Beef Salad

Beef Salad – A Traditional Delicacy with a Personal Touch

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

In every household, Beef Salad holds a special place, being a staple at festive meals and special occasions. This salad is not just a recipe, but a family story, a tradition that unites generations. Besides being delicious, Beef Salad is an explosion of colors and flavors, perfect for impressing guests or bringing a touch of joy to ordinary days.

Ingredients:

- 6 medium potatoes
- 3 carrots
- 2 parsnips
- 1 parsley root
- 1 celery
- 2 pieces of chicken breast
- 4-5 small pickles or 3 larger ones
- 1 tablespoon of mustard
- 2 boiled egg yolks
- 2 raw egg yolks
- ½ liter of oil
- Juice of 1 lemon
- Salt, pepper to taste

Step by step:

1. Preparing the ingredients
Start by washing the potatoes and other vegetables well. Boil the potatoes with their skins to retain their flavor and nutrients. This step will add better texture to the salad. Let them boil for 30-40 minutes, or until tender but not too soft.

2. Boiling the vegetables and meat
In a separate pot, bring 2 liters of water with a pinch of salt to a boil. Add the chicken breast, carrots, parsnips, parsley root, and celery. Boil everything for 30 minutes until the meat and vegetables become tender. A simple way to check if the chicken breast is done is to poke it with a fork – if the juice is clear, it’s perfect.

3. Cooling the ingredients
Once the vegetables and meat are boiled, remove them from the water and let them cool completely. This step is essential as it will make it easier to cut them into cubes without crumbling.

4. Cutting the ingredients
Once all the ingredients are cool, peel the potatoes and cut them into small cubes, just like the carrots, parsnips, parsley root, and celery. Even cutting will ensure a pleasant presentation and consistent texture. Let your creativity flow, but try to keep the cube sizes similar.

5. Adding the meat
Cut the chicken breast into small cubes and add it to the bowl with the vegetables. This will add an excellent source of protein and make the salad more filling.

6. Preparing the mayonnaise
To achieve a creamy mayonnaise, start by mixing the two raw egg yolks with a pinch of salt. Gradually add the oil in a thin stream, constantly mixing with a whisk or mixer. When the mayonnaise starts to thicken, add the lemon juice and continue mixing until you achieve the right consistency. You can also add a little mustard for extra flavor.

7. Mixing the ingredients
Add the prepared mayonnaise over the cut ingredients and gently mix, being careful not to crumble the vegetables. Taste and add salt and pepper to your liking. Remember, the mayonnaise can be adjusted according to your preferences; if you like it creamier, you can add more.

8. Serving
Transfer the salad to a platter or serving bowl and garnish with a few slices of pickles or a boiled egg cut into slices. Beef Salad is usually served cold, so I recommend letting it chill in the fridge for a few hours before enjoying it.

My personal tip: You can also add a bit of peas or green olives for a different taste. Additionally, you can pair it with a refreshing drink, such as a dry white wine or fresh lemonade for a pleasant contrast.

Nutritional benefits: Beef Salad is rich in protein due to the chicken and contains a variety of vegetables, offering a wide range of vitamins and minerals. Potatoes are a good source of carbohydrates, and the olive oil used in the mayonnaise provides healthy fats.

Frequently asked questions:

1. Can it be made without meat?
Yes, you can omit the chicken breast or replace it with tofu or another source of plant-based protein.

2. Can I use store-bought mayonnaise?
Of course! If time is limited, store-bought mayonnaise can be a quick solution, but I recommend trying the homemade version for a fresher taste.

3. What is the best way to store the salad?
Beef Salad stores excellently in the fridge in an airtight container. It can be consumed for 3-4 days.

4. What other recipes can it be combined with?
This salad goes wonderfully alongside roasts, fish, or even as a side dish to various meat dishes.

5. How many calories does a serving have?
A serving of Beef Salad (approximately 200-250 g) contains about 300-400 calories, depending on the amount of mayonnaise used.

Beef Salad is not just a recipe; it is a way to bring family and friends together, to create memories, and to celebrate the beautiful moments in life. Don’t forget to play with the ingredients and put your personal touch on each dish. Enjoy your meal!