Oriental Salad (II)

Oriental Salad: An Explosion of Flavor and Color on Your Plate

Who can resist a fresh oriental salad, full of delicious flavors and textures? This recipe will not only delight you with its simplicity, but it is also an excellent choice for summer meals or to accompany a hearty main dish. The oriental salad is versatile, easy to prepare, and can be customized to your preferences. Let's see together how to prepare it step by step!

Preparation Time:
- Active time: 20 minutes
- Cooking time: 20 minutes
- Total time: 40 minutes
- Servings: 4-6

Ingredients:
- 4 hard-boiled eggs
- 4 medium potatoes
- 2 carrots
- 2 white onions
- 2 green onions
- 100 g of olives (preferably green or black, depending on your preference)
- Olive oil and vinegar (to taste)
- Spices: salt, pepper, chili (to taste), tarragon, and oregano

The Story Behind the Recipe:
The oriental salad has deep roots in culinary tradition, being a popular choice in many cultures. It is often associated with festive meals and family gatherings, having the power to bring people together. Each added ingredient brings a personal touch and a dash of history, transforming this salad into a true celebration of flavors.

Preparing the Oriental Salad:

1. Boiling the Ingredients:
Start by peeling and cutting the potatoes and carrots into small cubes. They need to be boiled to maintain their texture and flavor. Place them in a pot with cold water, add a little salt, and bring to a boil. Boil the potatoes for about 15-20 minutes and the carrots for 10-15 minutes, until they become tender but not overly soft.

2. Boiling the Eggs:
Meanwhile, wash the eggs well and place them in boiling water. Let them boil for 5 minutes to achieve hard-boiled eggs. This step is crucial to ensure a firm yolk, perfect for the salad.

3. Cooling the Eggs:
Once the eggs are boiled, immediately transfer them to a bowl of cold water. This will help stop the cooking process and make them easier to peel. Let them sit in cold water for about a minute, then carefully peel them. This simple trick will ensure intact and perfectly presentable eggs.

4. Assembling the Salad:
After the potatoes and carrots have boiled and cooled, transfer them to a large bowl. Add the sliced hard-boiled eggs, finely chopped white onion, and chopped green onion. The olives can be added whole or sliced, depending on your preference.

5. Seasoning:
Add olive oil and vinegar to taste, along with all the spices: salt, pepper, chili, tarragon, and oregano. Gently mix the ingredients to combine, being careful not to crush the delicate ingredients.

6. Serving:
The oriental salad is delicious both cold and at room temperature. You can serve it with fresh bread or as a side dish for meat dishes. Personally, I like to accompany it with a glass of dry white wine to enhance the flavors.

Practical Tips:
- For better texture: Peel the potatoes before boiling. This will allow the ingredient to better absorb the flavors of the dressing.
- Customization: You can add pickled bell peppers or vinegar cucumbers for an extra freshness. Also, canned fish like anchovies can add a salty, umami note.
- Storing the Salad: If you have leftover salad, you can keep it in the fridge in an airtight container for 2-3 days. Make sure to mix well before serving, as the ingredients may separate.

Frequently Asked Questions:
- How can I make the salad spicier? Add more chili or a few drops of hot sauce.
- Is the salad suitable for vegans? You can omit the eggs and add more vegetables or plant proteins like chickpeas or tofu.
- What other side dishes can accompany this salad? Dishes like grilled meat or fish dishes pair excellently.

Nutritional Benefits:
The oriental salad is an excellent nutritional choice. Potatoes are a good source of complex carbohydrates, carrots provide beta-carotene, and eggs are rich in high-quality protein. Olives offer healthy fatty acids, essential for a balanced diet.

In conclusion, the oriental salad is a simple yet characterful recipe that can be easily adapted to everyone's preferences. I encourage you to try it and put your personal touch on it. Enjoy your meal!