Baskets filled with Beef Salad

Romanian Beef Salad Recipe in Basket

Region / culture: Romania | Preparation time: 30 minutes | Cooking time: 20 minutes | Servings: 6

Introduction

Baskets filled with Beef Salad is a delightful and visually appealing dish that combines the crispiness of freshly baked tart shells with the savory flavors of beef salad. This recipe is perfect for gatherings, parties, or as an elegant appetizer for a special dinner. The unique presentation of the beef salad served in edible baskets not only enhances the dining experience but also adds a touch of creativity to your meal.

History

The concept of serving dishes in edible containers has a long history that spans various cultures and cuisines. The idea of filling pastry shells with savory or sweet fillings can be traced back to medieval European banquets, where extravagant dishes were the norm. Over time, this concept evolved, and today, it is celebrated in many forms, including these delightful baskets filled with beef salad. This particular recipe is a modern take on traditional practices, blending the simplicity of pastry making with the rich flavors of beef salad.

Ingredients

1 lb (500 g) of flour
0.5 lb (250 g) of butter or lard
1 egg
salt
beef Salad

How to prepare

In a bowl, mix the egg with the butter or lard and the salt.
Beat the mixture well.
Add the flour to the mixture and combine to form a dough.
Roll out the dough into small circles, about 0.5 inch thick.
Place each circle into small tart molds, ensuring the bottom and sides are well covered.
Prick the dough with a fork and bake in the oven.
Once baked, carefully remove the tarts from the molds.
Allow the tarts to cool completely.
These tarts can be made up to two days in advance.
To serve, fill the tarts with Beef Salad.
Cover the tarts with mayonnaise and garnish with sliced black olives, roasted or pickled red peppers, and slices of hard-boiled egg whites.
Take a few sprigs of parsley and remove most of the leaves, leaving only two or three on each sprig.
Arrange the sprigs to resemble handles for the basket.
Place the tart baskets next to each other on a long platter.

Variations

This recipe is highly versatile. The beef salad can be replaced with chicken salad, tuna salad, or a vegetarian option like chickpea salad. The pastry can also be flavored with herbs or spices for an extra kick.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

To ensure the pastry baskets are perfectly crisp and golden, it is crucial to prick the dough thoroughly before baking. This prevents the dough from puffing up in the oven. Additionally, chilling the dough before rolling it out can make it easier to handle and result in a flakier pastry. For the beef salad, using high-quality, tender beef and marinating it with your favorite herbs and spices can significantly enhance the flavor.

Serving Suggestions

Serve the baskets as an appetizer or a light main course. They are best enjoyed fresh but can be prepared a few hours in advance. Accompany with a side of mixed greens or a light soup for a complete meal.

Cooking Techniques

The key techniques involved in this recipe are pastry making and baking for the baskets, and marinating and preparing the beef salad. Both components can be prepared in advance to save time.

Ingredient Substitutions

For a healthier version, substitute lard with olive oil, use whole wheat flour, and opt for low-fat mayonnaise. Vegetarian options can replace beef with grilled tofu or tempeh.

Make Ahead Tips

The pastry baskets can be baked up to two days in advance and stored in an airtight container. The beef salad can also be prepared ahead of time and refrigerated until needed.

Presentation Ideas

Arrange the filled baskets on a platter garnished with fresh herbs, edible flowers, or thinly sliced vegetables for an elegant presentation. The handle made from parsley sprigs adds a charming touch.

Pairing Recommendations

Pair the baskets with a light white wine, such as Sauvignon Blanc or a sparkling Prosecco, to complement the flavors of the beef salad. A non-alcoholic option could be a refreshing cucumber mint water.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

The baked pastry baskets should be stored at room temperature in an airtight container. The beef salad can be refrigerated for up to two days. It is best to fill the baskets just before serving to prevent them from becoming soggy.

Nutrition Information

Calories per serving

Each serving of Baskets filled with Beef Salad contains approximately 450 calories. The calories can be reduced by making substitutions like using leaner cuts of beef, low-fat mayonnaise, and reducing the amount of lard in the pastry.

Carbohydrates

Each serving of Baskets filled with Beef Salad contains approximately 30 grams of carbohydrates. The majority of these carbohydrates come from the flour used in the pastry. Opting for whole wheat flour can increase the fiber content and make it a healthier option.

Fats

This recipe contains about 20 grams of fat per serving, with the primary sources being the lard used in the pastry and the mayonnaise in the beef salad. For a healthier version, you can substitute the lard with unsaturated fats like olive oil and use low-fat or yogurt-based mayonnaise.

Proteins

The beef salad is a good source of protein, providing about 25 grams per serving. The protein content can vary depending on the cut of beef used. Lean cuts of beef are recommended for a healthier option.

Vitamins and minerals

This dish is rich in various vitamins and minerals, particularly those found in the beef and the vegetables used in the salad. Beef is a good source of iron, zinc, and B vitamins, while the vegetables contribute vitamins A, C, and K, along with potassium and fiber.

Alergens

Common allergens in this recipe include gluten (from the flour), eggs, and dairy (if using butter instead of lard). For those with allergies, gluten-free flour, egg substitutes, and dairy-free fats can be used.

Summary

Baskets filled with Beef Salad is a moderately calorie-dense dish that offers a good balance of carbohydrates, proteins, and fats, along with essential vitamins and minerals. Making mindful ingredient choices can make it suitable for various dietary needs.

Summary

Baskets filled with Beef Salad is a versatile and visually appealing dish that combines the rich flavors of beef salad with the crispiness of homemade pastry. With options for customization and make-ahead tips, it is a perfect choice for entertaining or a special family meal.

How did I get this recipe?

The first time I saw this recipe, I was filled with a sense of awe. It was a warm summer day and I was visiting my friend Martha, who was known for her exquisite cooking skills. As soon as I entered her kitchen, I could smell the delicious aroma of spices and herbs wafting through the air.

Martha greeted me with a warm smile and handed me a glass of freshly squeezed lemonade. As we chatted about our lives and shared stories, she started preparing a dish that caught my eye immediately. It was a dish unlike any I had ever seen before - baskets filled with beef salad.

I watched in amazement as Martha deftly sliced the beef into thin strips, marinated it in a secret blend of herbs and spices, and then tossed it with a mixture of fresh vegetables and herbs. She then carefully spooned the beef salad into delicate pastry baskets and garnished them with a sprinkling of chopped nuts.

As Martha placed the baskets filled with beef salad in front of me, I couldn't wait to take a bite. The flavors exploded in my mouth - the tender beef, the crunchy vegetables, the fragrant herbs. It was a symphony of tastes and textures that I had never experienced before.

I begged Martha to share the recipe with me, and she agreed with a smile. She handed me a worn piece of paper with handwritten instructions and a list of ingredients. As I read through the recipe, I realized that it was more than just a dish - it was a labor of love, a tribute to Martha's passion for cooking and her dedication to creating delicious meals for her loved ones.

Over the years, I have made this recipe countless times, each time adding my own twist and flair to it. I have shared it with friends and family, who have all raved about its deliciousness. And every time I make it, I am reminded of that warm summer day in Martha's kitchen, where I first learned the art of making baskets filled with beef salad.

The secret to this recipe lies in the marination of the beef. The blend of herbs and spices that Martha used adds a depth of flavor that is truly unparalleled. I have experimented with different combinations over the years, but I always come back to Martha's original recipe, which never fails to impress.

The delicate pastry baskets are also crucial to the success of this dish. They provide the perfect vessel for the beef salad, adding a light and flaky texture that complements the richness of the filling. I have tried using store-bought pastry shells in a pinch, but nothing beats the homemade version that Martha taught me how to make.

I have shared this recipe with many others over the years, passing down the tradition just as Martha did for me. It brings me joy to see others enjoy the fruits of my labor, to witness their faces light up with delight as they take their first bite of these delectable baskets filled with beef salad.

As I grow older, I realize that these recipes are more than just a collection of ingredients and instructions - they are a testament to the love and care that goes into creating a memorable meal. And so, I will continue to cook and share these dishes, keeping the tradition alive for generations to come.