National Dish Sweden: Sill i Dill (Recipe)
In this article
Discover Sill i Dill, one of Sweden’s most cherished festive dishes! This is fresh herring steeped in a fragrant dill marinade, its briny bite balanced by the clean, grassy aroma of the herb. A staple of the Swedish table at Midsummer and Christmas alike, it delivers a burst of Scandinavian flavour that fish lovers adore. Serve it as a light starter or a side, and bring a taste of Sweden straight to your own table.
About Sill i Dill
Sill i Dill is a much-loved Swedish national dish, traditionally served at festivities and special occasions. This delicious herring marinade is made from fresh herring steeped in an aromatic dill sauce. The pairing of salty herring and freshly fragrant dill creates an incomparable taste that delights fish lovers. Sill i Dill is often enjoyed as a starter or as a side to heartier dishes, and it brings a little piece of Sweden to the table.
Ingredients (serves 1–2)
- 200 g fresh herring
- 100 ml white wine vinegar
- 100 ml water
- 3 tablespoons sugar
- 1 bunch fresh dill
- 1 onion, cut into thin rings
- Salt and pepper to taste
Shopping for the ingredients
To find the perfect ingredients for Sill i Dill, buy fresh herring from a fishmonger you trust. Make sure the herring is fresh and of good quality. The other ingredients — dill, onions and vinegar — are easy to find in most supermarkets. If you prefer regional produce, you can also turn to local markets that offer fresh herbs and vegetables. This attention to freshness is a hallmark of good Swedish cuisine.
Preparing the dish
Before you begin making the Sill i Dill, it is important to prepare all the ingredients. Wash the dill thoroughly and chop it finely to draw out its full aroma. The onions should be cut into thin rings so they distribute evenly through the dish later on. Depending on your preference, cut the herring into pieces or fillet it to make the preparation easier.
Step-by-step instructions
- Bring the water, vinegar and sugar to the boil in a pan until the sugar has completely dissolved.
- Add the onion rings and let the mixture simmer for a few minutes.
- Place the herring in a jar or bowl and pour the warm marinade over it.
- Add the finely chopped dill and season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Let the dish rest in the fridge for at least two hours before serving.
Gluten-free / lactose-free version
The good news is that Sill i Dill is naturally gluten-free and lactose-free. You can enjoy this dish without a second thought, even if you have a gluten or lactose intolerance. Just take care that every ingredient you use — especially the vinegar — is also free from gluten. That way, nothing stands in the way of carefree enjoyment.
Tips for vegans and vegetarians
If you would like to offer vegans or vegetarians a similar experience, you can replace the herring with marinated tofu or aubergine. These alternatives take on the marinade well while still offering an interesting texture. You can also adapt the dill sauce with a plant-based cream or yoghurt base to keep the creamy element. Experiment with the seasonings to reach the flavour you are after.
More tips and tricks
A few simple tips can help you get the very best from your Sill i Dill. Use fresh herbs and spices to intensify the aroma. Let the dish rest overnight in the fridge so the flavours deepen even further. The choice of serving dish can make a difference too — present it in an attractive bowl or on a rustic wooden board for an appealing experience.
Adapting the recipe to your taste
The recipe for Sill i Dill is easy to adapt to different tastes and preferences. Experiment with different types of vinegar to create new flavours, or add spices such as mustard or peppercorns to give the dish a special note. If you like it sweeter, you can increase the amount of sugar or even add a little honey. Be creative and tailor the recipe to your own personal preferences!
Ingredient substitutions
If you do not have fresh ingredients to hand, many of the components used here are easy to replace. For example, you can use frozen herring, thawed well beforehand. The white wine vinegar can be swapped for apple cider vinegar or another mild vinegar, while fresh dill can also be replaced with dried herbs. Adjustments like these help you make the recipe work even with limited ingredients — much like the flexible approach behind a good Sillsallad.
Drink pairing ideas
When choosing drinks to go with Sill i Dill, light, refreshing options are the way to go. A well-chilled Swedish aquavit pairs superbly with this dish and complements the flavours perfectly. Alternatively, a fruity white wine or a sparkling water with lemon makes a refreshing companion. For an alcohol-free option, a fruity mocktail that echoes the fresh flavours of the dish works beautifully.
Serving and presentation ideas
The presentation of Sill i Dill can considerably enhance the dining experience. Serve the dish in a lovely, deep bowl and decorate it with fresh dill sprigs and a few onion rings. Accentuate the colours with slices of lemon or lime. Place the dish on a wooden board and add some crisp bread variations — a slice of Knaeckebroed is ideal — to create a rustic, inviting atmosphere.
A bit of history
Sill i Dill has its roots in Swedish tradition and is a firm fixture at every Scandinavian festive celebration. The practice of pickling herring reaches back to the Middle Ages, when it was an important source of protein. Over the years, dill became the favoured herb in Swedish cooking because it pairs so well with fish dishes. This combination of herring and dill is not only delicious but also a piece of culture and tradition on the table, sitting alongside classics like Gravad Lax.
More recipe ideas
- Gravad Lax – cured salmon with dill
- Koettbullar – Swedish meatballs
- Silltallrik – a herring platter
- Knaeckebroed – Swedish crispbread
- Kanelbullar – cinnamon buns
Summary: Sill i Dill
In summary, Sill i Dill is a true highlight of Swedish cuisine. This hearty, aromatic marinade delights not only fish lovers but everyone who treasures Swedish tradition. Whether served as a starter or a side, Sill i Dill brings Sweden to the table and creates unforgettable moments of flavour. Give it a try and let the variety of its aromas win you over!
