Beef Salad

Beef Salad with a Personal Touch

I propose a delicious and comforting recipe that, although often associated with festive meals, can be enjoyed any day. We are talking about the famous beef salad, a perfect combination of boiled vegetables, meat, and mayonnaise, which delights the taste buds and brings a touch of nostalgia. In the version I will present, I will show you how to prepare it both with and without meat, to suit your preferences.

Preparation time: 30 minutes
Cooking time: 30 minutes
Total time: 1 hour
Servings: 6-8

Ingredients:
- 3 medium carrots
- 1 small kohlrabi
- 200 g chicken (preferably boiled from broth)
- 2 medium potatoes
- 100 g pickles
- 1 can of peas (optional)
- Salt, to taste
- Pepper, to taste
- 1-2 tablespoons mustard
- 2 egg yolks
- 200 ml oil (preferably sunflower oil)
- Vinegar or lemon juice (optional, for a tangy taste)

A Bit of History:
Beef salad has its origins in a classic French recipe, but it has evolved over time, adapting to the tastes and ingredients available in various cultures. It is a versatile dish, perfect for special occasions, but also for a family dinner.

Step by Step:

1. Preparing the ingredients:
Start by peeling the carrots, kohlrabi, and potatoes. Cut the potatoes and carrots into small cubes for quicker boiling. You can slice the kohlrabi thinly, and shred the chicken into small pieces.

2. Boiling the vegetables:
Put a large pot of water to boil. When the water is boiling, add the carrots, kohlrabi, and potatoes. Boil the vegetables for about 15-20 minutes, or until tender. If using chicken, you can add the pieces of meat to boil to blend the flavors.

3. Boiling the peas:
If you choose to use canned peas, you can skip this step. If you prefer fresh peas, add them to the pot a few minutes before turning off the heat.

4. Making the mayonnaise:
In a bowl, crack the two egg yolks and gradually add the oil, whisking constantly with a whisk or mixer. Add salt, pepper, mustard, and if desired, a little vinegar or lemon juice for a tangy flavor. The mayonnaise is ready when it has a creamy and uniform consistency.

5. Assembling the salad:
Once the vegetables are boiled, drain them well and let them cool. Once cooled, chop them finely, along with the chicken and pickles. In a large bowl, combine all the ingredients and add the prepared mayonnaise. Gently mix to avoid crushing the vegetables.

6. Seasoning:
Taste the mixture and adjust the flavor with salt, pepper, and mustard, as preferred. If you feel the salad needs a bit more acidity, you can add a drop of vinegar or lemon juice.

7. Serving:
Once the salad is well mixed, transfer it to a platter and decorate it with a little mayonnaise on top or slices of pickles. You can also add a few olives for a more elegant appearance.

Practical Tips:
- Make sure the vegetables are well boiled, but don’t overdo it, so they don’t turn into puree.
- If you prefer a vegetarian version, you can omit the meat and add more vegetables, such as peppers or celery.
- Beef salad can be kept in the refrigerator for up to 3 days, but it is recommended to consume it fresh.

Frequently Asked Questions:
- Can I use store-bought mayonnaise? Yes, you can use store-bought mayonnaise if you don’t have time to make it at home.
- How can I make the salad more filling? Add more vegetables or use sweet potatoes for a different taste.
- Can beef salad be frozen? It is not recommended to freeze beef salad, as the vegetables may alter when thawed.

Delicious Combinations:
This beef salad pairs perfectly with fresh bread, but you can also serve it alongside a warm soup, such as chicken noodle soup. Additionally, a glass of white wine or a light cocktail can perfectly complement the meal.

Calories and Nutritional Benefits:
A serving of beef salad (about 200 g) has around 250-300 calories, depending on the amount of mayonnaise used. It is a good source of vitamins and minerals, thanks to the vegetables, and protein, due to the chicken.

In conclusion, beef salad is a truly versatile and delicious dish, easy to customize according to your preferences. Whether you prepare it for a special occasion or simply to enjoy a healthy meal, this recipe will surely delight you. Enjoy your meal!