Sezon - Oriental salad by Ilona P. - Recipia
Oriental Potato and Olive Salad Recipe

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

Traveling through memories, I often find myself in my grandmother's kitchen, where the aromas and flavors of childhood stir my soul. A simple yet nostalgic recipe is the oriental potato salad. This dish invites us with its simplicity and is perfect for both fasting periods and festive meals. Let’s discover together how to prepare it step by step!

Ingredients

- 1 kg potatoes
- 1 red onion
- 150 g black olives (or to taste)
- Salt, to taste
- 50 ml olive oil (or sunflower, corn)
- 30 ml balsamic vinegar or regular vinegar, to taste

Useful tips about ingredients

- Potatoes: Choose “salad” type potatoes, which hold their shape after boiling. They are less starchy and more suitable for salads.
- Red onion: This adds a note of sweetness and a pleasant taste. If you prefer, you can also use white onion, but red onion offers a more vibrant color.
- Olives: Black olives, with an intense flavor, enrich the salad. You can choose a variety of olives according to your taste: pitted, stuffed, or even green olives.
- Oil and vinegar: Extra virgin olive oil adds a special flavor. Balsamic vinegar gives a more complex taste, but feel free to use regular vinegar if you prefer a more sour taste.

Preparing the salad

Step 1: Boiling the potatoes

Start by washing the potatoes well. It’s important to leave them with the skin on, as this helps retain nutrients. Place the potatoes in a large pot, fill it with cold water, and add a teaspoon of salt. Bring the water to a boil and let the potatoes cook for 20-30 minutes until tender. Check with a fork to ensure they are cooked.

Step 2: Preparing the onion

Meanwhile, peel and slice the red onion into thin rings. If you want to reduce the intensity of the taste, you can soak it in cold water for a few minutes before adding it to the salad.

Step 3: Preparing the olives

If using whole olives, remember to pit them. Cut them in half or into cubes, depending on your preference. They will add a delicious flavor and interesting texture to the salad.

Step 4: Assembling the salad

After the potatoes are cooked, drain them and let them cool slightly. Then, peel them and cut them into quarters or larger pieces, depending on preference. Place the potatoes in a large bowl and add the onion, olives, salt, oil, and vinegar.

Step 5: Mixing

Gently mix the ingredients to avoid crushing the potatoes. It’s important to combine the flavors well, and the salad will be even tastier if you let it sit for a while before serving.

Delicious variations

If you are not fasting, add quartered boiled eggs and a tablespoon of sour cream to make the salad richer and creamier. Another option would be to add some fresh dill or parsley leaves for an extra touch of freshness and flavor.

Serving

The oriental salad is served cold and can be an excellent side dish for grilled meats, or enjoyed as a light main dish. Try pairing it with a refreshing drink, such as mint tea or freshly squeezed lemonade.

Nutritional benefits

This salad is not only delicious but also healthy. Potatoes are an excellent source of complex carbohydrates, providing energy, while olives are rich in antioxidants and monounsaturated fats that contribute to heart health. Red onion contains quercetin, a powerful antioxidant that helps reduce inflammation.

Frequently asked questions

1. Can I use sweet potatoes instead of regular potatoes? Yes, sweet potatoes are a wonderful alternative, although the taste will be different.
2. Can I add other ingredients? Sure! You can try adding bell peppers, cherry tomatoes, or fresh dill.
3. How can I store the salad? It keeps well in the fridge, in an airtight container, for 2-3 days.

Conclusion

This oriental potato and olive salad is more than just a simple recipe - it is a window into childhood memories and a way to bring joy to every meal. So gather the ingredients, cook with love, and savor every bite! Enjoy!

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Sezon - Oriental salad by Ilona P. - Recipia

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