Beef salad

Beef Salad - A Delicacy of Housewives

Preparation time: 1 hour
Cooking time: 30 minutes
Total time: 1 hour and 30 minutes
Number of servings: 6

Introduction

Beef salad is a traditional recipe that brings a touch of nostalgia to every meal. It is a perfect dish for special occasions, holidays, or simply to bring smiles to the faces of loved ones. This salad is, in fact, a delicious combination of boiled meat and vegetables, bound together by a creamy mayonnaise that gives it a truly special taste. Every housewife has her favorite recipe, but I will share with you my secret for a perfect beef salad. I will guide you step by step so that you achieve a result worthy of the finest meals.

Ingredients

- 500 g lean veal
- 12 medium potatoes
- 6 suitable carrots
- 1 medium celery
- 1 large parsnip
- 3 parsley roots
- 10 pickled cucumbers, peeled
- 6 pickled bell peppers
- 3 large tablespoons of mayonnaise (preferably homemade)
- 2 tablespoons of mustard
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 100 g olives (optional)

Preparation

Step 1: Boil the vegetables and meat

Start by washing the potatoes, carrots, celery, parsnip, and parsley well. It is important to use fresh ingredients, as they will influence the final taste of the dish. Boil the whole potatoes with their skins in salted water. This way, they will retain their aroma and nutrients.

In another pot, add the veal, cut into suitable pieces, and cover with water. Boil over medium heat. After about 10-15 minutes, add the carrots, celery, parsnip, and parsley. These vegetables will add a special flavor to the soup, and after boiling, you will use them in the salad.

Step 2: Prepare the ingredients

Once the vegetables and meat are boiled, remove them from the water and let them cool. Peeling the potatoes is an essential step; make sure to peel them only after they have cooled to avoid burns. Cut them into small cubes so they mix easily with the other ingredients.

Cut the meat into small cubes as well, and chop the boiled vegetables finely. If you are using olives, cut them in half or quarters, depending on their size.

Step 3: Mix the ingredients

In a large bowl, add the potatoes, meat, carrots, celery, parsnip, parsley, and pickled cucumbers, cut into small cubes. You can add the olives now if you chose to use them.

In another bowl, combine the 3 tablespoons of mayonnaise and the 2 tablespoons of mustard. Add salt and pepper to taste, mixing well. This mixture will bind all the ingredients and give them a creamy texture.

Pour the mayonnaise mixture over the chopped vegetables and meat and mix carefully to avoid crushing the ingredients. It is important to be patient in this step, as a well-mixed salad will lead to a more homogeneous and tasty final result.

Step 4: Presentation

After you have obtained a homogeneous composition, transfer the salad to a platter or serving bowl. Garnish with mayonnaise on top and decorate with pickled bell peppers and slices of cucumbers. A garnish of olives can add an elegant touch to the dish.

Enjoy the beef salad with a slice of fresh bread or alongside a green salad. This salad is perfect to be served as an appetizer or main course, being delicious both cold and at room temperature.

Useful tips

1. Mayonnaise: If you want a lighter mayonnaise, you can replace part of the mayonnaise with Greek yogurt or sour cream. This will reduce the calorie count and add a fresh note.

2. Ingredient variations: You can add or replace vegetables according to personal preferences. For example, peas or corn can add a sweet taste and interesting texture.

3. Preparing in advance: Beef salad is even better the next day when the flavors have had time to meld. Therefore, you can prepare it a day before serving.

4. Storage: If you have leftovers, make sure to store them in an airtight container in the fridge. The salad can be consumed within the next 2-3 days.

5. Calories and nutritional benefits: A serving of beef salad (approximately 200 g) contains around 350-400 calories, depending on the amount of mayonnaise used. It is rich in protein from meat and vegetables, providing a good source of vitamins and minerals.

Frequently asked questions

1. Can I use chicken instead of veal?
Yes, chicken is an excellent alternative, offering a lighter taste and delicate texture.

2. Is beef salad suitable for diets?
If you reduce the amount of mayonnaise and choose lighter ingredients, this salad can be incorporated into balanced diets.

3. Can I use frozen vegetables?
Fresh vegetables provide the best taste, but frozen vegetables can be used, ensuring they are well drained and cooked.

Conclusion

Beef salad is a versatile dish, full of flavor, that can be customized according to everyone’s tastes. With every bite, you will feel how the flavors intertwine harmoniously, bringing back memories of family meals filled with warmth and love. Try this recipe and make it your favorite by adding a touch of your personality to each dish. Enjoy!