Beef Salad

Beef Salad – a traditional recipe, full of flavor and memories

Preparation time: 30 minutes
Cooking time: 1 hour
Total time: 1 hour and 30 minutes
Number of servings: 8-10

Who doesn’t love beef salad? This delicacy is a staple at festive gatherings, whether for Easter, Christmas, or other special occasions. It’s not just a recipe, but a true gastronomic tradition with deep roots in our culture, bringing us together at holiday tables. Although it is often associated with the festive season, I enjoy making it throughout the year, so we can savor its delicious and hearty taste.

In this recipe, I will guide you through each step, providing details about the ingredients used, preparation techniques, as well as some variations and tricks to achieve a perfect beef salad. Let’s get started!

Ingredients needed

- 1 kg beef (choose a quality cut, such as neck or shoulder, which becomes tender after boiling)
- 4-5 medium potatoes (buy those with smooth and firm skin)
- 4-5 carrots (with a vibrant color, a sign of freshness)
- 1/2 celery (you can opt for a smaller, flavorful celery)
- 1 jar of 800 g peas (preferably, peas in their own juice for a more intense flavor)
- 600-700 g pickles (choose crispy ones for a pleasant texture)
- 1 boiled egg (for mayonnaise)
- 1 raw egg (for mayonnaise)
- Salt (to taste)
- Lemon juice (for an extra freshness)
- Mustard (for a more complex flavor)
- Oil (preferably sunflower oil, for a creamy mayonnaise)
- Peppers, olives, and greens (for garnish)

Step-by-step instructions

Step 1: Preparing the meat and vegetables

1. Boiling the meat: Start by washing the beef well. Place it in a large pot with cold water and add a teaspoon of salt. Bring the water to a boil, then reduce the heat and let it simmer for about 1 hour. During this time, don’t forget to remove the foam that forms on the surface, so you will have a clear broth.

2. Adding the vegetables: After 20-30 minutes of boiling, add the carrots and potatoes, which will add sweetness and consistency to the salad. It’s essential not to overcook them, so check them from time to time. The vegetables should remain slightly crunchy.

Step 2: Preparing the mayonnaise

3. Mayonnaise: In a bowl, add one boiled egg (hard-boiled) and one raw egg. Add a pinch of salt, a teaspoon of mustard, and lemon juice to taste. Using an immersion blender, start blending, gradually adding oil until you achieve a thick mayonnaise. You can keep it in the fridge to cool.

Step 3: Chopping the ingredients

4. Chopping the meat and vegetables: Once the meat and vegetables are cooked, remove them from the pot and let them cool. When completely cooled, chop the meat, carrots, potatoes, and pickles into small cubes. You can add the celery raw, grated, to keep its texture and flavor.

5. Mixing the ingredients: In a large bowl, combine all the chopped ingredients: meat, vegetables, peas, and celery. Add three-quarters of the mayonnaise and mix well to evenly distribute the dressing.

Step 4: Assembling the salad

6. Serving: Transfer the mixture to a serving platter or bowl. Use the remaining mayonnaise to spread on top of the salad. You can decorate with peppers, olives, and greens for a festive look.

Useful tips

- Cheese variant: For a richer flavor, you can add cottage cheese or feta cheese, which brings a note of creaminess.
- Mayonnaise trick: If the mayonnaise doesn’t bind, you can add a drop of cold water while blending.
- Varied tastes: You can experiment by adding fresh dill or parsley to the salad for an extra flavor.

Calories and nutritional benefits

A serving of beef salad contains approximately 250-300 calories, depending on the amount of mayonnaise used. It provides a rich source of protein from the meat, vitamins from vegetables like carrots and potatoes, as well as fiber from peas and celery. This salad is not only delicious but also nutritious, perfect for festive meals.

Frequently asked questions

1. Can I use chicken instead of beef?
Yes, you can use chicken for a lighter version of this salad.

2. How can I make the mayonnaise last longer?
Make sure to use fresh eggs and keep the mayonnaise in an airtight container in the fridge.

3. What drinks pair well with beef salad?
A well-chilled plum brandy or a dry white wine are excellent choices to complement this recipe.

Conclusion

Beef salad is more than just a simple recipe; it is a part of our culinary culture, full of flavor and memories. Whether you prepare it for a special occasion or simply to indulge yourself, it will surely bring smiles to the faces of your loved ones. Don’t forget to experiment with the ingredients and customize the recipe to your liking! Enjoy!

 Ingredients: 1 kg beef 4-5 medium potatoes 4-5 carrots half a celery an 800 g jar of peas pickled cucumbers 600-700 g one boiled egg and one raw for mayonnaise salt lemon mustard oil bell peppers olives and greens for garnish

 Tags:  beef salad traditional recipes life potatoes carrots mayonnaise