Easter beef salad

Easter Beef Salad - A Recipe Full of Tradition and Flavor

With the arrival of the holidays, especially Easter, the dining table becomes a gathering place for family and friends, and the Easter beef salad is undoubtedly an iconic dish. This delicious salad, with a perfect mix of textures and flavors, is not only a tasty preparation but also an opportunity to bring loved ones together around the table. Below, I will guide you step by step in preparing this recipe, providing useful information, tips, and suggestions for a perfect result.

Preparation time: 2 hours
Cooling time: 1 hour
Total time: 3 hours
Number of servings: 8

Ingredients

- 500 g pork (preferably leg)
- 1 kg carrots
- 1 kg potatoes
- 100 g pickles
- 2 generous tablespoons of mustard
- Ground pepper and salt, to taste

For the mayonnaise:

- 1 hard-boiled egg yolk
- 1 raw egg yolk
- Oil (approximately 200 ml)
- Lemon juice (to taste)

For decoration:

- 1 tomato
- Black peppercorns
- A few green onion leaves
- A few parsley leaves
- The white of the hard-boiled egg

The History of Beef Salad

Beef salad has deep roots in culinary tradition, influenced by various cultures. It is believed that the dish was inspired by French meat salad recipes, but it has evolved over time, adapting to local tastes. Thus, today, each family has its own version, with ingredients that may vary, but the essence remains the same: a rich, colorful, and flavorful salad, perfect for gracing the holiday table.

Step by Step in Preparing Easter Beef Salad

1. Boiling the meat:
Start by placing the pork in a large pot with cold water. Set it over medium heat and let it boil. After about 20 minutes, when it starts to foam, remove the foam with a skimmer. Now is the time to add the cleaned and halved carrots. Let everything boil for 30 minutes.

2. Boiling the vegetables:
After 30 minutes, add the cleaned and halved potatoes. Let the vegetables and meat boil together for about 1 hour and 30 minutes. It is important that all ingredients are well cooked but not falling apart. Check the consistency of the vegetables from time to time.

3. Cooling the ingredients:
After boiling, remove the meat and vegetables from the water and let them cool for about 1 hour. This step is essential for cutting the ingredients into small cubes.

4. Cutting the ingredients:
Once cooled, cut the meat, carrots, potatoes, and pickles into small cubes. Place all the ingredients in a large bowl. A fun activity is to involve others in the kitchen – helpers can turn this process into a delightful experience.

5. Preparing the mayonnaise:
To make the mayonnaise, start by mixing the raw and hard-boiled egg yolks in a bowl, adding a little salt and lemon juice. Gradually pour in the oil while continuously mixing with a whisk or hand mixer. It is important to keep mixing consistently so that the mayonnaise does not curdle. When you achieve a creamy and smooth consistency, the mayonnaise is ready.

6. Assembling the salad:
Add some of the mayonnaise over the meat and vegetable mixture. Add mustard, salt, and pepper to taste and gently mix to avoid mashing the ingredients. The remaining mayonnaise will be used to dress the salad.

7. Decorating the salad:
Transfer the salad to a large plate and smooth the surface. Use the remaining mayonnaise to cover the salad. You can decorate with mayonnaise flowers, slices of pickles, and tomatoes cut into tulip shapes. The chopped hard-boiled egg white can be used to create egg designs or other decorative motifs. Take your time to add details that will impress your guests.

8. Serving:
The Easter beef salad is served cold, alongside loved ones, at the Easter table. It is a dish that evokes nostalgia and brings back memories of memorable moments spent with family.

Useful Tips and Variations

- You can add cooked green peas for an extra splash of color and texture.
- Instead of pork, you can use chicken for a lighter version.
- If you prefer a spicier salad, add a few drops of Tabasco sauce to the mayonnaise.
- Instead of pickles, you can also use chopped green olives for a different taste.
- A serving suggestion is to accompany the salad with a glass of white wine or a cold lemonade to complete the culinary experience.

Nutritional Information

This Easter beef salad, while delicious, can be high in calories due to the mayonnaise. A serving of approximately 150 g can contain between 300-400 calories, depending on the amount of oil used in the mayonnaise. However, ingredients like carrots and potatoes provide important nutritional benefits, offering vitamins and fiber.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can I use other types of meat?
Yes, you can replace the pork with chicken or even beef, depending on your preferences.

2. What should I do if the mayonnaise curdles?
If the mayonnaise has curdled, you can try to fix it by adding a raw egg yolk and mixing well. The oil should be added gradually to achieve a smooth texture.

3. How can I store the beef salad?
The salad stores well in the refrigerator, in an airtight container, for 2-3 days. It is important not to leave it at room temperature for more than 2 hours to avoid food safety risks.

4. Is it possible to make mayonnaise from vegetables?
Yes, for a vegan version, you can prepare mayonnaise from soy milk and oil, achieving a similar result.

The Easter beef salad is more than just a culinary preparation; it is a family story, a tradition that connects us and brings us together. So, take the time to enjoy this cooking process and remember that every ingredient adds a personal touch to this recipe, making it unique. Enjoy your meal!