Potato salad

Potato Salad: A Classic Recipe Full of Flavor and History

Preparation time: 15 minutes
Cooking time: 30-40 minutes
Total time: 1 hour
Servings: 4-6

Who doesn't love a well-made potato salad? This classic potato salad recipe is not only a perfect accompaniment for any meal but also a wonderful choice for picnics or festive gatherings. Made with simple and accessible ingredients, potato salad can be personalized in many ways. Over time, it has evolved into numerous variations, but its essence remains the same: a combination of tender potatoes, crunchy vegetables, and a savory dressing that enhances their flavor.

Key Ingredients

- 1 kg of potatoes (preferably new potatoes for a finer texture)
- 2 medium onions (choose white or red onion based on preference)
- 200 ml of broth (vegetable or chicken, for added flavor)
- 1 teaspoon of mustard (preferably Dijon for a more refined taste)
- 3-4 tablespoons of vinegar (white wine vinegar or apple cider vinegar, to add a tangy note)
- 5 tablespoons of olive oil (or vegetable oil, but olive oil adds a more intense flavor)
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 1 cucumber (optional, for a fresh and crunchy element)
- Fresh parsley leaves, for garnish

Step-by-step Preparation of Potato Salad

1. Preparing the potatoes:
If using new potatoes, gently wash them under cold running water to remove impurities. Boil them in their skins in a large pot of salted water to enhance their flavor. If using older potatoes, peel and wash them before boiling. Boil for 30-40 minutes or until tender but not falling apart. Check with a knife; if it goes in easily, they are ready.

2. Cooling and cutting the potatoes:
Once boiled, remove them from the water and let them cool on a cutting board. After they have cooled sufficiently, peel them and cut them into slices or cubes, depending on preference. Uniform cutting will ensure a pleasant presentation and even dressing absorption.

3. Preparing the dressing:
In a medium skillet, add the diced onions and sauté them in broth for a few minutes until they become translucent. This step is essential as sautéing the onion will bring out its natural sweetness. Once the onion is ready, remove the skillet from heat and add the mustard, vinegar, oil, salt, and pepper. Mix well to achieve a homogeneous dressing.

4. Combining the ingredients:
Pour the dressing over the potatoes, gently mixing to avoid breaking the vegetables. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap or a lid and let the salad sit in the refrigerator for 50-60 minutes. This waiting time allows the flavors to meld and penetrate the potatoes.

5. Finalizing the salad:
Before serving, peel and slice the cucumber. Add it to the potato salad and mix gently. Garnish with chopped fresh parsley, which will add color and a touch of freshness.

Serving and Suggestions

Potato salad is extremely versatile. You can serve it as a side dish to a juicy steak or a crispy schnitzel. It is also delicious alongside grilled fish or as part of an appetizer platter. You can experiment with various types of dressings or ingredients, such as olives, corn, or peas, to give it a personal twist.

Helpful Tip

If you want to achieve an even more intense flavor in your potato salad, you can prepare the dressing a day in advance and let it chill in the refrigerator. The flavors will intensify, providing an explosion of taste.

Nutritional Values

A serving of potato salad (approximately 150g) contains approximately:
- Calories: 200
- Fat: 10g
- Carbohydrates: 26g
- Protein: 3g

Potato salad is a good source of carbohydrates, providing the necessary energy for an active day, and adding onion and cucumber gives it essential vitamins and minerals.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can I use sweet potatoes instead of regular potatoes?
Yes, sweet potatoes will bring a different taste and a sweet note to your salad, but the cooking time may be shorter.

2. How can I make potato salad vegan?
Use olive oil and omit animal products from the dressing.

3. Can I add other vegetables to the salad?
Of course! Boiled carrots or peas are excellent additions.

4. How long can the salad be stored in the refrigerator?
Potato salad keeps well in the refrigerator for 2-3 days, but it is best enjoyed fresh.

Conclusion

Potato salad is more than just a simple recipe; it is a way to bring people together, create memories, and savor the simple moments in life. Try this classic recipe and add your own twist. Enjoy!