One of the first English phrases my dad learned when we moved to America came from an X-Files episode. The phrase was “step by step.” He still loves it. As promised, here’s the recipe for one of the Eastern European dishes featured in my Twisted Thanksgiving post, explained to my dad’s liking, step by step.
Translated from Russian, it’s called Herring Fillet in a Fur Coat because it’s fish, dressed in many layers. My mom learned how to make this from a Ukrainian chef years ago. There’s a method to this madness because the layers are interchangeable: salty & sweet, salty & sweet…
If the sight of mayo makes you want to hurl, feel free to skip this post. No hard feelings.
So…
First, meticulously dice up enough herring fillet to cover the bottom of a large plate.
Next, chop up an onion and evenly distribute it on top of the herring.
Generously sprinkle douse the plate with olive oil and vinegar.
Next, thinly shred a medium boiled potato and spread it out evenly.
Here comes the grossness, a layer of mayonnaise. My mom uses the Russian kind, which believe me, is even more disgusting than your good old American mayo.
Then a layer of a boiled shredded carrots.
Followed by a layer of shredded dill pickles.
After the pickles comes my favorite layer: boiled beets.
Which then get coated with another layer of mayo…
And the final (I promise) layer consists of shredded boiled eggs.
And just for kicks:
The final result is unhealthily delicious 
Does your family have a special recipe for a particular dish?
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oh what I would’ve give to be that herring fillet.
Haha, I love the unexpected educational benefits of The X-Files. David Duchovny actually goes to my gym, for real!
That is one dressy fish that looks delish!
Love it! I’ve never had herring so I’m a little sketch on it but I would totally try it. I’m down with mayo every so often.
That thing is crazy! As you kept adding layers, my eyes kept getting bigger. What an interesting combination – I want to give that a try!
that looks awesome
I’ve never heard of it! At least it’s colorful – that’s healthy, right?
Ugh I do hate mayo but I love seeing family recipes, especially when they hail from a foreign country. I just found out I’m part Russian
And that egg flower is so cute!
Haha, what a charming recipe.
I’m not a big fan of mayo, but I’d definitely try this!
That looks tasty, I love sweet and sour! You should make it for your parents with Greek Yogurt instead of mayo and see what they think!
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No lie, when it got to the second layer of mayo I was thinking: NO WAYYYY. So when I come over, I need Mama Desh and yo G-ma to feed me (PLEASE). I obviously want this due to the cutely cut eggs and the boiled carrots. Can we have an Eastern European cooking session over break? We’ll discuss.
No doubt.