How To Prepare Haitian Style Smoked Herring (Aransel)
Deliciously prepared Haitian Style Smoked Herring (Aransel) to enjoy for breakfast or lunch.
Servings 4 Servings
Equipment
- Saucepan
Ingredients
- 6-7 Pieces Smoked Herring Desalted; see instructions below
- 12 Cups Water Divided; to remove the salt from the fish
- 1 Small Onion Sliced and divided
- 2 Garlic Cloves Minced
- ⅓ Cup Chopped Or Sliced Bell Peppers Divided; We used mini sweet bell peppers
- 2 Tbsp. Fresh Parsley Chopped
- 2 Tbsp. Olive Oil
- 4 Tbsp. Tomato Paste
- 3 Cups Water Divided; For the sauce
- 1 ⅛ Tsp. Kosher Salt Or to taste
- ½ Tsp. Ground Black Pepper Or to taste
- 3 Whole Cloves Or 1 Tsp. Allspice
- 1 Tsp. Cayenne Pepper Optional
- Juice from 1 lemon
Instructions
- Remove the salt: First, boil the herring pieces with 4 cups of water for about 5 minutes over medium high heat. Drain the water and repeat the process 2 more times. This will help desalt the fish. Once finished, set the fish aside. Prep your ingredients: Slice one small 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 over medium high heat. 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. Stir occasionally. Next, add in the garlic and tomato paste. Slowly add in 1 cup of water. Stir well to combine.
- Add the Seasoning: When the ingredients are combined, add in the remaining 2 cups of water followed by salt, pepper, and the parsley. Mix well. Then add 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.
Video
Notes
How To De-salt Smoked Herring:
Smoked herring is very salty. There are a few ways to reduce the sodium or even remove the salt from the fish.
Calories are estimated per serving.
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- 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.
- Boiling: If you are press for time, you can boil the fish. Again, this process is best preformed at least 3 times.
- 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.