Oriental salad

Potato salad with marinated mackerel: a delicious and comforting recipe

Preparation time: 30 minutes
Total time: 30 minutes
Servings: 4

Welcome to my kitchen! Today I will share a recipe that is not only simple but also full of flavor and textures, perfect for a lunch or a gathering with friends. It’s about a potato salad with marinated mackerel, a dish that combines boiled potatoes, crunchy onions, and salty fish, offering an explosion of flavors for your taste buds. Additionally, this salad is very easy to customize, so I encourage you to experiment!

The history of potato salad is rich and diverse, with deep roots in the culinary traditions of many cultures. Over time, it has become a popular dish, served both as a side and as a main course. This recipe is a modern twist on potato salad, bringing a bit of marine flavor by adding mackerel. Let’s get started!

Necessary ingredients:

- 4 large potatoes, preferably russet or Yukon Gold, which have a fluffier texture
- 3 red onions, for a sweet and tangy taste
- 150 g of sliced olives, ideally black or green
- 5 pieces of marinated mackerel, make sure to remove any bones
- Salt, to taste
- Pepper, to taste
- Vinegar, preferably white wine, for a refined taste
- Extra virgin olive oil, which will add a note of flavor
- Mayonnaise (optional), for an extra creaminess

Step by step:

1. Boil the potatoes: Start by washing the potatoes well, then place them in a pot with cold water. Add a teaspoon of salt and bring to a boil. Let them boil for 20-25 minutes or until they are soft, but not overcooked. A useful trick is to check if they are done by poking a fork in; if it goes in easily, the potatoes are ready.

2. Cool and cut the potatoes: Once the potatoes are boiled, remove them from the water and let them cool completely. This step is crucial to avoid the salad becoming watery. After they have cooled, peel them and cut them into cubes of about 2 cm.

3. Prepare the onions: Meanwhile, peel the red onions and slice them thinly. You can rub them with a little salt to reduce their pungency. This trick will make them even crunchier.

4. Assemble the salad: In a large bowl, add the potato cubes, sliced olives, onions, and pieces of marinated mackerel. This is the moment to add the seasonings: salt and pepper, to taste. Gently mix the ingredients to avoid crushing the potatoes.

5. Add the dressing: Drizzle the salad with olive oil and vinegar, adjusting the amounts to your personal preference. Mix again carefully so that all the ingredients combine perfectly.

6. Serve: The potato salad with mackerel is usually served with a spoonful of mayonnaise on top, but you can leave it plain or add other favorite dips. A garnish of freshly chopped parsley can add a splash of color and freshness.

Useful tips:

- Variations: You can experiment with different types of fish, such as herring or sardines, to change the flavor profile of the salad. Additionally, adding pickles or bell peppers will provide extra crunch and acidity.
- Pairing with drinks: This salad pairs perfectly with a glass of dry white wine or a refreshing blonde beer. If you prefer something non-alcoholic, iced tea with lemon will also be an excellent choice.
- Nutritional benefits: This salad is rich in complex carbohydrates from the potatoes, protein from the fish, and healthy fats from the olive oil. The red onion brings antioxidants, and olives are an excellent source of fiber.

Frequently asked questions:

- Can I use sweet potatoes? Sure, sweet potatoes will add a natural sweetness to the salad and a vibrant color.
- How can I make the salad spicier? Add a bit of chopped chili pepper or spices like paprika or chili for a flavor kick.
- Can I prepare the salad in advance? Yes, the salad can be made a few hours before serving. It’s even better the next day when the flavors have had time to meld.

Now that you have gone through the steps, you are ready to prepare this potato salad with marinated mackerel. I hope you enjoyed the recipe and that you will try to recreate it at home. Feel free to customize your recipe and share your variations with us! Cooking is an art, and every meal is an opportunity to create unforgettable moments. Enjoy your meal!