POIANA SALAD WITH MUSHROOMS

Poiana Salad with Mushrooms - A Delicacy for the Soul

Discover a recipe that will carry you on the wings of taste and delight you and your loved ones. The Poiana salad with mushrooms is a refined dish, perfect for festive meals, but also for moments when you want to indulge in something special. This salad combines textures and flavors, featuring marinated mushrooms, fresh vegetables, and a delicious mayonnaise dressing. Moreover, it is easy to prepare, and the result is truly impressive.

Preparation time: 30 minutes
Chilling time: 1 hour
Number of servings: 4-6

Ingredients for the marinated mushrooms:
- 500 g fresh mushrooms (champignon)
- 1/3 cup (about 80 g) apple cider vinegar
- 1/2 cup (about 120 g) oil
- 2-3 garlic cloves
- 10 black peppercorns
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 2 teaspoons sugar
- 4 bay leaves

Ingredients for the salad:
- 1 can of whole marinated mushrooms
- 2-3 potatoes
- 2-3 carrots
- 2 eggs
- 100 g cheese
- 1/2 boiled or roasted chicken breast
- 1 bunch of parsley
- 1 bunch of dill
- 2-3 green onion stalks
- Mayonnaise (to taste)

Preparing the marinated mushrooms:
1. Washing and preparing the mushrooms: Start by washing the mushrooms under cold running water. If they are large, cut them in half or quarters for even marination.
2. Preparing the garlic: Use a garlic press to make a fine paste. This step will enhance the garlic flavor in the marinade.
3. Cooking the marinade: In a pot, combine the washed mushrooms, apple cider vinegar, oil, garlic, peppercorns, salt, sugar, and bay leaves. Cover the pot with a lid and place it over moderate heat. Once it starts to boil, reduce the heat to low and let it simmer for 5 minutes.
4. Cooling and storing: Once boiled, let the mushrooms cool, then transfer them to a jar and store them in the refrigerator. These marinated mushrooms are essential for your salad and can also be used in other dishes.

Preparing the salad:
1. Boiling the vegetables: Boil the potatoes, carrots, and eggs in salted water. Once cooked, let them cool. The potatoes and carrots will add sweetness to the salad, while the eggs will provide a creamy texture.
2. Grating: Once cooled, grate the potatoes and carrots using a large grater, each in a separate bowl. Grate the cheese separately to keep the distinct flavors.
3. Preparing the chicken breast: Cut the boiled or roasted chicken breast into small pieces. This will add protein and make the salad more substantial.
4. Chopping the greens: Finely chop the parsley, dill, and green onions. These will give the salad freshness and a vibrant taste.

Assembling the salad:
1. Preparing the dish: Line a dish with plastic wrap to facilitate the unmolding of the salad at the end.
2. Mushroom layer: Arrange the mushrooms with the caps facing down, covering the entire bottom of the dish. This detail will add an elegant look to your salad.
3. Adding the greens: Sprinkle the chopped greens over the mushrooms, bringing a splash of color and flavor.
4. Potato layer: Place the grated potatoes, gently pressing them with your hand to form an even layer. Spread mayonnaise to bind the ingredients.
5. Carrot layer: Add the grated carrots, followed by another layer of mayonnaise.
6. Cheese layer: Evenly distribute the grated cheese and spread more mayonnaise on top.
7. Final layer: Mix the grated eggs with the chicken pieces and mayonnaise, then place them as the final layer. Cover with plastic wrap and let chill for about an hour.

Serving:
After the salad has chilled, carefully remove the plastic wrap and invert the salad onto a platter. You can garnish with a few green leaves or slices of tomatoes for an attractive appearance. This salad can be served as an appetizer or as a side dish to various main courses.

Useful tips:
- If you prefer a less tangy taste, adjust the amount of vinegar in the marinade. It’s important to find the perfect balance for your palate.
- You can substitute the chicken breast with tuna or ham for a different version of the salad.
- Add olives or diced bell peppers for a touch of originality and color.

Nutritional benefits:
The Poiana salad is rich in protein, vitamins, and fiber, with a moderate caloric content, ideal for a balanced meal. Mushrooms are an excellent source of antioxidants, and the vegetables provide the necessary vitamins.

Frequently asked questions:
1. Can I use canned mushrooms? Yes, but fresh mushrooms offer a better texture and a more intense flavor.
2. Can I make the salad a day in advance? Certainly! The salad becomes even tastier as the flavors meld together.
3. How can I store the salad? It can be kept in the refrigerator in an airtight container for 2-3 days.

Ideal pairings:
This salad pairs perfectly with a glass of white wine, but also with fresh lemonade. You can serve it alongside toasted bread with butter or savory crackers for a perfect appetizer.

Let yourself be carried away by the flavor of this Poiana salad with mushrooms and transform every meal into an unforgettable experience. Enjoy your meal!