Ardglass Potted Herring with Whiskey and Herbs

Ingredients

• 4 fresh herring fillets 4 fresh herring fillets
• 1/2 cup (120ml) Irish whiskey 1/2 cup (120ml) Irish whiskey
• 1/2 cup (113g) unsalted butter 1/2 cup (113g) unsalted butter
• 2 sprigs of fresh thyme 2 sprigs of fresh thyme
• 2 sprigs of fresh dill 2 sprigs of fresh dill
• 1 bay leaf 1 bay leaf
• 1/2 teaspoon black peppercorns 1/2 teaspoon black peppercorns
• 1/2 teaspoon sea salt 1/2 teaspoon sea salt
• Zest of 1 lemon Zest of 1 lemon

Nutrition

• Calories (kcal / KJ): 280 kcal / 1172 KJ
• Fat: 22g (Saturated Fat: 12g)
• Carbohydrates: 0g (Sugars: 0g)
• Protein: 18g
• Fiber: 0g
• Salt: 0.6g

Preparation

1. 1.
   In a large skillet, melt the butter over medium heat.
2. 2.
   Add the whiskey, thyme, dill, bay leaf, peppercorns, sea salt, and lemon zest to the skillet. Stir well to combine.
3. 3.
   Gently place the herring fillets into the skillet, ensuring they are fully submerged in the whiskey mixture.
4. 4.
   Simmer the herring over low heat for 10-12 minutes, or until cooked through and tender.
5. 5.
   Remove the skillet from heat and let the herring cool in the whiskey mixture.
6. 6.
   Once cooled, carefully transfer the herring fillets to a glass jar or ramekins, pouring the whiskey mixture over the top.
7. 7.
   Cover the jar or ramekins and refrigerate for at least 4 hours, or overnight, to allow the flavors to meld.
8. 8.
   Serve the Ardglass Potted Herring chilled, accompanied by crusty bread or crackers.

Treat your ingredients with care...

• Herring — Ensure the herring fillets are fresh and of high quality to achieve the best flavor and texture.
• Irish whiskey — Choose a good-quality Irish whiskey that complements the flavors of the herring. Avoid using heavily peated or smoky whiskies, as they may overpower the delicate flavors of the fish.
• Fresh herbs — Use fresh thyme and dill for their vibrant flavors. If unavailable, you can substitute with dried herbs, but reduce the quantity by half.

Tips & Tricks

• For an extra burst of flavor, add a splash of lemon juice to the whiskey mixture before simmering the herring.
• Serve the potted herring with a dollop of tangy horseradish cream for a delightful contrast of flavors.
• Experiment with different herbs such as parsley or chives to customize the dish to your taste preferences.
• If you prefer a milder whiskey flavor, reduce the amount of whiskey used in the recipe.
• The potted herring can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days, allowing the flavors to further develop.

Serving advice

Serve the Ardglass Potted Herring chilled on a platter, garnished with fresh dill sprigs and lemon wedges. Accompany it with slices of crusty bread or a selection of crackers for a delightful appetizer or light lunch.

Presentation advice

To elevate the presentation, consider serving the potted herring in individual ramekins or small glass jars. This allows each serving to be beautifully displayed and adds a touch of elegance to the dish.