Meat and Broccoli Salad

Clear beef soup can be a wonderful start to a delicious meal, but what do you do when you only have fresh meat on hand? I invite you to explore an enticing recipe that transforms a simple soup into a remarkable meat and broccoli salad, balanced and full of nutrients. This salad is not just a feast for the taste buds but also a visual spectacle, thanks to the vibrant color contrast. Let's see together how you can achieve this tasty dish step by step.

Preparation time: 15 minutes
Cooking time: 30 minutes
Total time: 45 minutes
Servings: 4

Ingredients:
- 500 g beef (boiled in soup)
- 500 g broccoli
- 300 g carrots (boiled in soup)
- 50 ml oil (for frying)
- 2 tablespoons raisins
- 2 tablespoons sunflower seeds
- 1 red chili pepper

For the dressing:
- 4 tablespoons sunflower oil
- 2 tablespoons chopped green onion
- 2 tablespoons hot mustard
- 1 tablespoon raisins
- 1 small chopped chili pepper
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1 tablespoon wine vinegar
- Salt, to taste

Preparation steps:

Step 1: Preparing the ingredients
Start by preparing all the ingredients. If you have boiled beef from a previous soup, that's perfect; otherwise, you can boil fresh meat in salted water until tender. This process will take about 30 minutes. Make sure to remove the foam from the surface to obtain a clear broth.

Step 2: Boiling the broccoli
In a pot, bring water to a boil and add salt. Cut the broccoli into small florets and place it in boiling water for 4 minutes. This time is essential to preserve the crunchy texture and vibrant color of the vegetable. After boiling, remove the broccoli with a slotted spoon and immediately transfer it to very cold water (or an ice bath). This is an old technique that helps fix the color and nutrients.

Step 3: Preparing the carrots
If you have boiled carrots from the soup, you can use them directly. Otherwise, cut the carrots into thin sticks (julienne), and if you wish, you can boil them together with the meat to flavor them.

Step 4: Cooking the meat
Slice the boiled beef into thin strips. In a pan, add a little oil and fry the meat slices on both sides until golden and browned. This will add a delicious texture and enhanced flavor.

Step 5: Preparing the dressing
In a small bowl, mix all the dressing ingredients: sunflower oil, green onion, mustard, raisins, chili pepper, Worcestershire sauce, wine vinegar, and salt. Mix well until you achieve a homogeneous composition. Taste the dressing and adjust the seasoning to your preference.

Step 6: Assembling the salad
On a large platter, arrange the slices of meat, julienned carrots, and boiled broccoli. The color contrast will surely be appealing. Sprinkle the hydrated raisins, sunflower seeds, and chili pepper rings on top for added flavor and a pleasing appearance.

Step 7: Serving
Place the dressing in a small bowl alongside the salad, so everyone can add as much as they like. This meat and broccoli salad is not only nutritious but also offers an explosion of flavors that will delight any meal.

Chef's tip:
If you want to add extra flavor, you can try adding some roasted nuts or pistachios for a crunchy texture. You can also experiment with different types of cheese, such as feta or parmesan, to enhance the flavors.

Calories and nutritional benefits:
This salad is not only delicious but also healthy. Broccoli is rich in vitamins C and K, and beef provides quality protein. A 250 g serving contains about 350-400 calories, making it an excellent choice for a nourishing lunch.

Frequently asked questions:
1. Can I use another type of meat?
- Of course! You can use chicken or turkey for a lighter version.

2. How can I store the salad?
- It is recommended to consume the salad fresh, but you can keep the ingredients separate in the fridge to assemble later.

3. What drinks pair well with this salad?
- A fresh lemonade or a light white wine would be excellent choices!

Possible variations:
This recipe is versatile. You can replace broccoli with cauliflower or bell peppers to add even more colors. Additionally, adding fruits like sliced apples or pears can provide a pleasant contrast between sweet and savory.

So, all that's left is for you to start cooking! This meat and broccoli salad is not just a simple recipe but also an opportunity to bring a touch of creativity to your kitchen. Enjoy!