Swede Dish Pickled Herring Stuffing
Description
In coastal Swedish kitchens, bright pickled herring always has a place at the holiday table. This Swede Dish version marries that briny tradition with the nostalgic warmth of an East Coast oyster stuffing. It’s a little bold, a little cozy, and unmistakably Scandinavian-American.
Ingredients
Base
Aromatics
Herring Component
Liquid
Finishing
Instructions
1. Prepare the Bread
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Toast your bread cubes at 300°F for 12–15 minutes until crisp and lightly golden.
2. Build the Flavor Base
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In a large skillet:
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Melt butter.
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Add onion, celery, and parsnip (or celery root).
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Sauté until very soft and fragrant (10–12 min).
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Add garlic, allspice, white pepper, dried dill, and parsley.
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This base mimics the savory warmth of oyster stuffing but with Nordic aromatics.
3. Fold in the Herring
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Add chopped pickled herring into the warm vegetables.
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Stir gently just to warm through — don’t sauté too much to avoid toughening.
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Add 2–3 Tbsp of herring brine to echo the oyster-liquor effect.
4. Combine & Moisten
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In a large bowl:
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Toss bread cubes with the herring-vegetable mixture.
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Whisk broth, cream/skyr, and egg together; pour over the stuffing.
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Mix gently until evenly moistened (add more broth if needed).
5. Bake
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Transfer to a buttered baking dish.
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Bake uncovered at 350°F for 35–40 minutes until:
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Top is crisp
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Center is set
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Edges are beautifully golden
6. Finish Bright
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Right before serving, sprinkle with:
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Lemon zest
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Fresh dill
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Black pepper
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This final layer balances the rich brine with brightness.
