Beef salad with eggs

Beef Salad with Eggs: A Holiday Delicacy

Beef salad is a symbol of festive gatherings and culinary joys, being a staple on our tables during holidays. Although it is not a traditional dish in the strict sense, it has perfectly integrated into our gastronomic culture and has become a true favorite. This refined recipe combines vegetables, meat, and eggs in a harmonious way, offering a creamy texture and exquisite taste. Let’s discover together how to prepare this delicious salad, step by step!

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

Ingredients:
- 300 g boiled beef (from a meat broth)
- 2 medium potatoes, boiled
- 100 g boiled green peas
- 4 boiled eggs (3 for the salad, 1 for decoration)
- 1 raw yolk
- 1 teaspoon mustard
- 300 ml sunflower oil (or another vegetable oil)
- 1-2 pickles
- Salt, to taste
- Lemon juice, optional

Preparing the ingredients:
To achieve a perfect salad, it is essential to use fresh, quality ingredients. The beef can be obtained from a meat broth or cooked separately, and the vegetables should be boiled al dente to retain their texture. The potatoes should be boiled but not too soft, and the peas should be well drained. The pickles add a tangy flavor that perfectly complements the salad.

Step 1: Boil the ingredients
Start by boiling the beef, potatoes, and peas. The beef can be boiled together with carrots, celery, and onion for a richer taste. The potatoes should be boiled in salted water to acquire a pleasant flavor. Once all the ingredients are boiled, let them cool.

Step 2: Cutting the ingredients
Once the ingredients have cooled, cut the meat, potatoes, and vegetables into small cubes. If you want to save time, you can use a potato ricer to achieve uniform cubes. This trick will not only save you time but also make the salad look better.

Step 3: Preparing the mayonnaise
To achieve a creamy mayonnaise, mix the boiled yolk with the raw one, mustard, and a pinch of salt. Start adding the oil gradually, continuously mixing with a whisk or hand mixer. The mayonnaise is ready when it becomes a thick, homogeneous emulsion. If you want a lighter texture, you can add a little lemon juice to thin the cream.

Step 4: Assembling the salad
In a large bowl, combine the chopped ingredients: meat, potatoes, peas, and pickles. Add the mayonnaise and mix everything gently so that you don’t crush the ingredients. Adjust the salt and, if desired, add a little lemon juice for a fresher taste.

Step 5: Serving
Transfer the salad to a platter or serving bowl. For a festive look, decorate the salad with slices of boiled egg (from the egg set aside) and, if desired, add a few parsley leaves for a pop of color.

Variations and suggestions:
- Instead of beef, you can use chicken or even smoked fish for a lighter version.
- Add olives or red peppers to give the salad a splash of color and flavor.
- You can enrich the mayonnaise with spices like garlic or horseradish for a spicy note.

Nutritional benefits:
Beef salad is a good source of protein due to the meat and eggs, while the vegetables add essential vitamins and minerals. The potatoes provide carbohydrates, and the mayonnaise, made from oil, offers healthy fats, but it's best to consume the salad in moderation due to its high caloric content.

Frequently asked questions:
1. Can I use frozen vegetables?
Yes, frozen vegetables are an excellent option, but make sure to boil them a little less to prevent them from falling apart.
2. How can I keep the salad fresh longer?
Store the salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator; it can be enjoyed the next day, but for optimal texture, it is recommended to consume it the same day.

To complete this delicious salad, we recommend serving it alongside fresh bread or a glass of dry white wine. With every bite, you will feel how the flavors blend perfectly, turning every meal into a celebration. This salad is not just a culinary dish but also a way to bring family and friends together, creating unforgettable moments. Enjoy your meal!