beef salad

Beef Salad – a classic recipe with a flavorful history

Beef salad is an iconic dish often associated with holidays and festive meals. This salad brings together a delicious combination of ingredients, based on boiled vegetables, meat, and creamy mayonnaise. Over time, this recipe has been adapted in many ways, with each housewife adding a personal touch. Indulge in a dish that is not only tasty but also visually appealing!

Preparation time: 30 minutes
Cooking time: 40 minutes
Total time: 1 hour and 10 minutes
Number of servings: 6-8 servings

Necessary ingredients:

- 5-6 medium potatoes
- 4 large carrots
- 4 eggs
- 5-6 pickles (of suitable size)
- 1 chicken breast (approximately 300g) or 3 cans of tuna
- 1 sweet apple (of any preferred variety)
- A small can of boiled peas
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 3 teaspoons of mustard
- Homemade mayonnaise (approximately 300-400g, or to taste)
- Olives to taste (half a jar of 400g is ideal)

Preparing beef salad is a creative activity. Whether you make it for a festive meal or simply to treat yourself, each step will bring a smile to your face and your loved ones.

Step by step:

1. Boiling the ingredients: Start by peeling the potatoes and carrots. Cut the potatoes into large cubes for even cooking. Fill a large pot with water, add a pinch of salt, and bring it to a boil. Once the water is boiling, add the carrots and potatoes. Don’t forget to add the eggs, ensuring they are well covered. Boil the eggs for about 10 minutes, then carefully remove them.

2. Managing boiling times: After 10 minutes, remove the eggs and let them cool. Continue checking the potatoes after 15-20 minutes. When they are cooked, drain them and let them cool. The carrots will take about 25-30 minutes, so at the end, drain them and let them cool.

3. Preparing the vegetables: In the meantime, finely chop the pickles and let them drain in a small bowl. This is an important step to avoid excess soup in the salad. Chop the apple finely or grate it.

4. Preparing the mayonnaise: Use one boiled egg and one raw egg to prepare the mayonnaise. In a bowl, mix the boiled yolk with the raw one, add salt and mustard. Mix well until you get a smooth paste, then gradually add the oil. While continuing to whisk, add a little lemon juice. This will add a wonderful flavor and help thicken the mayonnaise.

5. Chopping the ingredients: Once the vegetables and chicken breast have cooled, chop them finely. If using canned tuna, drain it well. In a large bowl, mix the potatoes, carrots, chicken breast or tuna, apple, peas, pickles, and olives.

6. Combining the ingredients: Add the mayonnaise (leaving some for decoration) and carefully mix everything so that all the ingredients combine evenly. The taste can be adjusted with salt and pepper, to preference.

7. Serving: Place the salad on a platter and decorate with the remaining mayonnaise, slices of olives, or even a few fresh parsley leaves. This salad is perfect served alongside toasted bread or even with a side of pickles.

Useful tips:

- Variations: You can adapt the recipe by adding various vegetables, such as celery or bell peppers. Also, for a crunchy note, add chopped nuts.
- Mayonnaise: If you want a lighter version, use Greek yogurt instead of mayonnaise. This way, you'll get a healthier salad that is still delicious.
- Cook with love: Cooking is an art, and each recipe is an opportunity to create memories. Add the ingredients you love the most and transform this salad into a unique one.

Frequently asked questions:

1. Can I use frozen vegetables? Yes, frozen vegetables can be used, but make sure to thaw and drain them well before adding them to the salad.
2. How can I store the salad? Beef salad can be stored in the refrigerator in an airtight container, but it is recommended to consume it within 2-3 days to maintain its freshness.
3. What drinks pair well? Beef salad pairs wonderfully with a glass of dry white wine or a refreshing lemonade that brings a pleasant contrast.

Nutrition: Beef salad is an excellent combination of carbohydrates from vegetables, proteins from meat or tuna, and healthy fats from mayonnaise. It provides a balanced meal, rich in vitamins and minerals, perfect for a healthy diet.

Enjoy your meal! Savor every bite of this classic salad that brings together tradition and culinary innovation, adding a touch of joy to your table!