Beef Salad

Beef Salad – A Traditional Recipe with a Touch of Creativity

Preparation time: 30 minutes
Cooking time: 30 minutes
Total time: 1 hour
Servings: 8-10

Beef salad is an iconic dish, cherished in many households, especially during holidays or family events. This delicious salad is a perfect combination of boiled vegetables, creamy mayonnaise, and, optionally, meat. It's a wonderful example of how simple ingredients can be transformed into a tasty and appealing feast.

The history of this dish is fascinating, with deep roots in culinary traditions. Over time, each housewife has added a personal touch to the preparation of beef salad, adapting the ingredients to the family's tastes and what was on hand. So, feel free to add a personal note, making this recipe a true symbol of culinary creativity.

Ingredients:
- 1 kg red potatoes
- 6 large carrots
- Pickled cucumbers (quantity to taste)
- 1 large jar of peas (approx. 400 g)
- 2 hard-boiled eggs (for mayonnaise)
- 400-500 ml oil (sunflower or olive, as preferred)
- 2-3 teaspoons mustard
- Salt and pepper (to taste)
- Optional: boiled meat (chicken or beef, diced)
- Optional: canned corn for a sweeter taste

Preparation:

1. Boiling the vegetables:
Start by washing the potatoes well and boiling them with the skin in a large pot. Add a tablespoon of salt to the boiling water, so the vegetables will have a better flavor. This will help them absorb the salt taste during boiling.

2. Carrots:
Peel the carrots and boil them whole alongside the potatoes. This step is essential to preserve the juiciness and flavor of the carrots.

3. Cooling the vegetables:
After the potatoes and carrots have boiled, let them cool down. It is important not to rush this step; if the vegetables are too hot, they will turn into puree.

4. Grating:
Once cooled, peel the potatoes and grate them in a large bowl (or basin). This is the moment when you can let your creativity shine. If you prefer a finer texture, you can use a food processor.

5. Carrots:
Grate the carrots in another bowl, then drain the excess juice well. This step is important to avoid diluting the salad.

6. Adding peas and cucumbers:
Add the drained peas and grated pickled cucumbers (the quantity depends on your preferences) over the potatoes and carrots. If you prefer a tangier salad, you can add more cucumbers.

7. Mayonnaise:
Prepare the mayonnaise using the two hard-boiled eggs. Separate the yolks from the whites, keeping the whites for decoration, and mash the yolks with the oil, adding the mustard. The mayonnaise should be creamy and thick. Reserve some mayonnaise for decoration.

8. Seasoning:
Add the prepared mayonnaise over the vegetable mixture, seasoning with salt, pepper, and mustard. Mix everything carefully to avoid crushing the vegetables.

9. Plating:
Transfer the salad to bowls or a large platter. Use your imagination to decorate the salad with the remaining mayonnaise, grated egg whites, carrots, and reserved peas.

10. Serving:
Beef salad is served cold. It is perfect as an appetizer or as a side dish for roasts. Optionally, you can add a few slices of lemon for a fresh taste.

Suggestions and variations:
- If you want a heartier salad, add diced boiled meat (chicken or beef). This will make the salad more filling.
- If you prefer a sweeter note, include canned corn in the mix.
- You can experiment with various fresh herbs, such as parsley or dill, to add extra flavor.

Practical tips:
- Make sure the vegetables are well boiled, but not too soft. A correct texture is essential for achieving a perfect salad.
- Use fresh, high-quality ingredients for the best results.
- Try to prepare the salad a few hours before serving, so the flavors can meld and the salad will be even tastier.

Nutritional information:
This salad is packed with vitamins and minerals from the fresh vegetables. It also contains healthy fats from the mayonnaise (if made with olive oil) and proteins from the eggs. It is an excellent choice for a balanced meal.

Frequently asked questions:
- Can I use store-bought mayonnaise?
Yes, you can opt for store-bought mayonnaise if you don't have time to make it at home. Choose a high-quality version for a better taste.

- How can I make the salad healthier?
You can reduce the amount of oil in the mayonnaise or use Greek yogurt instead of mayonnaise for a lighter version.

- Can the salad be prepared a day in advance?
Yes, beef salad keeps well in the refrigerator, and the flavors intensify as it sits.

In conclusion, beef salad is a versatile dish that can be customized according to your and your family's tastes. So, contribute to this traditional dish by experimenting with various ingredients and flavors. Enjoy your meal!