Homemade Rollmops: A Classic German Dish

Ingredients

12 fresh herrings
2 large onions
12 pickled gherkins
2 cups of white vinegar
1 cup of water
2 tablespoons sugar
10 whole black peppercorns
2 bay leaves
1 teaspoon mustard seeds
1 teaspoon coriander seeds
Salt to taste

Steps and instructions

Clean the herrings, removing the heads and innards. Open them up flat and remove the bones.
Sprinkle salt over the herring fillets and leave them in the fridge for a few hours.
Thinly slice the onions and gherkins.
Rinse the salt off the herrings and pat them dry. Place a slice of onion and a gherkin at one end of each fillet and roll them up. Secure with a toothpick.
In a pot, combine the vinegar, water, sugar, peppercorns, bay leaves, mustard seeds, and coriander seeds. Bring to a boil, then reduce the heat and simmer for about 10 minutes.
Place the herring rolls in a large jar. Pour the hot vinegar mixture over them, ensuring they are completely covered.
Seal the jar and refrigerate for at least 3 days before eating, to allow the flavors to develop.

Tools for making

Cutting board - to clean and prepare the herrings
Knife - for filleting the herrings and slicing the onions and gherkins
Toothpicks - to secure the rolled herrings
Large pot - for simmering the vinegar mixture
Jar - to store the rollmops during the marinating process

Recipe variations

Use pickled herring fillets instead of fresh herrings for a quicker preparation.
Add diced carrots or red bell peppers to the vinegar mixture for added color and flavor.
Experiment with different types of vinegars such as apple cider vinegar or red wine vinegar.
Add a touch of honey or maple syrup to the vinegar mixture for a hint of sweetness.
Include spices like cloves, allspice berries, or dill seeds to the vinegar mixture for a more complex flavor profile.
Add thinly sliced lemon or orange zest to the jar for a citrusy twist.
Try using different herbs such as fresh dill or thyme to infuse the rollmops with additional aromatics.
For a spicy kick, add sliced jalapenos or red pepper flakes to the vinegar mixture.
Replace the gherkins with sliced pickled jalapenos or capers for a tangy variation.
Make a vegetarian version by substituting the herrings with marinated tofu or tempeh.

Recipe overview

Surely one of the most iconic dishes of Northern European cuisine, Rollmops are a delightful combination of pickled herring, onion, and gherkin, all rolled into a flavorful, bite-sized snack. This delicacy is often enjoyed as part of a buffet or as a savory treat with a cold beer. Made from fresh herring fillets, the fish is first cured with salt, then rolled with slices of onion and gherkin, and finally pickled in a sweet and tangy vinegar mixture. Although it takes a few days for the flavors to fully develop, the result is an incredibly tasty and unique delicacy. This recipe breaks down the process into simple, easy-to-follow steps, making it accessible for anyone interested in trying their hand at this traditional dish. Get ready to enjoy a taste of Northern Europe in your own kitchen!

Common questions

How do I clean the herrings? To clean the herrings, remove the heads and innards, and then open them up flat to remove the bones.
How long should I leave the herrings in the fridge after sprinkling salt on them? Leave the herrings in the fridge for a few hours after sprinkling salt on them.
How do I secure the rollmops? Place a slice of onion and a gherkin at one end of each herring fillet, and then roll them up and secure with a toothpick.
How long should I simmer the vinegar mixture? Simmer the vinegar mixture for about 10 minutes after it comes to a boil.
How long should I refrigerate the jar of rollmops before eating? Refrigerate the jar of rollmops for at least 3 days before eating to allow the flavors to develop.

Serving dishes and utensils

Knife - For filleting and preparing the fresh herrings.
Cutting board - To provide a stable surface for cutting and preparing the ingredients.
Toothpicks - Used to secure the rolled herrings.
Large jar - To store the rollmops while they marinate in the vinegar mixture.
Pot - To simmer the vinegar mixture and infuse it with flavors.
Jar opener - For easily opening and closing the jar.

Origin stories

Rollmops, a traditional delicacy hailing from Northern Europe, particularly Germany, is often associated with celebrations and festive occasions. It's a popular hangover cure after a night of revelry - especially on New Year's Day. The name itself, intriguingly, is thought to come from the German word 'rollen', meaning 'to roll', and 'mops', a term of endearment for a pug dog, perhaps alluding to the rolled shape of the dish, which somewhat resembles the curly tail of a pug. So the next time you savour a rollmop, remember, there's a bit of whimsy in its origin.

Disclaimer: This recipe was not created by humans and we cannot ensure that it will turn out as expected. We do not guarantee or take any liability for the accuracy of this recipe (including steps, ingredients, nutritional information, and all sections on this page). You should check to make sure you are not allergic to any ingredients and take safety precautions while making this. The images on this page are generated by AI and may not accurately represent the result of making this recipe.