Crudités with mayonnaise

Crudités with Mayonnaise: A Fresh and Tasty Salad

Preparation time: 30 minutes
Baking time: N/A
Total: 30 minutes
Servings: 4-6

Are you looking for a healthy and refreshing snack? Then crudités with mayonnaise are the perfect choice! This salad is not only a feast for the eyes but also an explosion of flavors and textures. A combination of fresh vegetables and fruits, dressed in creamy mayonnaise, will delight your taste buds.

A Brief History

Crudités have been appreciated throughout time in many cultures, serving to bring the freshness of vegetables and fruits to the table. These dishes are often served as appetizers or sides, making them an excellent way to consume raw vegetables. Mayonnaise, a creamy sauce that emerged in the 18th century, perfectly complements the taste of vegetables, adding a touch of richness and flavor.

Ingredients

For crudités:
- 2 carrots
- 1 small celery (about 200g)
- 1 small beet
- 1 apple (preferably a sweet variety)
- 1 bell pepper (preferably red or yellow for extra color)
- 1 bunch of fresh parsley
- Celery leaves
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1-2 tablespoons of lemon juice
- 2-3 tablespoons of mayonnaise (for mixing)

For mayonnaise:
- 2 egg yolks
- 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
- 250 ml oil (sunflower oil or olive oil for a stronger taste)
- Salt to taste
- Lemon juice to taste

Instructions

1. Preparing the mayonnaise:
In a bowl, place the two egg yolks and the mustard. Whisk well until you achieve a homogeneous mixture. Start adding the oil gradually, drop by drop, while continuously mixing. As the mayonnaise begins to thicken, you can add the oil more quickly, but continue to mix. Once all the oil is incorporated, season with salt and lemon juice to taste. Keep the mayonnaise in the refrigerator until use.

2. Preparing the vegetables:
- Grate the carrots and celery on a fine grater, making sure they are peeled beforehand.
- Grate the beet on a coarse grater. The beet can color the other ingredients, so it's best to grate it separately.
- Grate the apple with the skin on a coarse grater for added texture and freshness.

3. Mixing the ingredients:
Place all the grated ingredients (carrots, celery, beet, and apple) in a sieve and press them lightly to remove excess juice. This is an important step to prevent the salad from becoming watery.
Add the diced bell pepper, chopped parsley, and finely chopped celery leaves. Season with salt, pepper, and lemon juice to taste.

4. Adding the mayonnaise:
Incorporate 2-3 tablespoons of mayonnaise into the vegetable mixture, stirring gently to avoid breaking the texture of the ingredients. Taste and adjust the seasonings, adding more mayonnaise or lemon if necessary.

5. Serving:
Transfer the salad to a serving bowl and garnish with the remaining mayonnaise. You can add a few parsley leaves for a more appealing appearance.

Useful Tips

- Choose fresh, seasonal ingredients for the best results.
- If you want a crunchy note, you can add some chopped nuts or pumpkin seeds.
- You can experiment with other vegetables, such as cucumbers or radishes, for variations in texture.
- If you are allergic to eggs, you can use vegan mayonnaise, which is available in stores.

Pairings and Serving

This salad pairs perfectly with grilled meats or fish. You can also serve it as an appetizer alongside a refreshing drink, such as fruit tea or a green smoothie.

Nutritional Benefits

This salad is rich in vitamins and minerals, providing a significant intake of vitamins A, C, and K, along with essential fiber. Carrots and beets contribute to eye and skin health, while the apple adds a boost of antioxidants.

Frequently Asked Questions

- Can I use other vegetables?
Of course! Crudités are versatile, so you can substitute or add vegetables according to your preferences.

- How can I store the salad?
The salad can be stored in the refrigerator in airtight containers for 1-2 days.

- What can I do with leftover mayonnaise?
Mayonnaise can also be used for sandwiches or as a dressing for other salads.

Personal Note

For a personal touch, add a dash of exotic spices, such as curry or cumin, to the mayonnaise. This will transform your dish into a unique delicacy that will impress all your guests at the table!

Now you are ready to prepare these crudités with mayonnaise, a simple yet flavorful dish perfect for any occasion. Treat yourself and delight your taste buds with every bite!