Berlin salad

To prepare a delicious salad with mushrooms and meat, the first step is to take care of the mushrooms. It is essential to wash them well to remove any impurities. Then, we blanch them, which is why it is advisable to quickly submerge them in boiling water to preserve their flavor and texture. Once they are blanched, we let them cool, after which we cut them into small pieces. This will allow the mushrooms to integrate perfectly into the salad.

In a pot, we add the chopped mushrooms along with water and a little oil. We let them boil over medium heat, stirring occasionally. As the water decreases, we ensure that the mushrooms are well fried until they become golden and fragrant. The amount of mushrooms is not fixed, but it is important to ensure that in the end we will have a balanced proportion of meat and mushrooms in the salad.

Besides mushrooms, another important ingredient is pickled cucumbers. I used two jars of cucumbers in vinegar, but I warmly recommend opting for those in brine, as their flavor is much more intense and fits better in the salad. Cut the cucumbers into small cubes, being careful not to overdo the amount at the beginning. If you prefer a sweeter salad, it is better to add cucumbers gradually, keeping in mind that you can adjust the taste at the end.

Once the mushrooms are properly fried and the cucumbers are prepared, it is time to combine them with the chosen meat. Whether you use chicken, pork, or another type of meat, make sure it is cooked and cut into small cubes, just like the mushrooms and cucumbers. Now, all the ingredients are ready to be mixed.

To bind all these flavors, we prepare a special mayonnaise. I prefer to make it from a boiled yolk, one raw, oil, and a generous amount of spicy mustard, which gives the salad a spicy note. Mix the mayonnaise with all the ingredients, ensuring that each cube of mushroom, meat, and cucumber is well coated.

In the end, the salad should look appetizing, and although I didn't have the patience to garnish it, you can add a topping of fresh parsley or slices of boiled egg for a more festive appearance. This salad is perfect for a holiday meal or simply to indulge in a tasty and hearty dish. Enjoy!