Colorful salad with crispy potatoes

Colorful Salad with Crispy Potatoes: An Explosion of Flavors on Your Plate

When it comes to cooking, nothing compares to the joy of experimenting with flavors and textures that delight our senses. Today, I invite you to discover a delicious and colorful recipe: Colorful Salad with Crispy Potatoes. This salad is not just a simple combination of ingredients, but a true celebration for your taste buds! The preparation time is about 20 minutes, and the baking time is 30 minutes, which means that in just 50 minutes, you can enjoy a meal full of vitality and energy. This recipe is perfect for 4 servings.

Necessary Ingredients:

- 500 g potatoes (choose varieties that bake well, such as red or yellow potatoes)
- 1 red bell pepper and 1 green bell pepper (for a contrast of colors and textures)
- 150 g telemea cheese (or feta for a more intense flavor)
- 100 g ham (can also be bacon or a vegetarian alternative like smoked tofu)
- 1 small onion (preferably red, for added sweetness)
- 2 tablespoons olive oil (opt for high-quality extra virgin oil)
- Salt, pepper, and sweet paprika (to taste)
- 100 ml sour cream (for dressing)
- 1 tablespoon spicy goulash paste (optional, but recommended for a kick of flavor)

Step by Step: Preparing the Colorful Salad with Crispy Potatoes

1. Cleaning and Cutting the Potatoes: Start by peeling the potatoes. It is important to wash them well under running water to remove any impurities. Then, cut them into cubes of about 2-3 cm. This size will allow for even baking and ensure they become crispy on the outside and slightly fluffy on the inside.

2. Seasoning the Potatoes: In a baking tray, place the potato cubes. Drizzle them with olive oil and sprinkle with salt, pepper, and sweet paprika. Mix well to ensure each cube is evenly coated with the spices.

3. Baking the Potatoes: Preheat the oven to 200°C. Bake the potatoes for 20 minutes at this temperature. Then, increase the temperature to 220°C and let them bake for another 10-15 minutes, or until they are golden and crispy. It is essential to check from time to time, as every oven is different.

4. Preparing the Other Ingredients: While the potatoes are baking, chop the bell peppers, onion, and telemea cheese into small cubes. If using ham, ensure it is cut similarly, so it integrates perfectly into the salad.

5. Mixing the Ingredients: Once the potatoes are ready, let them cool for a few minutes. Then, combine them in a large bowl with the bell peppers, onion, telemea, and ham. Gently toss to avoid crushing the potatoes.

6. Preparing the Dressing: In a small bowl, mix the sour cream with the spicy goulash paste. This combination will add a spicy and creamy note to the salad. Adjust the amount of goulash paste according to your preferences.

7. Serving: Finally, add the dressing over the salad and mix gently. The salad can be served immediately or left in the fridge to chill and intensify the flavors.

Serving Suggestions:
For an even richer tasting experience, try serving this salad alongside fresh bread or a vegetable puree. Additionally, a glass of white wine or a cold lemonade will perfectly complement the meal.

Nutritional Benefits:
This salad is an excellent source of complex carbohydrates from the potatoes, proteins from the telemea and ham, as well as vitamins and minerals from the vegetables. The olive oil brings healthy fats, while the sour cream adds a boost of calcium.

Frequently Asked Questions:
- Can I use another type of cheese? Yes, you can experiment with goat cheese or mozzarella to change the flavor of the salad.
- How can I make the salad spicier? Add more goulash paste or even freshly chopped hot peppers.
- Is it possible to prepare the salad in advance? Absolutely! You can prepare the potatoes and other ingredients a few hours before serving, but add the dressing only just before serving.

Vegetarian Option:
For a vegetarian option, skip the ham and instead add vegetables of your choice, such as broccolini or sautéed zucchini. These will bring a pleasant flavor and diverse textures to the salad.

In conclusion, Colorful Salad with Crispy Potatoes is a quick and easy recipe that brings a touch of joy to every meal. Experiment with the ingredients and season to taste, to create a unique salad that reflects your culinary style. Bon appétit!