Appetizer with herring, beetroot pesto and walnuts
4 servings
40 minutes
This appetizer embodies traditional Russian flavors in a modern interpretation. Tender fillet of lightly salted herring is paired with vibrant beet pesto enriched with the nutty notes of walnuts and fresh herbs. Historically, herring has been an integral part of Russian cuisine, highlighting accessibility and rich taste. The beet pesto, made with garlic and lemon juice, adds freshness and a slight tang to the dish. Serving it on black bread makes the appetizer hearty, while the addition of lemon emphasizes the richness of flavors. This appetizer is perfect for a festive table or a cozy dinner, delighting with its bright appearance and rich taste.
1
Clean the herring, fillet it, and cut into pieces.
- Norwegian lightly salted herring: 1 piece
2
Boil the beetroot and cool it down.
- Beet: 3 pieces
3
Peel the boiled beetroot and cut it into small cubes.
- Beet: 3 pieces
4
Roast the nuts in a dry hot pan for 2-3 minutes.
- Walnuts: 100 g
5
Chop the greens and garlic.
- Garlic: 3 cloves
- Dill: 0.5 bunch
- Parsley: 0.5 bunch
6
Put beetroot, nuts, and greens with garlic in a bowl and blend with a blender.
- Beet: 3 pieces
- Walnuts: 100 g
- Dill: 0.5 bunch
- Parsley: 0.5 bunch
- Garlic: 3 cloves
7
Add lemon juice, oil, sugar, salt, and pepper. Mix well.
- Olive oil: 3 tablespoons
- Sugar: 1 teaspoon
- Salt: to taste
- Ground black pepper: to taste
8
Spread beet pesto on a piece of black bread, then top with 1-2 slices of herring fillet.
- Beet: 3 pieces
- Norwegian lightly salted herring: 1 piece
9
Garnish with a slice of lemon and greens.
- Dill: 0.5 bunch