The Swedish Herring Sandwich, or Sillmacka, is a staple of traditional Swedish cuisine, particularly enjoyed during festive gatherings like Midsummer and Christmas. This open-faced sandwich is an effortless yet flavorful dish featuring dark rye bread topped with pickled herring, fresh vegetables, boiled eggs, and capers. It is commonly served with boiled potatoes and often accompanied by a glass of schnapps or aquavit for a truly authentic experience.
Preparation Time
Prep Time: 20 minutes
Ingredients (Serves Four People)
For the Sandwich
- 8 slices of dark rye bread
- 100g butter, softened
- 200g pickled herring fillets, drained (choose from mustard, spiced, or dill pickled herring)
- 1 small red onion, thinly sliced
- 1 cucumber, sliced into thin rounds
- 4 hard-boiled eggs, halved
- 8 capers or caper berries
- 1 medium tomato, sliced
- Fresh parsley for garnish
For the Sides
- 8 small potatoes, boiled and peeled
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh dill for garnish (optional)
For Serving
- Aquavit or digestive schnapps (optional but recommended for an authentic touch)
Preparation Method
Step 1: Prepare the Base
Butter each slice of rye bread generously with softened butter, ensuring full coverage for richness.
Step 2: Assemble the Sandwich
- Place the pickled herring fillets evenly across each slice of buttered bread.
- Top the herring with slices of red onion, cucumber, and a slice of tomato on the side for a fresh, tangy crunch.
Step 3: Add the Finishing Touches
- Garnish each sandwich with half a boiled egg and place one or two capers on top for a sharp, salty flavor.
- Sprinkle freshly chopped parsley over the sandwich to enhance the presentation and flavor.
Step 4: Serve with Sides
- Add two boiled potatoes seasoned with salt and pepper to each plate. If you like, garnish the potatoes with a sprinkle of dill.
- For an authentic Swedish dining experience, serve with a small glass of digestive schnapps or aquavit.
Tips and Tricks
- If you prefer a tangier taste, pickled herring in mustard sauce or spiced brine works well.
- Serve the sandwich at room temperature for the best flavor balance.
- Always use quality dark rye bread to complement the intense herring flavors.
- Add a pinch of lemon zest to the butter for a zesty twist.
Serving Suggestions
This Swedish Herring Sandwich is perfect for a smörgåsbord starter or a light, refreshing lunch. Pair it with a crisp cucumber salad or traditional Swedish dishes like gravlax or meatballs for a more complete meal. Pickled herring, starchy potatoes, and rich butter create a balanced, satisfying dish.
Nutritional Information (Per Serving)
- Calories: 350 kcal
- Protein: 20g
- Fat: 18g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 6g
- Sodium: 800mg
About the Swedish Herring Sandwich
The Swedish Herring Sandwich is an iconic dish in Sweden, often associated with celebratory events and communal meals. Sillmacka symbolizes simplicity and tradition in Sweden, providing a hearty yet refreshing meal that combines rich buttery bread with the sharp flavors of pickled herring and fresh vegetables. It’s a dish that embraces the essence of Swedish cuisine—highlighting the importance of seasonal ingredients, freshness, and balance.
Cultural Context
Herring has been a mainstay of the Swedish diet for centuries, mainly because of its availability in the Baltic Sea and its role in food preservation through pickling. Herring dishes, including the herring sandwich, feature prominently in festive meals such as Midsummer, Christmas, and Easter, where they are served as part of the famed Swedish smörgåsbord (buffet). Each region in Sweden may have its slight variations of the sillmacka. Still, the central elements of pickled herring, dark rye bread, and garnishes remain consistent, reflecting the simplicity and resourcefulness of traditional Swedish cooking.
The Herring Salad and the Herring Sandwich are classic components of a traditional Swedish smörgåsbord, offering complementary flavors and textures that reflect the simplicity and richness of Scandinavian cuisine.
