Shuba
Shuba is a colorful layered salad of salty herring, tender vegetables, egg, and creamy mayonnaise. The sweet earthiness of beetroot and carrot balances the briny fish, while the potato makes it hearty and satisfying.
Ingredients
Vegetable and egg layers
- 180 gcooked beetroot
- 160 gcooked potato
- 100 gcooked carrot
- 2 largeegg
Herring layer
- 120 gsalted herring fillets
- 50 gsmall onion
Dressing and finish
- 90 gmayonnaise
- 5 mllemon juice
- 1 gblack pepper
- 5 gfresh dill
Instructions
- 1
Bring a small saucepan of water to a boil. Add the eggs and simmer for 9 minutes. Cool under cold running water, then peel. While the eggs cook, finely dice the onion, chop the herring fillets into small bite-size pieces, and check carefully for any remaining bones.
- 2
Grate the cooked beetroot, cooked potato, cooked carrot, and peeled eggs on the coarse side of a grater into separate piles. If the beetroot seems wet, squeeze it lightly so the salad keeps clean layers instead of bleeding too much.
- 3
Mix the diced onion with the lemon juice and let it stand for 5 minutes to soften its sharpness. This quick cure makes the flavor milder and more balanced for a beginner-friendly Shuba.
- 4
On two small plates or in one small serving dish, make the first layer with the grated potato, pressing it down lightly into an even base. Spread a thin layer of mayonnaise over it; using the back of a spoon or a piping bag helps keep the layers neat.
- 5
Add the chopped herring evenly over the potato, then scatter the softened onion on top. Cover with a little mayonnaise, spreading gently so the fish layer stays in place.
- 6
Layer on the grated carrot, then the grated eggs, adding a thin coating of mayonnaise after each layer. Finish with the grated beetroot as the top layer, then cover the surface with the remaining mayonnaise. Grind black pepper over the top.
- 7
Rest the salad for 5 minutes so the layers settle and the flavors meld slightly. Garnish with finely chopped fresh dill and serve chilled or at cool room temperature.
Nutrition per serving
Notes
- •Using pre-cooked beetroot, potato, and carrot keeps the recipe within 30 minutes and makes it beginner-friendly.
- •If the herring is very salty, rinse it briefly in cold water and pat dry before chopping.
- •For the neatest presentation, assemble the salad in a ring mold or small glass dish.
- •Shuba tastes even better after a longer chill, but a short 5-minute rest is enough for serving within the time limit.
Background
Shuba, often known as 'herring under a fur coat,' is a classic layered salad from the Russian and broader post-Soviet table. It became especially popular in the 20th century as an affordable festive dish made from preserved fish, root vegetables, eggs, and mayonnaise. Today it remains a staple for holidays and family gatherings.
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