Herring under a fur coat

Russian herring under a fur coat
Russian herring under a fur coat

In the USSR, salted herring with onions was a universal way to arrange a quick holiday. But, of course, they used this fish for more intricate dishes. Herring went everywhere in Russian cuisine: in vinaigrette, in forshmak, “under a fur coat” Herring was a favorite snack both in the homes of the party elite and in workers’ barracks on the outskirts. Maybe because of its simplicity and cheapness. Maybe because it was on sale in the worst times. Or maybe because herring and vodka for the Soviet people by that time had long been inseparable concepts. Such as the homeland and socialism, the party and Lenin. However, people in Russia loved herring even before socialism. It seems that she has always been.

Herring in Russian, Mazur Nikolay
Herring in Russian, Mazur Nikolay

History of Herring under a fur coat

It is believed that the author of the Russian salad “Herring under a fur coat” was the merchant Anastas Bogomilov, who at the beginning of the 20th century was the owner of a network of Moscow canteens and taverns. Then, in a difficult revolutionary time, the guests of taverns drank too much and began to behave aggressively, leading loud disputes about the fate of the country. Bogomilov was certainly not happy with the fights. First of all, because of the solid bills of the couple for broken dishes and damaged furniture.

Artist Petrov-Vodkin still life with herring
Artist Petrov-Vodkin still life with herring

Then the merchant came up with the idea to create a dish that would slow down the process of intoxication and would become a symbol of uniting people.

Herring under a fur coat
Dyachenko Alena. Still life with herring

The ingredients were carefully selected. The main component was the food of the proletarians herring. Bogomilov decided to supplement it with potatoes, onions, carrots, and decorate the top with a layer of grated beets, as a symbol of the proletarian banner. It is believed that the salad was seasoned with French mayonnaise sauce, so as not to forget about the enemies of the Soviets.
The same herring under a fur coat first appeared on the tables of taverns on the eve of 1919.