Oriental salad with olive paste

Oriental Salad with Olive Paste

Preparation time: 30 minutes
Cooking time: 20 minutes
Total time: 50 minutes
Servings: 4

In a culinary world full of flavor, the oriental salad with olive paste stands out for its simplicity and richness of ingredients. This recipe is perfect to be served as an appetizer, at a family meal, or even as a healthy snack. With deep roots in culinary traditions, this salad is not only a tasty dish but also a nutritious choice, with a mix of flavors that will delight your taste buds.

Ingredients:

- 300 g potatoes
- 50 g olive paste
- 6 whole olives
- 2 large onions
- 2 eggs
- Olive oil (to taste)
- Salt (to taste)
- Vinegar (to taste)

Ingredient details:

- Potatoes: Choose floury potatoes for a better texture. This type of potato becomes soft and fluffy after boiling.
- Olives: The olive paste can be green or black, depending on your preference. Whole olives add a crunchy note to the salad.
- Onion: Red onion can add a pleasant sweetness, while white onion offers a spicier taste. You can choose based on your preferences.
- Eggs: Eggs provide a good source of protein, and their flavor blends perfectly with the other ingredients.

Preparation:

1. Boiling the potatoes: Start by boiling the whole potatoes in a large pot of salted water. Ensure the water completely covers the potatoes. Boil for about 20 minutes or until they are tender but not too soft. Check with a fork; if it goes in easily, they are ready.

2. Cooling the potatoes: Once the potatoes are boiled, remove them from the water and let them cool. This step is essential, as hot potatoes can make the salad too mushy.

3. Preparing the ingredients: While the potatoes cool, you can boil the eggs. Place them in a pot with cold water, bring the water to a boil, and let them cook for 10 minutes. Then cool them in cold water to stop the cooking process. Peel and chop them finely.

4. Chopping the onions: Peel and finely chop the onions. If you prefer a milder taste, you can soak them in cold water for 10 minutes before adding them to the salad.

5. Mixing the salad: In a large bowl, combine the diced potatoes, chopped onion, boiled eggs, and whole olives. Add the olive paste and mix well.

6. Seasoning: Add olive oil, salt, and vinegar to taste. Mix again to ensure all ingredients are well incorporated.

7. Serving: You can serve the salad immediately or let it chill in the refrigerator for an hour. The flavor will intensify, and the aromas will blend perfectly.

Serving suggestions:

This salad pairs perfectly with fresh bread or as a side dish with grilled fish or meat. You can accompany it with a cold lemonade or a dry white wine for a refined lunch.

Variations and tips:

- Add vegetables: You can incorporate green olives, red peppers, or cucumbers to add extra color and texture.
- Olive paste: Try different types of olive paste to vary the taste. A spicy paste can add an extra kick of flavor.
- Herbs: Add fresh parsley or chopped dill for an extra touch of freshness.

Nutritional benefits:

This salad is an excellent source of complex carbohydrates from potatoes, protein from eggs, and healthy fats from olive oil. It is a good choice for a balanced meal, with a relatively low caloric content, around 250-300 calories per serving, depending on the amount of oil used.

Frequently asked questions:

1. Can I add meat to the salad?
Of course! Boiled chicken or canned tuna goes wonderfully in this salad.

2. How can I make the salad spicier?
Add chopped chili or use a spicy olive paste.

3. Is the salad good for a diet?
Yes, being rich in nutrients and low in calories, it can be a healthy choice.

Personal note:

This recipe for oriental salad with olive paste was passed down to me by my grandmother, who lovingly prepared it for family gatherings. The memories of the smell of olives and boiled potatoes always take me back to Sunday meals, where the whole family gathered around the table. I encourage you to share this recipe with your loved ones and create your own culinary memories – each bite will have a story to tell!

Enjoy your meal!