Book of Days Tales

On this date in 1991, Estonia declared its independence from the Soviet bloc in the wake of the USSR dissolving. The Baltic States had been actively pressing for independence for several years through peaceful demonstrations such as the Baltic Way and the Singing Revolution.  Estonian cuisine shares many features with the other Baltic States and with Slavic cooking in general.  Rosolje, beet and potato salad, stands out, however.  Do not trust recipes that omit the pickled herrings !!!  All the main ingredients should be diced to the same size. 

Ingredients

    500 gm cooked beetroot, peeled and chopped

    I medium red onion, peeled and chopped

    100 gm dill pickles, chopped

    500 gm cooked potatoes peeled and chopped

    1 green apple peeled and chopped

    100 ml sour cream

    100 ml mayonnaise

    1 tbsp prepared mild mustard

    1 tbsp prepared horseradish

    260 gm pickled herring, chopped

    salt

    3 hard-boiled eggs, peeled and cut in half

    parsley for garnish, optional

Combine the beetroot, onion, potatoes, pickles, herring, and apple in a large mixing bowl.  Mix well. In a separate bowl beat together the sour cream, mayonnaise, mustard, and horseradish until the sauce is smooth and creamy.  Add this sauce to the vegetables and herring and toss well.  Refrigerate for at least one hour.  Serve on a platter topped with boiled eggs and parsley.