Beef salad

Beef Salad: a classic recipe, full of flavor and tradition

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

Beef salad is an iconic dish, often served on holidays or special occasions. This delicious recipe, with origins lost in the mists of time, is not only nutritious but also colorful and aromatic. When it comes to preparing it, each step is an opportunity to add a personal touch, transforming a classic recipe into a unique dish.

Your main ingredients will be:

- 8 large potatoes
- 4 carrots
- 1 celery root
- 1 parsley root
- 1-2 chicken breasts
- 700 g pickled cucumbers
- salt and pepper to taste
- 6 eggs (3 boiled and 3 raw)
- 1 tablespoon mustard
- ~350 ml oil
- juice from 1 lemon

Preparing the vegetables and meat

1. Washing and peeling the ingredients: Start by washing the vegetables well. Make sure to peel them for a finer taste and pleasant texture. This step is essential to avoid bitterness or dirt that could affect the salad.

2. Boiling the vegetables and meat: Place all the peeled vegetables (potatoes, carrots, celery, and parsley) in a pressure cooker, along with the chicken breast cut into large pieces. Add enough water to cover the ingredients. Boil for 30 minutes. This cooking method will preserve all the flavor and nutrients.

Useful tips: If you don’t have a pressure cooker, you can use a regular pot, but it will take about 45-60 minutes to boil the ingredients. Make sure to check the consistency of the vegetables from time to time.

3. Cooling the ingredients: After boiling, remove the ingredients from the pot and let them cool. This step is crucial, as warm vegetables can cause the mayonnaise to curdle.

Preparing the mayonnaise

4. Boiling the eggs: Boil 3 eggs for 10 minutes, then let them cool. These will be used to create a rich and creamy mayonnaise.

5. Making the mayonnaise: In a bowl, combine the 3 boiled yolks with the 3 raw ones. Use a whisk to mix well, being careful to stir in one direction. Gradually add the oil while continuously mixing. When the mayonnaise begins to thicken, add the mustard and lemon juice for extra flavor. Don’t forget to add salt and pepper to taste.

Tricks for perfect mayonnaise: Make sure the oil is at room temperature and that you mix constantly to avoid any emulsification issues. If the mayonnaise separates, you can save it by adding a tablespoon of cold water and whisking vigorously.

Assembling the salad

6. Chopping the vegetables: Once the vegetables and meat have completely cooled, cut them into small cubes. This will help with better homogenization of the salad.

7. Combining the ingredients: In a large bowl, add the boiled vegetables, diced cucumbers, and season with salt and pepper. Then, add the mayonnaise and mix well to combine all the ingredients.

8. Serving: Place the salad on a platter and decorate it to taste. You can use sliced boiled eggs, olives, or parsley leaves for a more festive look.

Serving suggestion: Beef salad is perfect alongside a glass of fresh tomato juice or a dry white wine, which will complement the dish's flavors.

Nutritional benefits

This salad is not only delicious but also nutritious. Potatoes and vegetables provide essential fiber, vitamins, and minerals, while chicken breast adds quality protein. Mayonnaise, although rich in calories, can also be made with healthier oils or yogurt to reduce calorie count.

Calories: Approximately 300-400 calories per serving, depending on the amount of mayonnaise used.

Possible variations

To add a personal touch, you can experiment with different ingredients. For example, you can add green or black olives for a more intense flavor, or you can replace the chicken breast with beef or even fish, such as tuna. Another option would be to use fresh vegetables, such as bell peppers or peas, to add extra crunch.

Frequently asked questions

1. Can I use frozen vegetables?
Yes, frozen vegetables are a convenient alternative, but make sure to thaw and drain them well before using.

2. How can I make the mayonnaise lighter?
You can replace part of the oil with Greek yogurt or you can use an avocado mayonnaise recipe for a healthier option.

3. How long can the salad be kept?
Beef salad can be stored in the refrigerator, in an airtight container, for 2-3 days.

This beef salad can be more than just a simple dish; it is an opportunity to bring together family and friends, to create memorable moments, and to enjoy a dish full of tradition. So put on your apron, prepare the ingredients, and let your imagination soar in the kitchen! With a little patience and passion, you will achieve an outstanding result that will delight all tastes. Enjoy your meal!