National Dish Netherlands: Maatjes Herring (Recipe)
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Few dishes capture the spirit of the Dutch coast quite like Maatjes herring. This prized delicacy features tender, lightly cured herring, traditionally landed in early summer when the fish are at their fattest and most flavourful. Served with sharp onions, a dollop of soured cream and a sprinkle of fresh dill, it is a true taste of the North Sea. Loved by locals and visitors alike, it brings a little slice of Dutch culture straight to your plate.
About Maatjes Herring
Maatjes herring is a traditional Dutch speciality enjoyed above all in the country’s coastal regions. It consists of fresh herring prepared in a particular, gentle way that leaves the fish soft and mild. The catch usually takes place in June, when the herring are especially fat and aromatic, giving the dish its characteristic richness. It is often served with onions and soured cream, and remains hugely popular with locals and tourists alike. Simple yet distinctive, it is a cornerstone of Dutch seafood cookery.
Ingredients (serves 1–2)
- 2–3 fresh herring
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 1 tablespoon sugar
- 1 tablespoon vinegar
- A squeeze of lemon juice
- 2 tablespoons soured cream
- Fresh dill, to garnish
Shopping for the ingredients
When shopping for Maatjes herring, it really pays to focus on the quality of the fish. It is important that the herring are fresh and of a high standard so you get the very best flavour. For this, your best bet is a dedicated fish market or a trusted fishmonger, much as you would when sourcing a fine Salmon fillet. The other ingredients, such as onions and dill, are easy to find in any well-stocked supermarket.
Preparing the dish
Preparing Maatjes herring is wonderfully straightforward and takes only a few steps. First, clean the herring carefully and remove the innards. Next, chop the onions and make up the marinade from sugar, vinegar and lemon juice. This marinade is used to steep the herring, lending the fish an extra layer of flavour. With everything to hand, the dish comes together in no time at all.
Step-by-step instructions
- Clean the herring thoroughly and remove the innards.
- Finely chop the onions and tip them into a bowl.
- Add the vinegar, sugar and lemon juice, and mix well.
- Lay the herring in the bowl and leave to marinate for at least 30 minutes.
- Once marinated, arrange the herring on a plate and garnish with soured cream and dill.
Gluten-free / lactose-free version
Maatjes herring lends itself beautifully to gluten-free and lactose-free cooking. Since the main ingredient, the herring, is naturally free from both gluten and lactose, you only need to swap out the soured cream. A good alternative is a plant-based cream or a lactose-free version of soured cream. That way, people with intolerances can enjoy this delicious dish just as much as everyone else.
Tips for vegans and vegetarians
For vegans and vegetarians who do not want to miss out on the traditional flavours of Maatjes herring, there are some creative alternatives. In place of the herring you might use marinated tofu, which takes on the marinade nicely. Seaweed, with its naturally salty, briny taste, can also make an intriguing stand-in. These variations offer an exciting way to enjoy the dish in a fully plant-based form.
More tips and tricks
One of the best tips for preparing Maatjes herring is to let the fish steep in the marinade for long enough. The longer the herring marinate, the more intense the flavour becomes. Arranging it on a handsome plate and garnishing with fresh dill makes the dish far more appealing to the eye. Reaching for organic, certified produce can lift the whole experience another notch.
Adapting the recipe to your taste
A great advantage of Maatjes herring is its versatility. You can adjust the ingredients to suit your own palate — experimenting, for instance, with more spices or aromatic herbs. A little chilli can give the dish a welcome touch of heat. Be creative and tailor the marinade exactly to your liking, just as you might when tinkering with a plate of Haringtartaar.
Ingredient substitutions
If some of the ingredients are not to your taste, Maatjes herring is easy to adapt. Instead of herring you could use other types of fish, such as mackerel or trout. Adding different kinds of vinegar, like cider vinegar or white wine vinegar, can give the dish a fresh new twist as well. Experiment with the ingredients until you land on the flavour that is perfect for you.
Drink pairing ideas
Alongside the culinary side of Maatjes herring, it is well worth thinking about matching drinks. A cool blonde beer or a lightly fruity white wine pair beautifully with the flavours of the dish. For an alcohol-free option, sparkling water or a fresh lime juice works wonderfully. These drinks both underline the freshness of the dish and bring out its maritime notes.
Serving and presentation ideas
The presentation of Maatjes herring can be elevated in any number of ways. Serve the herring on a rustic wooden board for a traditional look. Garnish the dish with fresh herbs such as dill or parsley, and add colourful vegetables like radishes or cucumber. An attractive presentation not only makes the dish more appetising but also turns it into the centrepiece of the table, in the same vein as a platter of Hollandse Nieuwe or Haring met Uitjes.
A bit of history
Maatjes herring has a long tradition in the Netherlands, reaching back to the 14th century. The name “maatjes” refers to the particular young herring caught in the early weeks of the year, before they have spawned. This delicacy was traditionally prepared by sailors who spent long stretches at sea, making it a deep-rooted part of Dutch seafaring life. In recent years its popularity has spread well beyond the country’s borders, and it is now appreciated internationally as a hallmark of Netherlands cuisine.
More recipe ideas
Summary: Maatjes Herring
In summary, Maatjes herring is a simple yet wonderfully flavoursome dish that captures the very essence of Dutch cooking. With just a handful of ingredients and an uncomplicated method, you can conjure up a delicious meal in next to no time. To get the most out of it, pay close attention to the quality of the ingredients and feel free to experiment with flavours to suit your own taste. Enjoy Maatjes herring as part of a festive spread or simply over a sociable get-together with friends.
