Marinated carrot salad

Marinated Carrot Salad - a delicacy full of flavor and color

Preparation time: 15 minutes
Resting time: 4-12 hours (ideally overnight)
Total time: 15 minutes (plus resting time)
Number of servings: 4-6

Welcome to the vibrant world of salads! Today, I invite you to discover the delicious and refreshing recipe for marinated carrot salad. This salad is not just a colorful side dish, but also a true feast of flavors, perfect for festive meals or simply to bring a touch of freshness to ordinary days.

This recipe has deep roots in culinary traditions, being appreciated by generations. Inspired by Natalia, a talented friend, and with the help of Lena, who provided me with a special tool to achieve perfectly cut carrots, I managed to transform this recipe into a true culinary art.

Ingredients:
- 500 g carrots (choose fresh and crunchy carrots)
- 1 tablespoon honey (for a note of natural sweetness)
- 2 teaspoons vinegar (preferably apple or white wine for a milder taste)
- 4 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil (for an extra flavor)
- 4 cloves of garlic (fresh, for intense aroma)
- 1 teaspoon ground coriander seeds (the key ingredient that enhances the flavor)
- 1/2 teaspoon ground pepper (for a bit of spiciness)
- 1 teaspoon salt (helps intensify the flavors)

Preparation:

Step 1: Preparing the carrots
Start by peeling the carrots with a sharp knife. Make sure to wash them well under cold running water to remove any impurities. Using a special grater, cut the carrots into thin strips, similar to spaghetti if they are longer, or into matchstick-sized pieces if they are shorter. This step is essential as the thin strips will marinate evenly, absorbing all the flavors of the dressing.

Step 2: Preparing the dressing
In a mortar, add the peeled garlic and crush it with a bit of salt and pepper. This step will release the strong aromas of the garlic, making the dressing more intense. Once the garlic is crushed, add the coriander seeds. Use the pestle to crush the seeds, releasing their characteristic flavors. This ingredient is essential for giving the salad that distinctive taste.

Step 3: Combining the ingredients
After crushing the coriander, add the honey, vinegar, and olive oil to the mortar. Mix the ingredients well to obtain a homogeneous dressing. Now is the ideal time to taste and adjust the dressing according to personal preferences. If you want a more sour taste, add more vinegar, and if you prefer sweetness, add a little extra honey.

Step 4: Assembling the salad
Pour the obtained dressing over the cut carrots. Using a spatula, mix the salad well so that each carrot strip is evenly coated with the dressing. This step is important as each bite will be full of flavor.

Step 5: Resting the salad
Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate the salad. It is recommended to let it marinate for a few hours, but ideally overnight. This resting time will allow the flavors to develop and blend perfectly, turning the salad into a true delicacy.

Serving:
Once the salad has chilled, it is ready to serve! You can present it on a beautiful platter, decorated with a few fresh parsley or coriander leaves for a vibrant look. The marinated carrot salad pairs wonderfully with meat, fish dishes, or even as a healthy appetizer.

Nutritional benefits:
Carrots are an excellent source of vitamin A, essential for eye health, as well as for the immune system. They also contain antioxidants that help combat free radicals. Olive oil brings healthy fatty acids, and garlic has antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties. Additionally, this salad is low in calories, making it an excellent choice for those looking to maintain a balanced diet.

Possible variations:
To add a touch of creativity, you can experiment with different ingredients. Add some toasted pecans for extra crunch or replace coriander with fresh mint for a fresher flavor. You can also add a bit of chili pepper for a spicier taste!

Frequently asked questions:
1. Can I use frozen carrots?
It is recommended to use fresh carrots to achieve a crunchy texture and vibrant flavor. Frozen carrots will not provide the same taste experience.
2. Can I replace olive oil?
Yes, you can replace olive oil with grape seed oil or sunflower oil, but the taste will be different.
3. How long can the salad be kept?
Marinated carrot salad can be stored in the refrigerator for 3-4 days.

So, don't hesitate to try this simple and delicious recipe. Marinated carrot salad is not just a side dish, but a true celebration for the senses, full of freshness and vitality. Enjoy it with your loved ones and savor every bite!