Beef Salad

Beef Salad: A Traditional Recipe with a Modern Twist

Beef salad is an emblematic dish often found at festive tables, combining flavors and textures in a unique way. This comforting salad is an excellent choice for any occasion, from celebrations to gatherings with friends. I invite you to discover with me how to prepare a perfect beef salad, step by step.

Preparation Time: 30 minutes
Cooking Time: 1 hour
Total Time: 1 hour and 30 minutes
Servings: 8 servings

Ingredients

- 1 large chicken breast (approximately 500g)
- 6 carrots
- 4-5 medium potatoes
- 6 pickled cucumbers
- 6 pickled peppers
- 1/2 can of peas (approximately 150g)
- 1 medium onion
- 1 parsley root
- Salt, to taste
- For the mayonnaise:
- 1 boiled egg yolk
- 1 raw egg yolk
- Oil (approximately 200ml)

Preparation of Beef Salad

1. Boil the main ingredients:
- Start by boiling the potatoes with their skins in salted water. This method helps retain flavor and nutrients.
- In another pot, add the chicken breast, peeled carrots, onion, and parsley root, cover with water, and let it boil over medium heat. Once the water starts boiling, skim the broth to remove impurities.

2. Check the cooking:
- After about 30 minutes, check if the chicken breast and carrots are cooked. The chicken breast should be cooked but not dry. Remove the chicken and carrots from the pot and let them cool slightly.

3. Chop the ingredients:
- Peel the potatoes and cut them into small cubes. Do the same with the boiled carrots, cucumbers, and pickled peppers. Make sure all ingredients are cut evenly for better presentation.

4. Prepare the mayonnaise:
- In a bowl, mix the boiled egg yolk with the raw egg yolk. Start adding oil gradually, constantly mixing with a whisk or mixer. The mayonnaise will be ready when it becomes creamy and smooth. A useful trick is to use room temperature oil to prevent the mayonnaise from curdling.

5. Assemble the salad:
- In a large bowl, combine the potatoes, carrots, cucumbers, peppers, peas, and diced chicken breast. Add the mayonnaise and gently mix to avoid crushing the ingredients. Adjust salt to taste.

6. Serving:
- Arrange the beef salad on a platter or in individual plates. If desired, you can garnish with thin slices of cucumber or olives for a more festive look.

Practical Tip

If you're short on time, you can use store-bought mayonnaise. However, nothing compares to the taste of homemade mayonnaise, which is healthier and much tastier. Also, if you prefer a lighter version, you can replace the chicken breast with turkey or even tofu for a vegetarian option.

Possible Variations

- Additions: You can add or substitute ingredients to your liking. For example, carrots can be replaced with celery or radishes, and peas with corn.
- Spices: Try adding a little mustard to the mayonnaise for a more intense flavor.
- Serving: Beef salad pairs excellently with a refreshing drink, such as natural tomato juice or even a glass of dry white wine.

Nutritional Benefits

Beef salad is a good source of protein from the chicken breast, providing carbohydrates from the potatoes and fiber from the vegetables. It is also a fairly filling option, ideal for main meals.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use fresh vegetables instead of pickled ones?
Of course! Although traditionally pickled vegetables are used, you can use fresh boiled vegetables or even grilled vegetables for a different note.

How can I store beef salad?
Beef salad keeps well in the refrigerator for 2-3 days, covered with plastic wrap or in an airtight container.

Is beef salad suitable for vegans?
Yes, with a few simple modifications, such as using vegan mayonnaise and replacing the meat with tofu or vegetables, you can achieve a delicious vegan version.

Conclusion

Beef salad is a dish that brings together tradition and innovation in the kitchen. Regardless of the occasion, this salad is an excellent choice, full of flavor and color. I encourage you to experiment and adapt the recipe to your personal taste. After trying this recipe, feel free to share your experience! Enjoy your meal!