Hedgehog salad with meat and potatoes

Hedgehog Salad with Meat and Potatoes

If you're looking for a unique and delicious recipe that will bring a smile to your loved ones' faces, then Hedgehog Salad with Meat and Potatoes is the perfect choice. This dish not only looks spectacular on the plate but is also incredibly tasty, making it ideal for family meals or parties. Here’s how to prepare this delightful dish step by step!

Preparation time: 20 minutes
Cooking time: 30 minutes
Total time: 50 minutes
Servings: 6

Ingredients:

- 7 large potatoes
- 500 grams ground beef
- 1 jar of peas and carrots (half)
- Salt, to taste
- Pepper, to taste
- 1 teaspoon ground meat seasoning
- ½ teaspoon coriander
- A few teaspoons of soy sauce
- 1 teaspoon sambal (chili paste)
- 2 tablespoons garlic powder
- Olive oil (for frying)
- Pickled cucumbers (about 5, finely chopped)
- Mayonnaise (for decoration)
- Paprika (for garnish)
- Fresh herbs (for garnish)

Preparing the Hedgehog Salad

Step 1: Preparing the Potatoes

Start by peeling the potatoes and cutting them into equal pieces to ensure even cooking. Place them in a pot with cold water, add salt, and bring to a boil. Let them cook for about 15 minutes, or until they are tender enough to be mashed.

Step 2: Cooking the Meat

Meanwhile, heat a large skillet and add a few tablespoons of olive oil. Add the ground beef and season it with 1 teaspoon of ground meat seasoning, ½ teaspoon of coriander, salt, pepper, 2 tablespoons of garlic powder, and a few teaspoons of soy sauce. Cook on low heat, stirring occasionally, until the meat loses its juices and is nicely browned.

A helpful tip: Make sure to stir the meat constantly to prevent it from sticking to the pan. Taste and adjust the seasonings to your preference.

Step 3: Combining the Ingredients

Once the potatoes are cooked, drain them and mash them with a potato masher, adding a bit of salt, pepper, and, if desired, a splash of butter for a creamier taste. In a large bowl, combine the cooked meat with the peas and carrots from the jar, the mashed potatoes, and add 1 teaspoon of sambal for a spicy kick. Mix well to combine all the ingredients.

Step 4: Shaping the Hedgehog

To create the hedgehog, take a large plate and shape the salad mixture into a hedgehog form, giving it a round shape. Use a spatula to mold it into the desired shape. Once you have the desired form, cover the hedgehog with a generous layer of mayonnaise.

Step 5: Decorating

Now comes the fun part! Use the thinly sliced pickled cucumbers to form the "spines" of the hedgehog. You can also use other ingredients, such as carrots or olives, to give it an even more creative look. Sprinkle a little paprika on top for a splash of color and add fresh herbs around the plate to simulate grass.

Practical Tips and Variations

- Ingredient Variations: You can add olives or mushrooms for extra flavor. You can also use chicken or turkey instead of beef.
- Serving: Hedgehog Salad is perfect to serve as an appetizer or main dish, alongside a fresh green salad or toasted bread.
- Recommended Drinks: A refreshing lemonade or a glass of dry white wine pairs wonderfully with this dish.
- Storage: If you have leftover salad, store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator, where it can last up to 2 days.

Nutritional Benefits

This recipe is a good source of protein (thanks to the ground beef) and carbohydrates (from the potatoes), making it ideal for a hearty meal. The peas and carrots provide vitamins and fiber, essential for a healthy diet.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can I use sweet potatoes instead of regular potatoes?
Yes, sweet potatoes will add a different flavor and a hint of sweetness to the dish.

2. How can I make the salad spicier?
You can add more sambal or even a few finely chopped fresh chili peppers.

3. Is it possible to prepare the salad a day in advance?
Yes, it is even recommended! The flavors will intensify and become even more delicious.

A Personal Touch

I fondly remember how, as a child, my mother would make this salad for special occasions. She always involved us in the decoration, making the process a real fun activity! The memories of those laughter-filled and creative moments make me love this recipe even more.

So, don’t hesitate any longer! Gather the ingredients and prepare this Hedgehog Salad with Meat and Potatoes, a simple recipe with a remarkable visual and taste impact. Enjoy your meal!