Carrot Salad Supreme

Carrot Salad Supreme Recipe from Liberia with Grated Carrots, Celery, Raisins, and Spicy Mayo Dressing

Region / culture: Liberia | Preparation time: 15 minutes | Servings: 4

Introduction

Carrot Salad Supreme is a delicious and nutritious dish that is perfect for a light lunch or as a side dish for dinner. This recipe combines the sweetness of carrots and raisins with the crunch of celery, all coated in a flavorful imitation mayonnaise dressing.

History

Carrot Salad Supreme has been a popular dish for many years, with variations of the recipe being passed down through generations. It is a classic salad that is often served at picnics, potlucks, and family gatherings.

Ingredients

1.5 cups of grated carrots (lightly packed, 3 large carrots)
1 rib of celery, diced
0.5 cup of raisins
Imitation mayonnaise (recipe follows)
2 tsp of apple juice concentrate
0.06 tsp of cayenne pepper
0.06 tsp of curry powder
lettuce

How to prepare

In a salad bowl, combine the carrots, celery, and raisins. Set aside.
Prepare the imitation mayonnaise in a blender or food processor. Add the juice concentrate, cayenne pepper, and curry powder. Blend thoroughly.
Mix the prepared imitation mayonnaise with the carrots, raisins, and celery.
Serve the mixture on beds of lettuce arranged on salad plates.
Imitation Mayonnaise (can be successfully made in larger amounts):
Combine all the ingredients in a blender or food processor.
Blend until smooth.

Variations

Add chopped nuts, such as walnuts or almonds, for extra crunch and protein.
Mix in some shredded coconut for a tropical twist.
Use Greek yogurt instead of imitation mayonnaise for a lighter dressing option.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

Be sure to dice the celery finely to ensure that it blends well with the other ingredients.

- Soak the raisins in warm water for a few minutes before adding them to the salad to plump them up and enhance their flavor.

- Adjust the amount of cayenne pepper and curry powder to suit your taste preferences.

Serving Suggestions

Carrot Salad Supreme can be served as a side dish with grilled chicken or fish, or enjoyed on its own as a light lunch.

Cooking Techniques

The key to making a delicious Carrot Salad Supreme is to finely dice the vegetables and thoroughly mix the dressing to ensure that all the flavors are well combined.

Ingredient Substitutions

If you don't have raisins on hand, you can substitute dried cranberries or chopped dates. You can also use regular mayonnaise instead of imitation mayonnaise if preferred.

Make Ahead Tips

Carrot Salad Supreme can be made ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Just be sure to mix the dressing with the salad right before serving to prevent it from becoming soggy.

Presentation Ideas

Serve Carrot Salad Supreme on a bed of lettuce leaves for a beautiful presentation. You can also garnish with a sprinkle of chopped parsley or chives for added color.

Pairing Recommendations

This salad pairs well with grilled meats, such as chicken or pork, and is also delicious alongside a bowl of soup or a sandwich.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Store any leftover Carrot Salad Supreme in an airtight container in the refrigerator. To reheat, simply let it come to room temperature or enjoy it cold.

Nutrition Information

Calories per serving

Each serving of Carrot Salad Supreme contains approximately 150 calories.

Carbohydrates

Carrot Salad Supreme is a low-carb dish, with approximately 10 grams of carbohydrates per serving.

Fats

This salad is relatively low in fat, with only a small amount coming from the imitation mayonnaise dressing.

Proteins

Carrot Salad Supreme is not a significant source of protein, with only a small amount coming from the celery.

Vitamins and minerals

This salad is rich in vitamin A, thanks to the carrots. It also provides a good amount of vitamin C from the celery.

Alergens

This recipe contains eggs, which may be an allergen for some individuals. Be sure to use an egg-free imitation mayonnaise if needed.

Summary

Overall, Carrot Salad Supreme is a nutritious and low-calorie dish that is perfect for those looking to enjoy a light and flavorful salad.

Summary

Carrot Salad Supreme is a simple yet flavorful dish that is perfect for any occasion. With its sweet and crunchy ingredients and creamy dressing, it is sure to become a favorite in your recipe collection.

How did I get this recipe?

The memory of discovering this recipe for the first time is a happy one. It was many years ago, back when I was just a young girl, eager to learn everything I could about cooking. I had always loved spending time in the kitchen with my mother and grandmother, watching them create delicious meals from scratch. But it wasn't until that fateful day that I discovered the joy of creating something truly special on my own.

I can still remember the smell of fresh carrots being peeled and the sound of the knife slicing through them with ease. My grandmother had brought over a batch of carrots from her garden, vibrant orange and full of flavor. She told me that she had a special recipe in mind for them, a dish that she had learned from a dear friend many years ago.

As she began to gather the other ingredients - raisins, walnuts, and a homemade dressing made from mayonnaise, sugar, and lemon juice - I watched in awe, eager to learn the secrets of this new creation. My grandmother moved with grace and confidence, her hands moving deftly as she mixed and measured, never once needing to consult a recipe card or cookbook.

I asked her how she had learned to make this dish, and she smiled as she recounted the story. It had been many years ago, back when she was a young bride just starting out in the world. She had been invited to a potluck dinner with some friends, and had wanted to bring something special to share.

Her friend, Mrs. Johnson, had offered to teach her a recipe for a carrot salad that was sure to be a hit. My grandmother had eagerly accepted, watching as Mrs. Johnson demonstrated each step with care and precision. The result had been a dish that was both delicious and beautiful, a perfect addition to the potluck table.

As my grandmother finished assembling the salad, I could hardly contain my excitement. She handed me a fork and told me to try a bite. The flavors exploded in my mouth - the sweetness of the carrots, the crunch of the walnuts, and the tang of the dressing all melding together in perfect harmony.

I knew then and there that this recipe would become a staple in my own cooking repertoire. Over the years, I have made it countless times for family gatherings, potlucks, and special occasions. Each time, it is met with rave reviews and requests for the recipe.

But the true joy of making this carrot salad supreme comes not from the accolades it receives, but from the memories it holds. Every time I make it, I am transported back to that day in my grandmother's kitchen, watching in awe as she worked her magic with a few simple ingredients.

I am reminded of the love and care that went into every dish she created, and the joy that came from sharing those creations with others. And I am grateful for the lessons she taught me - that good food is meant to be shared, and that the best recipes are the ones passed down through generations, each one adding their own special touch.

So as I sit down to enjoy a bowl of carrot salad supreme, I say a silent thank you to my grandmother, Mrs. Johnson, and all the other cooks who have shared their knowledge and love of food with me over the years. And I know that as long as I have this recipe in my arsenal, I will always be able to bring a little bit of joy and magic to the table.