Shuba (Herring under fur coat)

Shuba: The Colorful "Herring Under a Fur Coat"

Let’s talk about Shuba! This colorful, layered salad isn’t just a dish—it’s like a cozy winter sweater for your taste buds. Known as "Herring Under a Fur Coat," or Селёдка под шубой in Russian, Shuba is a delightful combination of flavors, textures, and traditions that’s been warming hearts and tables for generations. Ready to dive in?

A Tale as Sweet as Beets: The Origins of Shuba

Once upon a time, in the early 20th century, a clever Russian merchant named Anastas Bogomilov dreamed of creating a dish that could bring people together. And voila, Shuba was born! Its name, meaning "fur coat," is a cute way to describe its top layer—a cozy, vibrant blanket of beets covering a medley of ingredients below.

Shuba quickly became a superstar of Soviet-era kitchens, thanks to its simple ingredients and festive charm. It’s especially popular during New Year’s celebrations, where it’s often the life of the party alongside its bestie, Olivier Salad. Today, Shuba continues to be a symbol of family, love, and good times.

What Makes Shuba So Special?

Shuba is all about layers—literally! Each one brings something unique to the table, and together, they create a magical blend of sweet, salty, and creamy flavors. Here’s what you’ll find tucked inside this delicious "fur coat":

• Salted Herring: The salty, briny hero of the dish.

• Potatoes: Soft and starchy, like a warm hug.

• Carrots: Sweet and cheerful.

• Hard-Boiled Eggs: Rich and oh-so-satisfying.

• Beets: The star of the show, adding sweetness and that iconic pinkish-purple hue.

• Mayonnaise: The glue that holds it all together (and makes it extra creamy!).

• Onions: A little crunch and a lot of zing.

Let’s Make Some Shuba!

Get your apron on and prepare to have fun—making Shuba is like crafting an edible work of art. Here’s how to do it:

Ingredients:

• 300g salted herring fillets, finely chopped

• 3 medium potatoes, boiled and peeled

• 2 medium carrots, boiled and peeled

• 2 medium beets, boiled and peeled

• 3 hard-boiled eggs

• 1 small onion, finely chopped

• 200g mayonnaise

• A pinch of love (optional, but highly recommended!)

Instructions:

1. Grate and Chop: Grate the potatoes, carrots, beets, and eggs into separate bowls. Finely chop the onion and herring.

2. Layer It Up:

   • Start with a fluffy layer of grated potatoes on the bottom of your serving dish.

   • Add a layer of herring, then sprinkle on the onions like confetti.

   • Spread a thin layer of mayonnaise over the onions to lock in all the yumminess.

   • Next, add the grated carrots and another light layer of mayonnaise.

   • Follow with the grated eggs and more mayo—you’re building a masterpiece here!

   • Finally, crown your creation with a thick, gorgeous layer of grated beets. Smooth on a final coat of mayonnaise to make it look extra fancy.

3. Chill Time: Cover your Shuba and let it chill in the fridge for at least 4 hours (overnight is even better). This gives all those lovely flavors time to mingle.

4. Serve and Enjoy: Bring your Shuba to the table and watch everyone’s eyes light up. Garnish with fresh dill or parsley for extra flair.

Shuba: The Salad That Feels Like a Hug

Whether you’re making it for a holiday feast or just because, Shuba is guaranteed to bring a smile to your face. It’s a dish that’s as fun to make as it is to eat, with layers of flavor and history wrapped up in every bite. So, grab your grater and get ready to create your own little fur-coated masterpiece—you’ll be the star of your next gathering!