Smoked Fish Salad

Smoked Fish Salad with Potatoes – A Delightful Dish Easy to Prepare

Welcome to our kitchen, where we will explore together a delicious and comforting recipe: Smoked Fish Salad with Potatoes. This dish is perfect for a lunch, a light dinner, or even for a picnic. With a velvety texture and intense flavors, this salad will delight the taste buds of everyone who tries it.

Preparation time: 20 minutes
Cooking time: 25-30 minutes
Total time: 50 minutes
Number of servings: 4-6

The Story of the Recipe

Smoked fish salad is a traditional dish often associated with festive or family meals. It is a simple yet elegant combination that highlights the basic ingredients, bringing them to the forefront. The smoked fish adds a deep flavor, while the potatoes provide a pleasant and hearty texture. Over time, this recipe has evolved, adding different ingredients and variations, but its essence remains unchanged: an easy-to-make salad with exceptional taste.

Ingredients

- 6 potatoes (approximately 1 kg) – choose potatoes that boil well, such as red or yellow ones.
- 2 onions (preferably red onion for a sweet note) – red onion brings vibrant color and natural sweetness.
- 50 g olives (green or black, according to preference) – olives add a salty and umami flavor.
- 1 smoked fish (approximately 150 g) – you can use herring, mackerel, or any other preferred fish.
- 2-3 tablespoons of mayonnaise (preferably homemade from an egg yolk) – a creamy mayonnaise will bind all the ingredients.
- 2-3 tablespoons of extra virgin olive oil – for an intense and healthy flavor.
- 1-2 tablespoons of vinegar (apple or balsamic) – for a touch of acidity that will balance the flavors.
- Salt and pepper to taste – to enhance all the flavors.

Step by Step: Preparing the Salad

1. Boiling the Potatoes
Start by washing the potatoes well and boiling them whole in salted water. Boil for 25-30 minutes or until tender but not mushy. Check with a fork. If the fork goes in easily, they are done. After boiling, drain and let them cool.

2. Preparing the Onion
Meanwhile, peel the onion and slice it julienne. Place the onion in a small bowl, add a teaspoon of salt, and rub it well with your fingers to release its juice. This will help remove the bitterness and make the onion less intense. Let it sit for a few minutes, then drain the juice.

3. Preparing the Fish
Debone the smoked fish, remove the skin, and cut it into small pieces. Make sure to remove all bones so that the salad is pleasant to serve.

4. Cutting the Potatoes
Once the potatoes have cooled, peel them and cut them into equal-sized cubes. This will allow the ingredients to combine better.

5. Mixing the Ingredients
In a large bowl, combine the diced potatoes, drained onion, smoked fish, and olives. Add the mayonnaise, olive oil, and vinegar. Gently mix so that the ingredients combine without mashing the potatoes.

6. Seasoning the Salad
Taste the mixture and add salt and pepper to preference. You can adjust the amount of mayonnaise and vinegar to achieve the desired texture and acidity.

7. Serving
Transfer the salad to a platter or individual bowls. You can garnish with whole olives or a few fresh parsley leaves for a more appealing look.

Serving Suggestions

This salad is delicious both warm and cold, and pairs perfectly with a slice of fresh bread or crunchy crackers. You can accompany it with a glass of dry white wine or a refreshing lemonade on warm days. It is a versatile dish that can be served both at parties and at everyday meals.

Variations and Tips

- For a spicy note: Add a few slices of hot pepper or a few drops of Tabasco sauce.
- For a heartier salad: You can add chopped boiled eggs or avocado.
- If you prefer a fresher taste: Try adding fresh herbs like dill or parsley.

Nutritional Benefits

This salad is a healthy choice, rich in protein due to the smoked fish and fiber from the potatoes. Smoked fish is an excellent source of omega-3 fatty acids, essential for heart health. Additionally, onions and olives add antioxidants and anti-inflammatory compounds, making this salad a nutritious and delicious option.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use fresh fish instead of smoked fish?
Yes, you can use fresh boiled or grilled fish, but make sure to add a smoky flavor, such as smoked paprika, to maintain the essence of the dish.

How can I store the salad?
The salad can be stored in the refrigerator in an airtight container for 2-3 days. It is even better the next day when the flavors have time to meld.

Is this recipe suitable for vegans?
Although the original recipe contains fish and mayonnaise, you can adapt it by using smoked tofu and vegan mayonnaise for a version without animal products.

In conclusion, Smoked Fish Salad with Potatoes is a simple yet flavorful and versatile recipe. I invite you to try it and share this delicacy with your loved ones! Enjoy your meal!