mash by hand for a coarser finish. Check herring carefully for remaining bones and cut into chunks. Grate the apple and squeeze away excess liquid. Pulse herring, potatoes, cream cheese, carrot and onion in a food processor until combined but not completely smooth. Stir in black pepper and dill. Taste before adding any salt. Add a little oil if a softer texture is wanted.
Recipe card
Creamy Herring Forshmak with Potato and Apple
Equipment: Measuring cups and spoons, mixing bowls, a sharp knife, and the pan or baking dish specified in the method
Ingredients
Instructions
Prepare ingredients
Check herring carefully for remaining bones and cut into chunks. Grate the apple and squeeze away excess liquid.
Process spread
Pulse herring, potatoes, cream cheese, carrot and onion in a food processor until combined but not completely smooth.
Season
Stir in black pepper and dill. Taste before adding any salt. Add a little oil if a softer texture is wanted.
Chill
Transfer to a covered container and refrigerate at least 30 minutes.
Serve
Spoon into a serving dish and garnish with dill.
Store safely
Keep chilled while serving and return leftovers to the refrigerator promptly.
How to tell when it is ready
Keep chilled while serving and return leftovers to the refrigerator promptly.
Tips
- Check herring carefully for remaining bones and cut into chunks.
- Pulse herring, potatoes, cream cheese, carrot and onion in a food processor until combined but not completely smooth.
- Stir in black pepper and dill.
- Transfer to a covered container and refrigerate at least 30 minutes.
Troubleshooting
- If the spread is too salty, fold in more potato or cream cheese.
- If it is too loose, chill longer or add more potato.
Substitutions
- Use lactose-free cream cheese.
- Omit carrot for a simpler herring and potato spread.
Variations
- Add a small amount of mustard.
- Use finely chopped chives instead of dill.
Serving suggestions
- Spread on dark rye bread.
- Serve with crackers.
- Add sliced cucumber.
- Garnish with dill and lemon.
Make ahead
Prepare components ahead and store safely. Refrigerate in a sealed container up to 2 days.
Storage
Refrigerate in a sealed container up to 2 days.
Food safety
Keep fish and dairy chilled; do not leave the spread at room temperature for more than 2 hours.
Frequently asked questions
What herring should I use?
Use ready-to-eat salted or pickled herring fillets, not raw fresh herring.
How should I store creamy herring forshmak spread?
Refrigerate in a sealed container up to 2 days.
Spread on dark rye bread. Refrigerate in a sealed container up to 2 days.
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