Oriental new potato salad - specifically Arabic

Oriental New Potato Salad - A Flavorful Delight

Preparation time: 15 minutes
Baking time: 10 minutes
Total time: 25 minutes
Number of servings: 4

When we think of oriental salads, rich flavors, fresh ingredients, and unique combinations that delight our senses come to mind. The oriental new potato salad is a simple yet characterful recipe that brings a touch of sunshine to every meal. This recipe is not only easy to make but also a nutritious choice, perfect for quick lunches or light dinners.

Necessary ingredients:

- 500 grams of new potatoes
- 4-5 green onions
- 1 cup of black olives (preferably home-canned)
- 1 egg
- 200 ml corn oil (or another vegetable oil)
- Salt to taste
- 1 teaspoon mustard
- Freshly ground pepper to taste
- A few sprigs of fresh mint
- 2-3 teaspoons lemon juice (depending on preferences)

A bit about the ingredients:

New potatoes are sweeter and more tender than mature ones, making them perfect for a salad. Green onions add a crunchy and fresh note, while black olives provide a delicious contrast. Fresh mint is often an underestimated ingredient, but it brings a refreshing aroma that transforms this salad into a true explosion of flavors. Egg-based mayonnaise enriches the salad and makes it creamier.

Step by step: Preparing the oriental new potato salad

1. Preparing the potatoes:
Start by washing the new potatoes well under a stream of cold water to remove any traces of dirt. It’s important to dry them well to avoid excess water in the salad. Once dried, lightly score them with a knife to allow steam to escape during cooking.

2. Cooking the potatoes:
Place the potatoes in the microwave, selecting the special program for "jacket potatoes." This will help cook the potatoes evenly. Let them cook for about 10 minutes, then wrap them in aluminum foil and let them sit for 5 minutes. This step will make the potatoes more tender and flavorful.

3. Preparing the ingredients:
While the potatoes are cooking, it's time to prepare the other ingredients. Chop the green onions finely and mince the mint leaves. If using canned olives, carefully remove the pits and cut them into quarters. These simple details can make a big difference in texture and taste.

4. Preparing the mayonnaise:
In a bowl, start preparing the mayonnaise. Add an egg yolk, corn oil, mustard, and salt to taste. Mix the ingredients well until you obtain a homogeneous composition. Gradually add lemon juice, adjusting to your acidity preferences. If you like a tangier mayonnaise, feel free to add more lemon juice.

5. Assembling the salad:
After the potatoes have cooled slightly, cut them in half (or leave them whole if they are smaller). In a large bowl, add the potatoes, green onions, olives, and the prepared mayonnaise. Gently mix to avoid crushing the potatoes; you want to keep their texture.

6. Finalizing:
Place the salad on a platter and garnish with the remaining mint leaves. Serve it at room temperature or you can refrigerate the salad for an hour to allow the flavors to meld.

Serving suggestions:
This oriental new potato salad pairs wonderfully with grilled meat, fish, or even as an appetizer in a mezze meal. It can be enjoyed alongside a refreshing drink, such as mint tea or yogurt with cucumbers.

Possible variations:
To add a splash of color and texture, you can include diced red or yellow bell peppers, or even some nuts for an extra crunch. You can also replace black olives with green olives for a different flavor.

Frequently asked questions:
- Can I use another type of oil? Of course! You can use olive oil for a more intense flavor.
- How can I store the salad? The salad can be stored in the refrigerator in an airtight container for 2-3 days.
- Is this salad suitable for vegans? You can adapt the recipe by eliminating the mayonnaise and replacing it with an avocado-based dressing or vegan yogurt.

Nutritional benefits:
This salad is an excellent source of complex carbohydrates from potatoes, healthy fats from corn oil, and fiber from olives and green onions. Additionally, mint and lemon juice provide antioxidants that can support the immune system.

In conclusion, the oriental new potato salad is not only a quick recipe but also an opportunity to enjoy fresh and healthy ingredients. I challenge you to try it and share this delicacy with your loved ones. Enjoy your meal!