Lithuanian Mixed Vegetable Salad Darzoviu Misraine Recipes

Steps:

• It is very important not to overcook the vegetables, especially the potatoes. All vegetables should be at room temperature. Place vegetables, egg and pickle in a large bowl.
• In a small bowl, stir the sour cream to loosen it up. If it is very thick, stir in 1 or 2 tbl. milk.
• Sprinkle half the salt and half the dill on the vegetables. Add some freshly ground pepper. Add half the sour cream and stir carefully, taking care not to mash the vegetables. Repeat with remaining salt, pepper, and sour cream.
• Serve cold or at room temperature. Leftovers should be stored covered in refrigerator, and will be good for about a week. (If you will be storing more than a couple of days, do not mix in the eggs - add to the portion you are serving. Eggs do not do well over time).
• Note: Canned beets can be substituted for fresh. Frozen mixed vegetable or mixed peas and carrots can be used. Cauliflower or cooked white beans are also excellent in this dish. Change the ingredients or proportions to meet personal preferences. Just keep the ratio of cooked vegetables at about 7 cups to 1 cup of sour cream.
• Note2: Dried dill is not very good in this dish, I would use fresh parsley if dill not available. I also tend to use little salt, so check the level to suit your needs.

Steps:

• You want to use salt brined herring fillets - I found mine at a Polish deli, sitting all ready to use in a big barrel.
• Place the herrings in a large bowl and cover with cold water. Refrigerate for about 24 hours, changing the water two to four times.
• Drain off the water and slice the fillets into 1/4 to 1/2 inch sized pieces.
• Thinly slice the onions.
• Heat oil in a large skillet; add the onions and cook until tender, but not browned. I often add 1/2 cup or so of water to help soften the onion without letting it brown.
• Stir in the tomato sauce and bay leaves. Bring to a simmer and cook for 15 minutes or so, stirring and scraping down the sides of the pan several times. Remove from heat and let cool to room temperature.
• Take a 1 quart glass or ceramic bowl. Remove bay leaves from the sauce. Layer the herring and sauce in it, starting and ending with the sauce.
• Cover tightly with plastic wrap and refrigerate overnight to permit the flavors to meld.
• Serve with a good, sturdy rye bread. If you are in the Chicago area, try Racine Bakery's Lithuanian Rye. Some folks like to eat this with hot, boiled potatoes.