Forshmak is probably the most authentically Jewish herring recipe. The word itself is Yiddish for “pre-taste” — that is, an appetizer, meant to set your taste buds going. There are many varieties of forshmak — probably as many as there were shtetls in Eastern Europe. This one originates in Haschevato, Ukraine, the small village where my father’s side of the family comes from.
For other herring variations, try these recipes for the classic herring and onions and herring in an overcoat (herring pie).
Note: Forshmak is particularly good served on black Russian bread, but you can put it on healthy spelt crackers, too.
Forshmak
Forshmak is probably the most authentically Jewish herring recipe.
- Total Time: 10 minutes
- Yield: Serves 4-6
Ingredients
- 2 nicely sized herrings, fillets separated
- 1 sour apple, peeled and cored
- 2–3 hard-boiled eggs, yolks separated from whites
- 2–3 pieces white bread, soaked in water or milk (squeeze out the liquid before using)
- 4 Tbsp vegetable oil
- 1 Tbsp vinegar
- a few scallions, chopped
Instructions
- In a food processor, blend the fish fillets, apple, egg whites and bread. Add the oil and vinegar, mix thoroughly, and place the mixture in a dish.
- Crumble the egg yolk and scallions on top. Refrigerate before serving.
Notes
Forshmak is particularly good served on black Russian bread, but you can put it on healthy spelt crackers, too.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Quick
- Cuisine: Ashkenazi
Looks a lot like the chopped herring South African Jews made . Same ingredients.
What in the world is “nicely sized”? Some weight or measurement would be more useful. And what kind of herring?
Love this , very simple to make, enough for a family sized snack. I just use a little oil and vinegar from the marinaded herrings- mixture of non sweet oily Polish style and sweeter dill-marinated in brine works well. And challah bread is obviously best! Weights would definitely be useful though.
What is a sour apple?