Bleak. A small, elongated, white-fleshed fish, abundant in lakes and quiet waterways. Its scales, which are thin and silvery, come away easily. The flesh of the pond bleak is of poor quality, but that of the river variety is fairly good, although it is full of little bones. It is about 15 cm (6 inches) long and invariably served fried.

The delicate, pink roe of the bleak or vendace. These fish are small, so the work involved in providing this delicacy is huge.

A small sandwich of bleak roe served with lemon and chives.

Onion dressing made by mixing grated onion with vinaigrette.

Fried onions

Onion casserole

Onion pie

Onion sauce

Pickled herring and onions.