German salad

German Potato and Sausage Salad - An Explosion of Flavors and Textures

Total preparation time: 1 hour
Preparation time: 20 minutes
Cooking time: 40 minutes
Number of servings: 4

A delicious salad that brings together simple yet flavorful ingredients is always an excellent choice for a quick and satisfying meal. This German potato and sausage salad is perfect as both an appetizer and a main dish, especially when served cold. Let’s venture into preparing this simple yet flavorful recipe!

Ingredients
- 500 g potatoes
- 2 sausages (preferably Oltenian sausages for a more intense flavor)
- 1 natural yogurt (375 g)
- 1 tablespoon mustard
- 1 tablespoon balsamic vinegar (or to taste)
- 1 small onion
- 1 bunch of fresh parsley
- Salt to taste
- Tarragon (optional, but recommended for extra flavor)

Recipe History
Potato salads have been popular throughout time in many cultures, with deep roots in European culinary traditions. This recipe, inspired by the German style, combines potatoes with sausages and a creamy yogurt-based dressing, offering a hearty and flavorful meal. Potato dishes are often associated with comfort and the warmth of home, and this salad is no exception.

Step by step: How to prepare the German salad

1. Boiling the potatoes
Start by washing the potatoes well. Place them in a large pot with cold water and a teaspoon of salt, then bring to medium heat. Boil the potatoes in their skins for about 30-40 minutes until they are tender. Test with a fork; if it goes in easily, they are done. After boiling, let them cool slightly, then peel and cut them into cubes.

2. Preparing the sausages
Cut the sausages into small pieces (about 1-2 cm) and heat a pan with a little oil. Add the sausages and fry until golden and crispy, about 5-7 minutes. This step will add a pleasant texture and irresistible flavor to the salad.

3. Chopping the onion
Peel the onion and slice it thinly. If you prefer a milder taste, you can soak it in cold water for a few minutes to reduce its sharpness.

4. Preparing the dressing
In a bowl, combine the natural yogurt, mustard, balsamic vinegar, chopped parsley, and salt to taste. Mix well until you get a smooth dressing. If you like a more aromatic note, add a pinch of tarragon.

5. Assembling the salad
In a large bowl, combine the boiled potatoes, fried sausages, and chopped onion. Pour the yogurt dressing over the mixture and gently mix to avoid mashing the potatoes.

6. Cooling
Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate the salad for 30 minutes. This step is essential as it allows the flavors to meld and intensify.

7. Serving
The salad is served cold, preferably alongside a crispy dish like cordon bleu, but it can also be paired with grilled meat or a portion of steamed vegetables.

Useful Tips
- Choosing the sausages: Oltenian sausages are an excellent choice due to their strong flavors. If unavailable, you can use pork sausages or even smoked sausages for a deeper taste.
- Vegetarian option: You can replace the sausages with fried tofu or mushrooms for a delicious vegetarian option.
- Dressing improvements: Instead of natural yogurt, you can use Greek yogurt for a creamier and heartier dressing. You can also add a bit of crushed garlic for an extra flavor kick.

Frequently Asked Questions
1. Can I use pre-cooked potatoes?
Yes, you can use leftover boiled potatoes from another meal, but make sure they are well chilled.

2. Can I replace the yogurt with something else?
If you prefer, you can use sour cream or light mayonnaise, but yogurt provides a fresh note.

3. How long can the salad be stored in the fridge?
The salad keeps well in the fridge for 2-3 days, but it's recommended to consume it on the same day for the best flavors.

Nutritional Benefits
This salad is a good source of carbohydrates from potatoes, protein from sausages, and probiotics from yogurt. Parsley adds vitamins and minerals, contributing to a balanced diet. A serving of salad contains approximately 350-400 calories, depending on the type of sausage used.

Serving Suggestions
For a complete meal, accompany the salad with a light beer or a refreshing white wine. A slice of rustic bread can also perfectly complement this culinary experience.

I wish you happy cooking and enjoy every bite of this delicious German salad!