Beef and Blue Cheese Salad

Beef and Blue Cheese Salad Recipe - Delicious Irish Salad

Region / culture: Ireland | Preparation time: 1 hour | Servings: 4

Introduction

Beef and Blue Cheese Salad is a sophisticated dish that combines the rich flavors of grilled tenderloin with the sharpness of blue cheese and the sweetness of golden raisins soaked in Irish whiskey. This salad is perfect for those who appreciate a gourmet touch in their meals, offering a blend of textures and flavors that are sure to delight the palate. Whether you're looking to impress guests at a dinner party or simply want to treat yourself to a luxurious meal, this recipe is a fantastic choice.

History

The origins of combining beef with blue cheese can be traced back to European cuisine, where the pairing of meat with cheese has long been a tradition. The addition of whiskey-soaked raisins introduces a Celtic twist, nodding to the Irish practice of incorporating whiskey into their culinary creations. Over time, this recipe has evolved into a modern salad that maintains its European roots while appealing to contemporary tastes.

Ingredients

0.75 cup golden raisins
0.25 cup irish whiskey
1 cup mayonnaise
2 tbsp minced parsley
1 cup buttermilk
2 tsp lemon juice
2 tsp white vinegar
8 oz (227 g) crumbled Cashel blue cheese or similar blue cheese
salt and freshly ground pepper to taste
2 heads romaine lettuce
grilled tenderloin

How to prepare

Soak raisins in whiskey for 1 hour.
Drain and set aside.
In a separate bowl, combine all remaining ingredients except for the lettuce and tenderloin.
Whisk until smooth.
Refrigerate for 1 hour.
When ready to serve, arrange lettuce on a large platter or salad bowl.
Pour the dressing over the lettuce.
Slice the tenderloin and arrange it on top of the salad.
Sprinkle the soaked raisins over the salad.

Variations

For a lighter version, substitute Greek yogurt for the mayonnaise and use a leaner cut of beef. Vegetarians can replace the beef with grilled portobello mushrooms for a meat-free alternative.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

To ensure the best flavor and texture, use high-quality tenderloin and Cashel blue cheese. Soaking the raisins in whiskey not only plumps them up but also infuses them with a rich, boozy flavor that complements the beef and cheese. For the dressing, whisking it until smooth and allowing it to chill in the refrigerator helps the flavors meld together, creating a more cohesive taste.

Serving Suggestions

This salad is best served fresh, with the dressing poured over just before serving to maintain the crispness of the lettuce. It can be served as a main course or as a sophisticated starter for a multi-course meal.

Cooking Techniques

Grilling the tenderloin adds a smoky flavor that complements the creamy blue cheese and tangy dressing. Soaking the raisins in whiskey is a simple technique that adds depth to the salad.

Ingredient Substitutions

If Cashel blue cheese is unavailable, any good-quality blue cheese can be used. Bourbon can be substituted for Irish whiskey, and dried cranberries can replace golden raisins for a different flavor profile.

Make Ahead Tips

The dressing and whiskey-soaked raisins can be prepared ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator. Grill the tenderloin and assemble the salad just before serving to ensure freshness.

Presentation Ideas

Serve the salad on a large platter with the tenderloin slices fanned out and the raisins sprinkled on top for a visually appealing presentation. Garnish with additional parsley for a pop of color.

Pairing Recommendations

This salad pairs well with a full-bodied red wine, such as Cabernet Sauvignon or Malbec, which can stand up to the bold flavors of the beef and blue cheese.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Leftover salad should be stored in separate containers for the lettuce, dressing, and beef. Reassemble and dress the salad just before serving. The tenderloin can be gently reheated if desired, but the salad is best enjoyed fresh.

Nutrition Information

Calories per serving

The calorie content of this salad can vary depending on the exact proportions of ingredients used. However, it is relatively high in calories due to the tenderloin, mayonnaise, and blue cheese. A single serving could range from 400 to 600 calories, making it a hearty meal option.

Carbohydrates

This salad contains a moderate amount of carbohydrates, primarily from the golden raisins and the small amount of lemon juice and vinegar used in the dressing. The exact carbohydrate content will vary depending on the serving size, but it's a relatively low-carb dish, especially if you focus on the beef and cheese components.

Fats

The fats in this recipe come from several sources: the mayonnaise, buttermilk, and blue cheese in the dressing, as well as the tenderloin. These ingredients contribute to the dish's rich and satisfying mouthfeel. The fats are a mix of saturated and unsaturated types, with blue cheese and mayonnaise being significant sources of saturated fats.

Proteins

Beef tenderloin is an excellent source of high-quality protein, making this salad a good option for those looking to increase their protein intake. The blue cheese also adds a small amount of protein. Together, they make the dish both nutritious and filling.

Vitamins and minerals

This salad provides a variety of vitamins and minerals, particularly from the romaine lettuce, parsley, and lemon juice. Romaine lettuce is a good source of vitamins A, K, and C, as well as folate and manganese. Parsley is rich in vitamin K, and lemon juice offers a dose of vitamin C.

Alergens

This recipe contains several common allergens, including dairy (blue cheese, buttermilk, mayonnaise) and gluten (depending on the brand of whiskey used). Individuals with food allergies or sensitivities should modify the recipe accordingly or avoid it.

Summary

Overall, the Beef and Blue Cheese Salad is a nutrient-rich dish that offers a good balance of proteins, fats, and vitamins. While it is higher in calories and contains potential allergens, it can be a satisfying and nutritious meal when enjoyed in moderation.

Summary

The Beef and Blue Cheese Salad is a gourmet dish that combines the richness of beef tenderloin with the sharpness of blue cheese and the sweetness of whiskey-soaked raisins. With its complex flavors and textures, it's a satisfying meal that's perfect for special occasions or when you're in the mood for something a little different. By following the tips and variations provided, you can customize the salad to suit your tastes and dietary needs.

How did I get this recipe?

I have a clear recollection of the first time I saw this recipe for Beef and Blue Cheese Salad. It was a warm summer day, and I was visiting my dear friend Margaret in her cozy little kitchen. Margaret was known for her amazing culinary skills, and she always had a new recipe up her sleeve to share with me.

On this particular day, Margaret greeted me with a warm smile and a twinkle in her eye. "I have a special recipe to show you today," she said, as she pulled out a cutting board and a variety of fresh ingredients from her refrigerator. I watched intently as she expertly sliced the beef into thin strips, marinated it in a flavorful mixture of herbs and spices, and grilled it to perfection.

As the beef sizzled on the grill, Margaret prepared the rest of the salad ingredients. She tossed together a bed of crisp lettuce, ripe cherry tomatoes, and tangy red onions. Then, she crumbled generous chunks of creamy blue cheese on top, adding a rich and indulgent flavor to the dish.

Once the beef was cooked to a perfect medium-rare, Margaret assembled the salad on a large platter. She drizzled a zesty vinaigrette over the top and garnished it with fresh herbs and cracked black pepper. The aroma of the dish filled the kitchen, making my mouth water in anticipation.

As we sat down to enjoy our meal, Margaret shared the story behind the recipe for Beef and Blue Cheese Salad. She explained that she had learned it from her grandmother, who had passed it down through the generations. Margaret had put her own twist on the recipe, adding her own special touch to make it truly unique and delicious.

I savored each bite of the salad, reveling in the combination of flavors and textures. The tender beef paired perfectly with the sharp tang of the blue cheese, while the fresh vegetables added a crisp and refreshing element to the dish. It was a culinary masterpiece, and I knew that I had to learn how to make it myself.

Margaret graciously shared the recipe with me, writing it down on a weathered index card that I tucked away in my recipe box. Over the years, I have made the Beef and Blue Cheese Salad countless times, each time adding my own flair and creativity to the dish. It has become a favorite among my family and friends, who always look forward to enjoying this special recipe whenever I make it.

As I reflect on the memories of that day in Margaret's kitchen, I am reminded of the power of food to bring people together and create lasting connections. The recipe for Beef and Blue Cheese Salad is more than just a dish – it is a symbol of friendship, tradition, and the joy of sharing good food with the ones we love.

And so, as I prepare to make the salad once again, I do so with a grateful heart and a sense of nostalgia for the time spent learning this recipe from my dear friend Margaret. I know that with each bite, I am not only savoring a delicious meal but also honoring the cherished memories and traditions that have been passed down to me through the generations.