Beef salad with boiled beef

Beef Salad with Beef Brisket

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

Who hasn’t heard of beef salad? This classic dish, full of flavors and textures, is a true favorite at festive meals and beyond. While there are numerous variations of the recipe, today I will present a delicious version based on tender beef brisket that gives it an unmistakable taste. Beef salad is often associated with moments of joy, parties, and family gatherings, and its customization allows you to add a unique touch.

Ingredients needed:

- 600 g beef brisket
- 4-5 large red potatoes
- 4 medium carrots
- 1 small celery
- 1 onion (for boiling the brisket)
- 1 jar of peas (approximately 400 g)
- 4-5 pickled cucumbers
- 3 pickled bell peppers
- 3-4 tablespoons mayonnaise (preferably homemade)
- Salt and pepper to taste
- For decoration:
- 2 tablespoons mayonnaise
- Ketchup
- Fresh parsley, chopped

Preparation:

1. Boiling the brisket: Start by placing the beef brisket in a large pot, covered with cold water. Add a whole onion (which will give a wonderful flavor), the carrots, and the celery cut into large pieces. Season with salt and let it boil over medium heat for about 60 minutes, or until the meat is tender. It is important to remove the foam that forms during boiling to obtain a clear broth.

2. Boiling the vegetables: In another pot, place the potatoes (with skin) to boil in salted water. Let them boil for about 20 minutes, until they can be easily pierced with a fork. Once boiled, let them cool slightly, then peel and cut into cubes.

3. Preparing the vegetables: After the brisket is boiled, remove it from the pot and let it cool. The carrots and celery boiled in the broth are taken out and cut into cubes, just like the brisket. It is important to have all the ingredients cut uniformly to achieve a homogeneous and aesthetically pleasing salad.

4. Mixing the ingredients: In a large bowl, combine the potato cubes, carrots, celery, drained peas, diced cucumbers, and bell peppers. Add the diced beef brisket, salt, and pepper to taste. This is the moment when you can adjust the spices so that the salad is to your liking.

5. Adding the mayonnaise: Put the mayonnaise in the bowl and mix all the ingredients well. Make sure each ingredient is coated with mayonnaise, but don't overdo it, so as not to weigh down the salad. Transfer the mixture to a large bowl and, for a more appealing look, add a little mayonnaise on top, smoothing it with a spatula.

6. Decorating the salad: In a small bowl, combine the remaining two tablespoons of mayonnaise with ketchup and a pinch of pepper. Use this mixture to decorate the beef salad. Sprinkle chopped fresh parsley for an extra touch of color and flavor.

7. Chilling the dish: Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and let the salad chill in the refrigerator for about 2 hours. This resting time will allow the flavors to combine and become even more delicious.

Helpful tips:

- Beef brisket: Make sure to choose a quality cut of meat with a moderate fat content to achieve a tender and juicy texture.
- Mayonnaise: If you want to make mayonnaise at home, use an egg at room temperature, sunflower oil, and a dash of mustard for a special flavor.
- Customization options: You can add chopped hard-boiled eggs or green olives for an extra touch. Also, replace pickled cucumbers with fresh ones for a crunchier salad.

Nutritional benefits: Beef salad is rich in protein due to the beef and contains a variety of vegetables that provide important vitamins and minerals. Potatoes provide healthy carbohydrates, and mayonnaise, depending on the ingredients used, can add healthy fats to your diet.

Frequently asked questions:

- Can I use chicken or pork instead of beef?
Of course! You can adapt the recipe to your personal preferences. Boiled chicken or even fish can be excellent alternatives.

- How can I make the salad lighter?
Use Greek yogurt instead of mayonnaise or reduce the amount of mayonnaise added while still keeping a delicious taste.

- What can I serve with beef salad?
This salad pairs perfectly with fresh or toasted bread and can be accompanied by a glass of dry white wine or a refreshing lemonade.

In conclusion, beef salad with beef brisket is a versatile dish, full of tradition and flavor, perfect for any occasion. Experiment with the ingredients and customize the recipe to make it truly yours! Enjoy!