Guyanese Potato Salad

Guyanese Potato Salad Recipe - Ingredients, Country of Origin

Region / culture: Guyana, Thailand | Preparation time: 30 minutes | Cooking time: 30 minutes | Servings: 6

Introduction

Guyanese Potato Salad is a popular dish in Guyana, a country located on the northern coast of South America. This dish is a delicious and flavorful combination of potatoes, macaroni, sweet peppers, hot peppers, celery, shallots, corn, mayonnaise, and evaporated milk. It is a staple at many Guyanese gatherings and is loved for its creamy texture and zesty flavor.

History

Potato salad is a dish that has been enjoyed for centuries in various cultures around the world. The Guyanese version of potato salad is a unique twist on the classic recipe, incorporating local ingredients and flavors that are popular in Guyanese cuisine. This dish has become a favorite at family gatherings, parties, and special occasions in Guyana.

Ingredients

2 lb (907 g) potatoes
0.5 lb (227 g) macaroni
2 green sweet peppers
4 wiri wiri peppers or very hot peppers
salt
1 stalk celery
4 blades shallot
1 tin shelled corn
0.5 cup mayonnaise
evaporated milk

How to prepare

Peel, wash, and dice the potatoes.
Boil the potatoes with salt until tender, then drain.
Boil the macaroni separately with salt, then drain as well.
Set the potatoes and macaroni aside to cool.
Wash and chop the peppers, celery, and shallot.
Add the chopped vegetables to the macaroni and potatoes.
Add the corn and mayonnaise, then mix well.
Gradually add a little evaporated milk until the taste is just right.

Variations

Add cooked chicken, shrimp, or tofu for added protein.
Use different types of peppers for a variety of flavors and heat levels.
Substitute Greek yogurt for mayonnaise for a healthier alternative.
Add diced hard-boiled eggs for extra creaminess.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

Be sure to dice the potatoes and macaroni into small, bite-sized pieces for the best texture.

- Boil the potatoes and macaroni separately to ensure that they cook evenly.

- Adjust the amount of hot peppers to suit your taste preferences.

- Gradually add the evaporated milk to the salad until you reach your desired level of creaminess.

Serving Suggestions

Guyanese Potato Salad is best served chilled as a side dish at a barbecue, picnic, or family gathering. It pairs well with grilled meats, seafood, or vegetarian dishes.

Cooking Techniques

Boil the potatoes and macaroni separately to ensure even cooking.

- Be sure to cool the potatoes and macaroni before adding the other ingredients to prevent the mayonnaise from melting.

- Mix the salad gently to avoid mashing the potatoes and macaroni.

Ingredient Substitutions

Use red or yellow bell peppers instead of sweet peppers.

- Substitute red onion for shallots.

- Use regular milk or coconut milk instead of evaporated milk.

Make Ahead Tips

Guyanese Potato Salad can be made ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Be sure to cover the salad tightly with plastic wrap or a lid to prevent it from drying out.

Presentation Ideas

Garnish the salad with fresh herbs, such as parsley or cilantro. - Serve the salad in a decorative bowl or platter for a festive touch. - Arrange the salad on a bed of lettuce for a colorful presentation.

Pairing Recommendations

Guyanese Potato Salad pairs well with a variety of dishes, including:

- Grilled chicken or fish

- BBQ ribs

- Vegetarian kebabs

- Rice and peas

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Leftover Guyanese Potato Salad can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. To reheat, simply let the salad come to room temperature or enjoy it cold.

Nutrition Information

Calories per serving

One serving of Guyanese Potato Salad contains approximately 250 calories. This dish is relatively low in calories, making it a great option for those looking to maintain a healthy weight.

Carbohydrates

The carbohydrates in this Guyanese Potato Salad primarily come from the potatoes, macaroni, and corn. Carbohydrates are an important source of energy for the body and are essential for overall health and well-being.

Fats

The fats in this dish come from the mayonnaise and evaporated milk. While fats are often demonized in the diet, they are actually essential for proper bodily function and can provide a source of long-lasting energy.

Proteins

This Guyanese Potato Salad does not contain a significant amount of protein. To increase the protein content, you can add cooked chicken, shrimp, or tofu to the salad.

Vitamins and minerals

This dish is rich in vitamins and minerals, thanks to the variety of vegetables used. Peppers are a great source of vitamin C, while potatoes provide potassium and vitamin B6. Celery is rich in vitamin K, and corn is a good source of fiber.

Alergens

This recipe contains dairy (mayonnaise and evaporated milk) and gluten (macaroni), so it may not be suitable for those with dairy or gluten allergies.

Summary

Overall, Guyanese Potato Salad is a nutritious and delicious dish that provides a good balance of carbohydrates, fats, vitamins, and minerals. It is a great option for a side dish or a light meal.

Summary

Guyanese Potato Salad is a flavorful and creamy dish that is perfect for any occasion. With its combination of potatoes, macaroni, vegetables, and creamy dressing, this salad is sure to be a hit with family and friends. Enjoy this delicious Guyanese dish at your next gathering!

How did I get this recipe?

I remember the sense of wonder I felt when I first saw this recipe. It was many years ago, back when I was just a young girl living in Guyana. My grandmother, who was known for her delicious cooking, had invited some friends over for a special dinner. As she bustled around the kitchen, preparing dishes with ease and grace, I couldn't help but marvel at her skill.

One dish in particular caught my eye - a vibrant and enticing potato salad unlike any I had ever seen before. The colors of the vegetables popped against the creamy potatoes, and the aroma of the spices wafted through the air, tantalizing my senses. I watched in awe as my grandmother mixed and tossed the ingredients together, her hands moving with a practiced precision that spoke of years of experience.

Curious and eager to learn, I asked my grandmother where she had learned to make such a delicious dish. She smiled at me, her eyes twinkling with mischief, and told me the story of how she had acquired the recipe.

"It all started many years ago, when I was just a young bride," she began, her voice soft and melodic. "I had moved to a new village, far away from my family and friends, and I was feeling lonely and homesick. One day, I decided to visit the local market in search of ingredients to make a meal that would remind me of home."

"At the market, I met an old woman who was selling vegetables and spices. She had a kind face and a warm smile, and we struck up a conversation. I told her about my longing for the flavors of my childhood, and she took pity on me. She invited me to her home, where she shared with me the secret recipe for this potato salad."

My grandmother's eyes sparkled with nostalgia as she recalled the memory. She told me how the old woman had patiently guided her through the steps of preparing the dish, teaching her the importance of balancing flavors and textures, and passing down the wisdom of generations.

"I will never forget that day," my grandmother said, her voice filled with emotion. "It was a turning point in my life, a moment of connection and sharing that shaped the cook I am today. I have been making this potato salad ever since, adding my own twists and variations to make it truly my own."

As my grandmother finished her story, she handed me a handwritten recipe card, yellowed with age and stained with splatters of food. It was the recipe for Guyanese Potato Salad, passed down through generations and cherished by our family.

Over the years, I have made this potato salad countless times, each time with love and care, honoring the tradition and memories that it holds. The dish has become a staple at family gatherings and special occasions, a symbol of my connection to my roots and the culinary legacy of my grandmother.

I smile as I think back to that moment of wonder and curiosity, the spark that ignited my passion for cooking and the joy of sharing delicious meals with loved ones. As I prepare the potato salad once again, I feel a sense of gratitude for the lessons learned and the memories made, and I am reminded of the power of food to connect us to our past and to each other. And as I take a bite of the creamy, flavorful salad, I am transported back to that kitchen in Guyana, surrounded by the warmth and love of family and tradition.