Ensalda de Mandioca

Ensalada de Mandioca Recipe - Vegetarian Food from Paraguay

Region / culture: Paraguay | Preparation time: 30 minutes | Cooking time: 20 minutes | Servings: 4 |

Vegetarian diet

Introduction

Ensalada de Mandioca is a delicious and nutritious dish that features the unique flavors of mandioca, also known as cassava or yuca. This recipe combines the earthy taste of mandioca with fresh vegetables and a flavorful dressing, creating a refreshing and satisfying salad.

History

Ensalada de Mandioca has its origins in South America, where mandioca is a staple ingredient in many traditional dishes. This salad is a modern twist on classic recipes, incorporating a variety of fresh ingredients and bold flavors to create a vibrant and tasty dish.

Ingredients

1 large endive, carefully washed and separated into leaves
0.75 kg of mandioca, boiled with a bit of salt
1 tsp of cibullette (can be replaced by tender onion)
1 tbsp of soy sauce
1 tbsp of chopped nuts
1 clove of chopped garlic
1 tbsp of olive oil
1 head of lettuce
1 escarole
2 grated carrots
50 g of pitted black olives
1 avocado, peeled, pitted, and cut into 0.5 cm strips
2 hard tomatoes
chopped parsley

Seasoning

3 tbsp of olive oil
sesame oil to taste
juice of an average lemon
salt
freshly ground black pepper
1 tsp of grated ginger

How to prepare

To fill each endive leaf with the mandioca paste, combine the pricked soybean sauce, nuts, olive oil, minced garlic, and cibuletta or tender onion.
Arrange the stuffed endives in the center of the platter.
Surround them with lettuce, alternating colors, in a circular pattern.
Sprinkle grated carrots and a few black olives on the outer edge.
Next, add thinly sliced tomatoes sprinkled with parsley.
Place avocado around the tomatoes and drizzle with seasoning.

Variations

Add grilled shrimp or tofu for an extra protein boost.
Swap out the endive leaves for romaine lettuce cups for a different presentation.
Mix in some diced bell peppers or cucumbers for added crunch and freshness.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

Be sure to boil the mandioca with a bit of salt to enhance its natural flavor.

- When filling the endive leaves with the mandioca paste, be generous with the filling to ensure each bite is packed with flavor.

- Drizzle the dressing over the salad just before serving to keep the vegetables crisp and fresh.

Serving Suggestions

Serve Ensalada de Mandioca as a side dish with grilled chicken or fish for a complete and balanced meal. This salad also pairs well with a crusty bread or as a light lunch option on its own.

Cooking Techniques

Boil the mandioca until tender, then mash it with the other ingredients to create a creamy and flavorful paste. Fill the endive leaves with the mandioca mixture and arrange them on a platter with the fresh vegetables for a visually appealing presentation.

Ingredient Substitutions

If you cannot find mandioca, you can substitute with boiled potatoes or sweet potatoes. Cibullette can be replaced with green onions or chives, and any type of nuts can be used in place of chopped nuts.

Make Ahead Tips

You can prepare the mandioca paste and dressing ahead of time and store them in the refrigerator until ready to assemble the salad. Keep the fresh vegetables separate until just before serving to maintain their crispness.

Presentation Ideas

Arrange the stuffed endive leaves in a circular pattern on a platter, surrounded by a variety of fresh vegetables and drizzled with the flavorful dressing. Garnish with chopped parsley and black olives for a finishing touch.

Pairing Recommendations

Ensalada de Mandioca pairs well with a crisp white wine, such as a Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio. The light and refreshing flavors of the salad complement the bright acidity of these wines.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Store any leftover salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. The vegetables may become slightly wilted, but the flavors will still be delicious. Serve chilled or at room temperature.

Nutrition Information

Calories per serving

Each serving of Ensalada de Mandioca contains approximately 250 calories, making it a light and satisfying option for a meal or side dish.

Carbohydrates

Mandioca is a starchy root vegetable that is rich in carbohydrates, providing a good source of energy for the body. This salad is a great option for those looking to fuel their day with complex carbohydrates.

Fats

The olive oil and nuts in this recipe provide healthy fats that are essential for overall health and well-being. These fats help to support brain function, hormone production, and cell growth.

Proteins

While this salad is not a significant source of protein, the nuts and avocado do provide some plant-based protein. Pairing this salad with a protein-rich main dish can help to balance out your meal.

Vitamins and minerals

Ensalada de Mandioca is packed with vitamins and minerals from the fresh vegetables used in the recipe. Avocado is a great source of vitamin E, while tomatoes provide vitamin C. The combination of ingredients ensures you are getting a variety of essential nutrients in each bite.

Alergens

This recipe contains nuts and soy sauce, which may be allergens for some individuals. Be sure to check for any allergies before preparing this dish.

Summary

Ensalada de Mandioca is a nutritious and flavorful salad that provides a good balance of carbohydrates, fats, and vitamins and minerals. This dish is a great option for those looking to enjoy a light and refreshing meal.

Summary

Ensalada de Mandioca is a delightful and nutritious salad that showcases the unique flavors of mandioca and fresh vegetables. This recipe is a great option for a light and refreshing meal or side dish, providing a good balance of carbohydrates, fats, and essential nutrients. Enjoy this salad as a part of a healthy and satisfying meal.

How did I get this recipe?

I vividly recall the moment I first laid eyes on this recipe for Ensalada de Mandioca. It was a warm summer day, and I was visiting a friend in Argentina. We were sitting in her cozy kitchen, surrounded by the delicious smells of cooking food. As we chatted and caught up on each other's lives, my friend suddenly stood up and rummaged through her collection of recipe books.

"I have the perfect recipe for you to try," she exclaimed, as she pulled out a worn and stained piece of paper. "This is my grandmother's recipe for Ensalada de Mandioca. It's a traditional dish from our family, and I think you'll love it."

I watched with interest as my friend gathered the ingredients and started to prepare the dish. She explained each step to me, and I was mesmerized by the simple yet flavorful combination of flavors. The dish consisted of boiled cassava, also known as yuca, mixed with onions, tomatoes, bell peppers, and a tangy dressing made of vinegar, oil, and spices. It was a refreshing and comforting dish that seemed to capture the essence of Argentine cuisine.

As I took my first bite of the Ensalada de Mandioca, I was immediately transported back to my own childhood. I remembered my own grandmother, who was a talented cook and had a vast collection of recipes from all over the world. She had taught me how to make traditional dishes from our own culture, as well as dishes from other countries that she had learned during her travels.

I had always been fascinated by the way food could bring people together and tell stories of different cultures and traditions. And now, as I savored the flavors of the Ensalada de Mandioca, I felt a deep connection to my friend's family and their culinary heritage.

After that day, I knew that I had to learn how to make this dish on my own. I asked my friend for a copy of the recipe, and she graciously shared it with me. I made it a point to practice making the Ensalada de Mandioca regularly, tweaking the ingredients and proportions to suit my own taste.

Over the years, I have made this dish for countless gatherings and potlucks, always receiving rave reviews from friends and family. I have shared the recipe with anyone who has shown an interest, passing on the tradition of this delicious and comforting dish.

As I reflect on the journey that led me to discover the Ensalada de Mandioca recipe, I am grateful for the connections it has helped me forge with others. Food has a way of bringing people together, regardless of language, culture, or background. And through this simple yet flavorful dish, I have been able to share a piece of my own culinary heritage with those around me.

So, the next time you find yourself in need of a new recipe to try, I encourage you to give Ensalada de Mandioca a chance. You never know what stories and connections it may bring into your life. And who knows, you may just discover a new favorite dish that will become a beloved tradition in your own family for years to come.