Beef Salad

Beef Salad - A Classic Delicacy for Festive Moments

Preparation time: 30 minutes
Cooking time: 30 minutes
Total time: 1 hour
Servings: 6-8

The history of beef salad is fascinating, as it is a recipe that has been cherished by many generations. This salad is often associated with festive occasions, holidays, and family meals, featuring a rich flavor and creamy texture. It is a dish that brings together simple ingredients but with a unique taste, turning into a true feast for the taste buds.

Ingredients:

- 500 g potatoes
- 300 g carrots
- 300 g chicken breast (or beef, as preferred)
- 200 g green peas (fresh or frozen)
- 3-4 pickles
- 1 bunch of fresh parsley
- 1 boiled egg yolk (for mayonnaise)
- 200 ml sunflower oil
- Salt and pepper, to taste

Preparing Beef Salad:

1. Boiling the ingredients: Start by washing the potatoes and carrots well. Boil them in a pot of salted water. The potatoes will need about 20-25 minutes, while the carrots will take 15-20 minutes. Make sure they are well cooked but not overcooked, so they don’t crumble. Meanwhile, in another pot, boil the chicken breast for 20 minutes.

2. Cooling and cutting: Once the potatoes, carrots, and meat are cooked, let them cool. After they have cooled, peel them (in the case of potatoes and carrots) and cut them into small cubes. The chicken breast can be cut into cubes or shredded with a fork, depending on preference.

3. Making the mayonnaise: In a bowl, place the boiled egg yolk. Using a whisk or a mixer, gradually add the sunflower oil, mixing constantly until you achieve a smooth mayonnaise. You can also add a little lemon juice for extra freshness, but it’s not mandatory.

4. Mixing the ingredients: In a large bowl, combine the potatoes, carrots, chicken breast, peas (either fresh or well-drained canned), and diced pickles. Add the prepared mayonnaise and mix gently to avoid crushing the ingredients.

5. Seasoning: Season the salad with salt and pepper to taste. If desired, you can also add some chopped parsley for extra flavor and color.

6. Serving: Transfer the salad to a serving bowl and garnish with fresh parsley or slices of pickles, depending on your preferences. Beef salad is excellent both warm and cold and can be stored in the refrigerator for a few days.

Practical tips for a perfect beef salad:

- Choosing ingredients: Choose starchy potatoes for better texture. The carrots should be fresh and crunchy, and the chicken breast can be replaced with beef for a traditional version.
- Boiling: Ensure that the ingredients are boiled evenly; you can check with a knife if they are tender.
- Mayonnaise: If you don’t have time to make mayonnaise at home, you can use store-bought mayonnaise. However, the dish will greatly benefit from homemade mayonnaise.
- Vegetarian option: You can replace the chicken breast with tofu or mushrooms for a vegetarian version, keeping the rest of the ingredients.

Calories and nutritional benefits:

A serving of beef salad contains approximately 250-300 calories, depending on the amount of mayonnaise used. It is rich in protein due to the chicken breast, while the vegetables provide fiber and essential vitamins for a balanced diet. It is a versatile dish that can enhance the nutritional intake of your meal.

Frequently asked questions:

1. Can it be prepared a day in advance?
Yes, beef salad keeps well in the refrigerator, and the flavors intensify if left to sit for a few hours or overnight.

2. What other ingredients can I add?
You can add olives or roasted peppers for a different flavor, or even a bit of mustard in the mayonnaise for a spicier note.

3. What can it be paired with?
This salad goes wonderfully with fresh bread or a glass of white wine. Lemonade or a fruit cocktail are also excellent choices to complement the meal.

Now that you have all this information, all that’s left is to start cooking! Beef salad will bring a smile to your loved ones' faces and turn any meal into a celebration. Enjoy your meal!