Silodka Pod Shuboy: Herring, Potato, Beet Salad

Literally, "Herring in an overcoat", this is a Russian favorite. The presentation is absolutely beautiful too. Personally, I do not eat herring at all, but since everyone else around here does... Recipe is adapted from the one found at russianfoods.com

• Ready In: 50 mins
• Serves: 8

Ingredients

• 2 -3  herring fillets, thick and salted
• 4  potatoes
• 5  carrots
• 4  beets
• 6  eggs
• 400  g mayonnaise
• 1  onion, sliced thin (optional)

Directions

1. Boil vegetables until they are tender, but not mushy. The original recipe says it can all be done in one pan, but I am skeptical. Peel and cool.
2. Hardboil the eggs. Chop 4; grind the 5th and set it aside.
3. Skin and bone the herring. Cut into little pieces, checking for bones.
4. Take an attractive bowl (oval is nice, glass is nicest, so that the layers show) and place herring pieces on the bottom. Top with onions if you like them. Spread with a thin layer of mayonnaise.
5. Grind or mash the potatoes. Spread on top. Top with another thin layer of mayonnaise. Use a fork to plane the layers.
6. Grind/mash the carrots. Spread on top, with thin layer of mayonnaise. Plan the layers again.
7. Then you do the same with 4 eggs and beets.
8. After the beets, spread with a generous layer of mayonnaise.
9. Top with the grated hardboiled egg.
10. The whole thing should be beautiful, almost like a layer cake.
11. Put in fridge for an hour or more to blend flavors.
12. Serve with vodka, of course!