Fried Herrings with Oatmeal and a Beetroot Relish recipe | Delia Smith

Ingredients

• 2 medium-sized herrings weighing 10-12 oz (275-350 g) each when whole, boned
• 3 oz (75 g) pinhead oatmeal (coarse oatmeal)
• 2 heaped tablespoons seasoned plain flour
• 1 large egg, beaten
• 2 tablespoons lard or flavourless oil
• salt and freshly milled black pepper
• 6 oz (175 g) cooked beetroot, chopped into ¼ inch (5 mm) dice
• 2 shallots, peeled and finely chopped
• 4 cornichons (baby gherkins), finely chopped
• 1 heaped tablespoon salted capers, rinsed and drained
• 1 dessertspoon red wine vinegar
• 1 level dessertspoon good-quality mayonnaise
• a little chopped fresh parsley, to serve
• a few sprigs fresh flat-leaf parsley
• a few lime wedges