Lenten salad

Vegetable Salad with Bean Mayonnaise – An Explosion of Taste and Satisfaction

Total time: 1 hour 15 minutes
Preparation time: 15 minutes
Cooking time: 1 hour
Number of servings: 6

Who said that fasting food has to be boring or tasteless? This vegetable salad with bean mayonnaise is living proof that meatless meals can be just as delicious and satisfying. A perfect combination of boiled vegetables, pickles, and creamy mayonnaise, this is a recipe that will make you forget you are fasting. Add this salad to your table and you will surprise everyone, including the most skeptical foodies!

Ingredients:

- 5 medium potatoes
- 1 large carrot
- 1 piece of parsnip
- 200 g peas (fresh or frozen)
- 250 g pickled green tomatoes
- 200 g dried beans
- 1 teaspoon mustard
- Salt, to taste
- 300 ml sunflower or olive oil

Preparing the Salad:

1. Preparing the Vegetables:
Start by peeling the potatoes, carrot, and parsnip. Make sure to wash them well under cold running water to remove any impurities. Then, cut the potatoes into cubes of about 2-3 cm, and slice the carrot and parsnip thinly.

2. Boiling the Vegetables:
Put water in a large pot and bring it to a boil. Add the potatoes, carrot, and parsnip. Boil them for about 20-25 minutes until they become soft but not mushy. Don’t forget to add a little salt to the water to enhance the flavor of the vegetables.

3. Peas:
If you are using frozen peas, add them to the same pot in the last 5 minutes of cooking. If you are using fresh peas, they can be added along with the chopped vegetables.

4. Beans:
If you are using dried beans, make sure they have been soaked overnight or for at least 4 hours. After soaking, rinse them well and boil them in clean water. Cook the beans for 30-40 minutes until they are soft.

5. Preparing the Pickled Tomatoes:
Meanwhile, cut the pickled green tomatoes into cubes and let them drain excess water. They will add a tangy flavor that perfectly balances the salad.

6. Preparing the Bean Mayonnaise:
After the vegetables and beans are cooked, drain the beans and let them cool slightly. Then, place the beans in a deep blender. Add the mustard, salt, and gradually the oil, blending continuously until you achieve a creamy mayonnaise. Reserve 3-4 tablespoons of this mayonnaise for garnish.

7. Assembling the Salad:
In a large bowl, combine the boiled vegetables (potatoes, carrot, parsnip, and peas) with the chopped pickled tomatoes. Add the bean mayonnaise and mix well so that all the ingredients are evenly combined and coated in the delicious sauce.

8. Serving:
Place the salad on a platter, garnish with the mayonnaise you set aside, and if desired, add a few fresh parsley leaves for a pop of color. This salad can be served cold or at room temperature, making it ideal for any occasion.

Suggestions and Variations:

- You can also add other boiled vegetables, such as celery or zucchini, to diversify the flavor of the salad.
- Instead of pickled green tomatoes, you can use pickled cucumbers or olives to add a different note.
- You can also replace mustard with a teaspoon of balsamic vinegar for a more intense flavor.

Nutritional Benefits:
This salad is rich in fiber, plant proteins, and vitamins from the vegetables. Beans and peas provide an excellent source of protein, while potatoes and carrots are full of antioxidants and essential nutrients. It is a healthy and filling choice, perfect for fasting periods or to diversify daily meals.

Frequently Asked Questions:

- Can I use other types of beans?
Of course! You can experiment with red beans, white beans, or even lentils to achieve a different mayonnaise.

- How long can the salad be stored?
This salad can be kept in the refrigerator in an airtight container for 2-3 days, but it is best consumed fresh.

- What drinks pair well with this salad?
A fresh lemonade or a cold mint tea pairs perfectly with this salad. Additionally, a light white wine would wonderfully complement festive meals.

So, the next time you think of a fasting meal, don’t forget about this delicious salad! It is not only a simple and quick recipe but also an explosion of flavors that will satisfy even the most demanding tastes. Enjoy!