Beef Salad Bujor

Beef Salad Bujor – Tradition and Flavor in Every Serving

Preparation time: 30 minutes
Cooking time: 1 hour and 30 minutes
Total time: 2 hours
Number of servings: 6-8

When it comes to traditional dishes, beef salad is undoubtedly a favorite at many festive meals. This recipe, also known as Beef Salad Bujor, combines fresh ingredients with rich flavors, resulting in a delicious, creamy salad that is a must-have on festive tables. Additionally, it is a versatile dish that can be adapted to individual preferences.

Ingredients
- 500 g pork (or a combination with beef)
- 1 kg carrots
- 600 g potatoes
- 6-7 pickles
- 2 generous tablespoons of mustard
- Ground pepper and salt, to taste
- For mayonnaise:
- 1 boiled egg yolk
- 1 raw egg yolk
- Oil (about 200 ml, depending on the desired consistency)
- Lemon juice (to taste)
- For decoration:
- Remaining egg white from the boiled egg
- A few parsley leaves

Preparation Steps

1. Boiling the ingredients
Start by placing the pork in a large pot filled with cold water. Add a pinch of salt and bring to a boil. After about 20 minutes, when the meat foams, remove the foam from the surface with a spatula. Then, add the peeled carrots cut into large pieces. Continue boiling for another 30 minutes.

Once the carrots have softened, add the peeled and halved potatoes. This combination of vegetables will boil for about 1 hour and a half, until all ingredients become tender.

2. Cooling the ingredients
Once the ingredients are boiled, remove them from the water and let them cool for about 1 hour. This step is essential as it allows you to handle the ingredients without burning yourself and makes cutting them much easier.

3. Cutting the ingredients
After cooling, dice the meat, potatoes, carrots, and pickles into small cubes. Here, you can let your imagination run wild; if you prefer a more "meaty" salad, you can add more meat or, conversely, for a more vegetarian version, you can reduce the amount of meat.

4. Preparing the mayonnaise
To achieve a creamy mayonnaise, mix in a bowl the yolk from the boiled egg, the raw egg yolk, a pinch of salt, and a few drops of lemon juice. Start pouring in the oil gradually, continuously mixing with a whisk or a hand mixer. The mayonnaise is ready when it becomes creamy and smooth. Adjust the taste with lemon juice and salt, as desired.

5. Assembling the salad
In a large bowl, combine all the diced ingredients: meat, carrots, potatoes, and pickles. Add the mustard, salt, and pepper to taste, then incorporate a good amount of the prepared mayonnaise, mixing gently to avoid breaking the ingredients.

6. Decorating the salad
Transfer the salad to a platter and use the remaining mayonnaise to coat the salad evenly. Use a pastry bag to decorate with mayonnaise flowers and add slices of carrot and the diced egg white in the shape of a peony for an impressive look.

7. Serving
For an extra touch of freshness, decorate with parsley leaves. This salad is perfect as an appetizer or as a main dish, alongside fresh bread or even a serving of pickles.

Useful Tips
- Choose quality meat: Well-selected pork will give the salad a superb taste. You can also opt for beef if you prefer.
- Customize the taste: The amounts of pickles, meat, and vegetables can be adjusted according to personal preferences. If you like pickles, feel free to add more, and if you're not a fan, you can reduce them.
- Variations: You can experiment by adding peas or green olives for a different taste. Also, a version with chicken is just as delicious.
- Storage: Beef salad keeps well in the fridge for 2-3 days, making it perfect for preparing a day before an event.

Calories and Nutritional Benefits
A serving of beef salad (approximately 150 g) contains about 250-300 calories, depending on the ingredients used. It is a good source of protein due to the meat, but also of vitamins and minerals from the vegetables. The dish is rich in fiber, having a beneficial impact on digestion.

Frequently Asked Questions
- Can I use store-bought mayonnaise? While it's simpler, homemade mayonnaise offers a much better flavor and the possibility to control the ingredients.
- How can I make the salad lighter? You can reduce the amount of oil in the mayonnaise or opt for Greek yogurt as a base for the dressing.

Ideal Combinations
This salad pairs perfectly with a refreshing drink, such as a dry white wine or a fruit aperitif. Additionally, a cold lemonade can be a refreshing choice to complement the meal.

Experimenting in the kitchen is key to discovering new flavors and creating unique recipes. Try this Beef Salad Bujor and enjoy every bite filled with tradition and love! Enjoy your meal!