Whether you’re a huge fan of Smoked Herring (Aranso or Aransel), or just want to try something new, this recipe for Haitian Aransel is for fish and seafood lovers.

haitian smoked herring sauce in white bowl

Tossed through sautéed onions and garlic, then finishes in a rich stew, this is one of the many easy ways to enjoy salt herring.

As part of the salt-fish family, smoked herring is quite popular in the Caribbean. This fish can be served in various ways; from breakfast to late-lunch or early dinner, this recipe falls in line with Haitian cuisine.

Herring Fish: What Fish Are In The Herring Family?

Classified by two names based on their region, the scientific name for herring that’s found in the north Atlantic is called Clupea harengus. While the scientific name for salt herring that’s found in the Pacific is called Clupea pallasii.

Smoked herring is first salted then smoked to preserve it before selling it at the supermarket. Herring is a forage fish and belong to the Clupeidae Family. Other fish that are included are hilsa, menhadens, sardines, and shads.

Where To Buy Aransel (Salt Herring)

You can purchase smoked herring at the international store. They are either sold fresh, dried, or frozen.

Depending on your region, you can purchase smoked herring whole with skin and bones, or as fillet and are typically boneless.

How To Prep

Smoked herring is very salty. There are a few ways to reduce the sodium or even remove the salt from the fish.

Soaking: You can soak pieces of herring in water for an hour. Drain the water, and repeat the process a few times, or an hour at a time. Typically, the salt is removed after soaking it three times.

Boiling: If you are press for time, you can boil the fish. Again, this process is best preformed at least 3 times. Especially if you suffer from high cholesterol.

Overnight Soaking: Your last option is to fill a bowl with water and allow the fish to soak overnight. When ready to use drain the water and rinse the fish a few times. This process will remove most of the salt.

Haitian Aranso Cooking Method (Sos / Stew)

There are a few ways you can make smoked herring. However, In Haiti, smoked herring or aranso / arasel is prepared mainly as a stew (sos) and served with boiled plantain, eggs (Haitian Eggs), and spaghetti, and sometimes fried.

The full recipe with the exact measurements is listed below in the recipe card.

Here’s what you’ll need to make Haitian Aransel:

Herring: You’ll need about 6 to 7 pieces.

First, boil the herring pieces with 4 cups of water for about 5 minutes. Drain the water and repeat the process 2 more times. This will help desalt the fish. Once finished, set it aside.

Prep your ingredients: Slice one onion or half an onion. Mince your garlic, chop ⅓ cup bell peppers (we used mini sweet bell peppers), and 2 tablespoon fresh parsley. Sit the ingredients aside.

Prepare the sauce aranso: In a small to medium size saucepan or medium size skillet deep enough to hold about 3 cups of liquid, add 2 tablespoon of olive oil. When heated, add in half of the sliced onions. Allow to cook for about 1 minute, then add in the herring. Continue to cook for about 2 minutes.

Next, add in the garlic and tomato paste. Slowly add in 1 cup of water. Stir well to combine. When the ingredients are combined, add in the remaining 2 cups of water followed by salt and the parsley. Mix well.

Add the Seasoning: Next add in the salt and pepper, 3 whole cloves (optional, but can use allspice if preferred), 1 teaspoon cayenne pepper, juice from ½ lemon, and add in the rest of the onions and bell peppers. Reduce the heat to medium low and allow to simmer for about 8-10 minutes.

Serve warm with plantains or white rice. Enjoy.

Frequently Asked Questions(FAQs)

As you prepare this recipe, you may come across some questions. Listed below are some of the frequently asked questions when it comes to preparing and serving this fish.

What’s the best way to eat herring?

As stated above, herring can be served in several ways. It is often enjoyed with rice, plantains, and eggs. You can fry it or sauté it with onions and garlic to be served as a side dish.

What do you eat with herring?

You can enjoy herring with bread, or white rice. It is also great with plantains (boiled or fried). It’s also delicious with Polenta or Haitian mayi moulin.

In addition, you can also enjoy with baked potatoes or with these air fryer sweet potato fries.

Can I eat herring raw?

You can eat smoked herring without “cooking it”. However, it is very salty. We highly recommend desalting the fish first prior to eating it or preparing it as a side dish.