Śledzie w Sosie Francuskim (Herring in French Sauce)

Directions:

Begin by rinsing the pickled herring fillets to remove excess salt. Cut them into bite-sized pieces and set aside.
In a bowl, mix together the Dijon mustard, white vinegar, sugar, mayonnaise, and sour cream. Stir well until the sauce becomes smooth and creamy.
Add the finely chopped onion and grated carrot to the sauce, mixing gently to combine. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
Carefully fold the herring pieces into the sauce mixture, ensuring they are evenly coated.
Cover the bowl and refrigerate the dish for at least 2 hours, allowing the flavors to meld together.
Before serving, garnish with freshly chopped parsley for a touch of color and freshness.
Serving and Storage Tips:

Serve Śledzie w sosie francuskim chilled as a starter or a side dish alongside rye bread or boiled potatoes.
The dish can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 2-3 days, making it ideal for meal prep or leftovers.
Ensure it is tightly covered to maintain its freshness and prevent the herring from absorbing any unwanted odors from the fridge.
Variations:

You can experiment with adding other vegetables to the sauce, such as diced pickles or bell peppers, for extra crunch and flavor.
For a more luxurious twist, try incorporating a small amount of finely chopped smoked salmon into the dish.
If you prefer a less creamy version, you can substitute the mayonnaise and sour cream with Greek yogurt for a lighter version of the dish.
FAQs:

Can I use fresh herring instead of pickled? Yes, while traditional Śledzie w sosie francuskim uses pickled herring, fresh herring can be used as an alternative. However, fresh herring will require marinating or curing to achieve the desired flavor balance.

Can I make this dish ahead of time? Yes, this dish is perfect for making ahead. In fact, allowing the herring to marinate in the sauce for a few hours or overnight enhances the flavor.

Is this dish suitable for those with dietary restrictions? The recipe is not gluten-free as it contains mayonnaise, but you can use gluten-free alternatives if necessary. For those avoiding dairy, a non-dairy mayonnaise or sour cream substitute can work as well.