Forshmak on Rye Toast

If you’ve never had forshmak, you’re in for something a little unusual… and kind of amazing. This salty-sweet-savory mix of herring, apple, and onion may sound like a strange combo, but trust me — it just works.

This is one of those dishes that feels like something your grandma would serve with pride (and you’d sneak seconds of when no one was looking). It’s creamy, tangy, a little bit crunchy, and perfect as a snack or a canapé at your next brunch-y thing.

The base mix is simple: chopped apple, onion, pickled herring, and a boiled egg. You give it a quick blend (but keep some texture!) and then spread it generously over a slice of rye bread. Top with a sprig of dill if you’re feeling fancy, and there you have it: the kind of toast that demands a second bite.

This little spread also plays well with crackers, cucumber rounds, or even just a spoon if no one’s watching.

Bright, punchy, a little nostalgic — forshmak deserves a spot in your snack rotation.

Ingredients:

• 150g pickled herring fillets (boneless and skinless)
• 1 small tart apple (like Granny Smith), peeled and chopped
• 1 small onion, chopped
• 1 hard-boiled egg
• 1–2 tbsp unsalted butter, softened (optional for extra creaminess)
• 1 tsp white vinegar or lemon juice
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• Rye bread, toasted
• Fresh dill, for garnish

Instructions:

1. Roughly chop the herring, apple, onion, and boiled egg. You don’t need to be too precise — it’s all going into the blender or food processor.
2. Add the chopped ingredients to a blender or food processor. Add vinegar (or lemon juice), a bit of softened butter if using, and blend briefly. You want a chunky spread, not a puree — texture is key!
3. Taste the mixture and adjust with a pinch of salt and freshly ground black pepper. If it feels too sharp, a tiny pinch of sugar can help balance it out.
4. Generously spread the forshmak over a slice of toasted rye bread. The deeper the rye flavour, the better it works.
5. Top with a sprig of fresh dill or a few extra slivers of apple or onion if you’re feeling playful.
6. Serve as a snack, brunch canapé, or straight off the spoon when no one’s looking. It also works brilliantly on crackers or cucumber slices for a lighter bite.

Nostalgic, bold, and surprisingly addictive — forshmak is one of those under-the-radar spreads that makes you feel like you’ve discovered a little secret. Give it a try and don’t be surprised if it becomes a regular on your snack board.