Śledź pod Pierzynką - Herring Under Fur Coat

Place unpeeled potatoes, carrots, and beets in separate pots of cold salted water.

Bring each pot to boil, cook potatoes 20 minutes, carrots 25 minutes, beets 40-50 minutes until fork-tender.

In another pot, place eggs in cold water, bring to boil, cook 10 minutes for hard-boiled.

Once cooked, drain all vegetables, rinse eggs in cold water, let everything cool to room temperature.

While vegetables cool, drain herring fillets well, pat dry with paper towels to remove excess oil.

Chop herring into small pieces, about 1cm cubes, removing any visible bones.

Peel cooled potatoes, grate on large holes of box grater into bowl.

Peel cooled carrots and beets separately, grate each on large holes - keep beets separate to prevent color bleeding.

Peel eggs, separate whites from yolks, grate whites and yolks separately on fine grater.

Peel onion, dice very finely or grate, briefly rinse under cold water to reduce sharpness, pat dry.

Peel apple, remove core, grate on medium holes, immediately sprinkle with lemon juice to prevent browning.

Now begin layering in large rectangular serving dish or individual portions.

First layer: spread chopped herring evenly across bottom of dish, covering entire surface.

Second layer: scatter diced onion over herring, distributing evenly.

Third layer: spread all grated potatoes over onion, press gently, spread thin layer of mayonnaise on top.

Fourth layer: distribute grated apple evenly, smooth mayo layer over apple.

Fifth layer: spread all grated carrots, press gently, add thin mayo layer.

Sixth layer: sprinkle grated egg whites evenly over carrots, add mayo layer.

Final layer: carefully spread all grated beets on top, creating even purple blanket covering everything.

Spread remaining mayonnaise in thin even layer over beets, smoothing with offset spatula.

Decorate top with grated egg yolks, creating decorative pattern or writing.

Cover dish with plastic wrap, refrigerate for at least 4 hours, preferably overnight for flavors to meld.

Before serving, optionally garnish with fresh dill sprigs or lemon slices around edges.

Cut into squares and serve cold as appetizer or side dish.