Beef salad

Beef Salad - A classic delicacy, full of flavor

Preparation time: 30 minutes
Cooking time: 40 minutes
Total time: 1 hour and 10 minutes
Servings: 6-8

Beef salad is an iconic dish, perfect for holidays and special occasions. This salad brings together a variety of fresh ingredients, contributing to a mix of textures and flavors that will delight your taste buds. With deep roots in culinary traditions, beef salad is often associated with festive meals, lovingly served at many events.

Ingredients:

- 4 medium potatoes
- 2 large carrots
- 200 g peas (fresh or frozen)
- 1 bell pepper (or capia pepper)
- 3 pickles
- 300 g chicken breast (or beef, in the traditional version)
- 200 g mayonnaise (preferably homemade)
- Salt to taste

Step-by-step instructions:

1. Boiling the ingredients:
- Start by washing the potatoes and carrots well. You can choose to boil them with their skins on to retain more nutrients or peeled and cut into cubes. If you choose the peeled version, make sure to rinse them well before boiling.
- Place the potatoes and carrots in a large pot with cold water and a teaspoon of salt. Boil over medium heat for about 20-25 minutes or until they are soft. Check with a fork.
- In another pot, add the chicken breast (or beef) and boil until fully cooked, about 20 minutes. You can add some garlic or bay leaves to enhance the flavor.

2. Preparing the vegetables:
- Once the potatoes and carrots are boiled, let them cool slightly, then peel them (if necessary) and cut them into cubes.
- Chop the bell pepper, pickles, and if using frozen peas, now is the time to thaw them (or boil them for a few minutes in water).

3. Mixing the ingredients:
- In a large bowl, add the mashed potatoes (you can use a fork or a food processor to achieve a fine texture), carrots, peas, bell pepper, pickles, and diced chicken.
- Add the mayonnaise and salt to taste. Mix everything very well, taking care not to mash the ingredients too much.

4. Assembling the salad:
- After achieving a homogeneous mixture, transfer the salad to a platter. Here you can let your imagination run wild: decorate with slices of pickles, olives, or even fresh parsley leaves.

5. Chilling and serving:
- It is recommended to let the salad sit in the refrigerator for at least an hour before serving. This will allow the flavors to blend and become even more delicious.

Practical tips:

- Mayonnaise: If you want to add an extra flavor boost, you can make homemade mayonnaise using fresh egg yolks, mustard, and sunflower oil. This will be much tastier than the store-bought version.
- Variations: You can experiment with different ingredients. For example, add green or black olives, diced boiled eggs, or even other vegetables like celery or beetroot for a more colorful version.
- Serving: Beef salad is excellent alongside homemade bread or fresh flatbread. Additionally, a glass of tomato juice or a light cocktail can perfectly complement the meal.

Nutritional benefits:

This salad is a good source of carbohydrates from potatoes and carrots, protein from chicken breast, and vitamins from vegetables. Peas add extra fiber, making it a nutritious choice. However, being rich in mayonnaise, it is recommended to consume it in moderation.

Frequently asked questions:

1. Can I use beef instead of chicken breast?
Yes, beef is a traditional choice in the beef salad recipe and provides a distinct flavor.

2. How can I make the salad lighter?
Instead of mayonnaise, you can use natural yogurt or a combination of yogurt and mayonnaise.

3. Can the salad be prepared in advance?
Absolutely! Beef salad keeps well in the refrigerator for a few days, so you can prepare it a day or two before the event.

Beef salad is undoubtedly a dish that brings joy to our tables and, with every bite, reminds us of the cherished moments spent with loved ones. So don’t hesitate to unleash your imagination and enjoy this culinary delight!