Berlin salad

Berlin Salad: A Delicacy for Any Occasion

The Berlin salad is a dish that combines the flavor of cooked meat with the freshness of pickled vegetables, resulting in a delicious salad, perfect for festive meals as well as gatherings with friends. With a rich history in gastronomy, this salad brings an air of conviviality and joy to anyone's table. Here’s how you can prepare it step by step, achieving a perfect result every time.

Preparation time: 20 minutes
Cooling time: 8 hours (ideally overnight)
Total time: 8 hours and 20 minutes
Number of servings: 8-10

Necessary ingredients:

- 500 g lean meat (pork, chicken, or turkey)
- 1 kg onion
- 500 g pickled cucumbers
- 500 ml oil (preferably sunflower oil)
- 2 eggs
- 1 small can of tomato paste (about 2-3 tablespoons)
- Salt and pepper to taste
- (optional) 1 piece of celery and 2 carrots (for a richer taste and texture)
- (optional) a few sprigs of lemon salt (for a tangy note)

Step-by-step preparation:

1. Boiling the meat: Start by placing the chosen meat (pork, chicken, or turkey) to boil in a large pot with water and a little salt. If you want to add extra flavor, you can include a piece of celery and a few carrots. Boil the meat for about 30-40 minutes until it becomes tender.

2. Preparing the ingredients: Once the meat is boiled, remove it from the water and let it cool. While the meat cools, you can prepare the vegetables. Slice the onion thinly and sprinkle a pinch of salt over it. Let the onion sit for 10-15 minutes, then squeeze it well to remove excess water and bitterness.

3. Pickled cucumbers: Slice the pickled cucumbers thinly, then gently squeeze them to remove excess juice. This will help the salad not to become too wet.

4. Preparing the mayonnaise: In a bowl, beat the 2 eggs with a pinch of salt, then gradually add the oil, continuously mixing to achieve a creamy mayonnaise. If you prefer a tangier mayonnaise, you can add a few sprigs of lemon salt.

5. Assembling the salad: Once the meat has cooled, cut it into very small cubes. In a large bowl, combine the chopped meat, squeezed onion, pickled cucumbers, and prepared mayonnaise. Add the tomato paste, mixing all the ingredients well. Taste and season with salt and pepper to preference.

6. Cooling: Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and let the salad chill in the refrigerator for at least 8 hours, ideally overnight. This chilling time will allow the flavors to blend perfectly, and the salad will become tastier.

Serving: The Berlin salad is served cold, ideally on a beautiful platter, with a little fresh parsley on top for an elegant look. You can combine it with fresh bread or crunchy croutons for a pleasant contrast of textures.

Practical tips:
- You can experiment with the type of meat used, each variant bringing a distinct note to the salad.
- If you want a heartier salad, you can also add olives or garlic-flavored mayonnaise.
- For a slightly smoky taste, add a few drops of Worcestershire sauce to the mayonnaise.
- The Berlin salad pairs wonderfully with a glass of dry white wine or a refreshing cocktail.

Nutritional values: Each serving of Berlin salad contains approximately 250-300 calories, depending on the type of meat used and the amount of mayonnaise. It is rich in protein due to the meat and contains fiber from the vegetables, making it a filling option for a meal.

Frequently asked questions:
- Can I use other types of vegetables? Yes, you can experiment with different pickled vegetables, such as carrots or peppers.
- Is it possible to make a vegan salad? Yes, you can replace the meat with mushrooms or tofu and the mayonnaise with a plant-based alternative.
- How long can the salad be kept in the refrigerator? The Berlin salad can be stored in the refrigerator for 2-3 days, but it is recommended to consume it as soon as possible to enjoy the freshness of the ingredients.

The Berlin salad is more than just a simple dish; it is a recipe that brings people and memories together. Whether you serve it at a gathering with friends or a family celebration, this dish will surely be a success. So, put on your apron and get cooking!

 Ingredients: 500 g of lean meat (pork, chicken, turkey) 1 kg of onions 500 g of pickled cucumbers 500 ml of oil 2 eggs 1 small can of tomato paste salt, pepper