Beef Salad

Beef Salad – a classic and flavorful recipe

Preparation time: 30 minutes
Cooking time: 40 minutes
Total time: 1 hour 10 minutes
Servings: 6-8

Beef salad is an iconic dish, often associated with holidays and special occasions. This salad is not only a delicious combination of vegetables and meat but also an opportunity to bring family and friends together. Over time, this recipe has been passed down from generation to generation, each with its own variation, enriching the culinary tradition.

Ingredients:

- 500 g potatoes
- 3 carrots
- 300 g celery (3 pieces)
- 1 handful of frozen peas
- 2 chicken thighs
- 3 pickles
- 100 g pressed ham (optional)
- Pepper to taste
- 2 teaspoons mustard
- 1 raw yolk
- 1 hard-boiled yolk
- Oil (approximately 200 ml)
- Lemon juice (to taste)
- Salt (to taste)

Preparing the vegetables and meat:

1. The first step in creating this delicious salad is to prepare the vegetables. Peel the potatoes, carrots, and celery, ensuring all skin and impurities are removed. Chop them finely so they cook evenly.

2. Place the chopped vegetables and chicken thighs in a large pot with cold water. Add salt, a bit of vegetable seasoning, and pepper for delicious flavor. Boil everything over medium heat, being careful not to overcook, so the vegetables don’t turn to mush.

3. When the vegetables are soft but not mushy, remove them with a strainer and let them drain well. It is important that they are not wet, to prevent the salad from becoming watery.

Preparing the mayonnaise:

4. While the vegetables cool, you can start preparing the mayonnaise. In a bowl, combine the chopped hard-boiled yolk, raw yolk, mustard, salt, pepper, and oil. Use a whisk or mixer to emulsify the ingredients. Gradually add oil, ensuring the mayonnaise becomes creamy and thick.

5. Finally, add a few drops of lemon juice to give your mayonnaise a fresh and balanced taste. This will add a touch of acidity that will highlight the flavors of the salad.

Assembling the salad:

6. Now that the vegetables and meat have cooled, debone the chicken thighs and chop them finely. Also, chop the pickles, and if desired, you can add diced pressed ham for extra flavor.

7. In a large bowl, combine the vegetables, meat, pickles, and optionally, the ham. Start to gradually incorporate the mayonnaise, mixing gently to avoid crushing the vegetables. It is essential to achieve a uniform texture while maintaining the integrity of the ingredients.

8. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and let the salad chill for a few hours. This step not only allows the flavors to blend but also makes the salad even tastier.

Serving:

9. When serving, you can garnish the beef salad with thin slices of pickled cucumber or olives. You can also decorate it with a few fresh parsley leaves for an attractive look.

Serving suggestions:

This delicious salad pairs perfectly with a glass of white wine or sparkling mineral water. It can be enjoyed as an appetizer or as a main dish alongside a slice of fresh bread.

Customized version:

If you want to experiment, you can add other vegetables such as bell peppers or olives. You can also replace the chicken thighs with beef or boiled fish, depending on your preferences.

Calories and nutritional benefits:

A serving of beef salad (approximately 150 g) contains about 250-300 calories, depending on the amount of mayonnaise used. This salad offers a good combination of protein from the meat, carbohydrates from the vegetables, and healthy fats from the mayonnaise. It is a nutritious choice, packed with essential vitamins and minerals.

Frequently asked questions:

1. Can I replace the mayonnaise with something else?
Yes, you can use Greek yogurt or an avocado-based dressing for a lighter and healthier version.

2. How can I keep the beef salad longer?
The salad keeps well in the refrigerator, covered, for 2-3 days. It is important not to leave it at room temperature for long periods.

3. Can I use frozen vegetables?
Yes, frozen vegetables are a convenient option, but make sure to thaw and drain them well before adding them to the salad.

Whether you prepare it for a special occasion or just to treat yourself, beef salad is an excellent choice. Enjoy every bite and cherish the moments spent with loved ones!

 Ingredients: potatoes (1/2 kg) 3 carrots, suitable frozen peas (about a handful) 2 pieces of celery 3 pickled cucumbers 2 chicken thighs pepper 2 teaspoons mustard oil 1 raw egg yolk 1 hard-boiled egg yolk lemon juice

 Tags:  beef salad unisol