Salad baskets

Salad Cups – A Delicious Culinary Adventure

I invite you to discover a savory recipe for salad cups, a perfect appetizer for any occasion, from festive meals to casual parties. These crispy cups, filled with a fresh and colorful salad, will not only delight your taste buds but also add a touch of elegance to your table. Let’s begin this culinary journey!

Preparation Time:
- Active time: 30 minutes
- Rest time: 1 hour
- Baking time: 15-20 minutes
- Total time: 1 hour 50 minutes
- Servings: 12 cups

Ingredients for Cups:
- 250 g flour
- 150 g cold butter, diced
- 1 egg yolk
- 3 tablespoons cold water
- A pinch of salt

Ingredients for Salad:
- 1 large carrot, peeled and diced
- 100 g peas (fresh or frozen)
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 1 red bell pepper, diced
- 1 green bell pepper, diced
- 150 g corn (canned or boiled)
- 2-3 tablespoons mayonnaise
- Salt and pepper to taste

Preparing the Dough:

1. Mixing the Flour:
In a large bowl, combine the flour with a pinch of salt. This will be the base of your cups, so make sure to use quality flour for a perfect dough.

2. Adding the Butter:
Add the cold butter cubes and, using your fingertips or a pastry cutter, mix until the mixture resembles fine crumbs. This step is essential for achieving a flaky texture.

3. Incorporating the Yolk and Water:
Add the egg yolk and cold water. Quickly knead the dough until it becomes smooth. Here, it’s important not to overwork it to keep the butter cold, which will make the cups crispier.

4. Resting the Dough:
Wrap the dough in plastic wrap and let it sit at room temperature for an hour. This resting time will relax the gluten, giving you a dough that is easier to handle.

Preparing the Cups:

5. Rolling the Dough:
After the dough has rested, sprinkle a little flour on your work surface and roll the dough out to a thin sheet, about 3 mm thick.

6. Cutting and Placing in Molds:
Using a cookie cutter or a glass, cut circles from the dough. Place each circle into the greased and floured tartlet molds, ensuring the dough rises slightly up the sides of the mold.

7. Preparing for Baking:
Use a fork to prick the bottom of each cup, preventing them from puffing up during baking. Place the molds in the refrigerator for 15 minutes to firm up.

8. Baking:
Preheat the oven to 180 degrees Celsius. Bake the cups for 15-20 minutes or until golden. Let them cool in the molds before removing.

Preparing the Salad:

9. Boiling the Vegetables:
In a pot of water, add the diced carrot and boil for 5-7 minutes. Add the peas in the last 2-3 minutes of boiling. Drain the vegetables and let them cool.

10. Mixing the Ingredients:
In a large bowl, combine the boiled vegetables with the onion, bell peppers, and corn. Add the mayonnaise, salt, and pepper to taste. Mix well to ensure all ingredients are evenly coated.

Assembling the Cups:

11. Filling the Cups:
Fill each cup with salad, being careful not to overfill them, as this may cause the crispy dough to break.

12. Serving:
Arrange the cups on a platter and keep them chilled until serving. These appetizers are perfect for parties but can also be an elegant starter for festive meals.

Variations and Useful Tips:
- You can experiment with different fillings, such as tuna, chicken, or grilled vegetables. You can also add spices or herbs for an extra flavor boost.
- If you prefer a lighter option, you can use Greek yogurt instead of mayonnaise.
- The cups can be prepared a day in advance and filled with salad a few hours before serving.

Nutritional Benefits:
These cups are not only delicious but also packed with vitamins from the fresh vegetables. Carrots are rich in vitamin A, while peas provide plant-based proteins and fiber. Mayonnaise adds extra calories, so it’s best to use it in moderation.

Estimated Calories per Serving:
A serving of salad-filled cups has approximately 150-200 calories, depending on the ingredients used.

Frequently Asked Questions:
1. Can I use whole wheat flour for the dough?
Absolutely! Whole wheat flour will add a richer flavor and a unique texture to your cups.

2. How can I keep the cups crispy?
It is recommended to fill the cups with salad a few hours before serving. The dough will remain crispy for a longer time.

3. Can I freeze the cups?
Yes, the dough can be frozen before baking. Once baked, it’s best to consume them immediately, as the filling can affect the dough's texture.

Conclusion:
Salad cups are an excellent choice to impress your guests, but also to treat yourself to a healthy and delicious appetizer. This recipe not only adds a touch of creativity to your kitchen but also gives you the opportunity to experiment with various ingredient combinations. Enjoy every bite and don’t forget to share this recipe with your loved ones!