Lebanese Potato Salad I

Lebanese Potato Salad I Recipe - Delicious and Easy to Make

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

Introduction

Lebanese Potato Salad is a refreshing and flavorful dish that is perfect for summer gatherings or as a side dish for any meal. This salad is made with tender potatoes, fresh herbs, and a tangy lemon dressing that is sure to please your taste buds.

History

Potato salad is a popular dish in Lebanese cuisine, often served as part of a mezze spread or as a side dish with grilled meats. The combination of potatoes, lemon juice, and olive oil is a classic flavor profile in Lebanese cooking, and this salad is a perfect example of that.

Ingredients

2 lb (907 g) russet potatoes (about 3 medium)
0.25 cup lemon juice
3 tbsp extra-virgin olive oil
0.5 tsp salt
freshly ground pepper to taste
4 scallions, thinly sliced
0.25 cup chopped fresh mint

How to prepare

Place the potatoes in a large saucepan or dutch oven and cover them with lightly salted water.
Bring the water to a boil and cook the potatoes until they are tender, which should take around 25 to 30 minutes.
Drain the potatoes and rinse them with cold water.
Transfer the potatoes to a cutting board.
Allow the potatoes to cool for 20 minutes.
Cut the cooled potatoes into pieces that are 0.5 inches in size.
In a large bowl, whisk together the lemon juice, oil, salt, and pepper.
Add the potatoes to the bowl and toss them to coat them with the dressing.
Just before serving, add the scallions and mint to the salad and gently toss them together.
If you want to prepare the salad ahead of time, you can do so up to step 7. Simply cover it and refrigerate it for up to 2 days.
Taste the salad and add additional lemon juice and/or salt according to your preference.

Variations

Add diced cucumbers or tomatoes for extra freshness.
Mix in some crumbled feta cheese for a creamy and tangy twist.
Sprinkle with sumac or za'atar for a Middle Eastern flavor.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

Be sure to cook the potatoes until they are just tender, as overcooking them can result in a mushy salad.

- For extra flavor, you can add other fresh herbs such as parsley or cilantro to the salad.

- Make sure to taste the salad before serving and adjust the seasoning as needed.

Serving Suggestions

This salad can be served as a side dish with grilled meats, fish, or as part of a mezze spread with other Lebanese dishes such as hummus, tabbouleh, and falafel.

Cooking Techniques

Boiling the potatoes until tender ensures that they are the perfect texture for the salad.

- Tossing the potatoes in the lemon dressing while they are still warm allows them to absorb the flavors.

Ingredient Substitutions

You can use red potatoes or Yukon gold potatoes instead of russet potatoes.

- Substitute red wine vinegar for the lemon juice if desired.

Make Ahead Tips

This salad can be made ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Just add the fresh herbs right before serving.

Presentation Ideas

Garnish the salad with additional fresh mint leaves or a drizzle of olive oil before serving. - Serve the salad in a decorative bowl or platter for a beautiful presentation.

Pairing Recommendations

This salad pairs well with grilled chicken, lamb kebabs, or falafel.

- Serve with a side of pita bread or Lebanese flatbread for a complete meal.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

- This salad is best served cold, so no reheating is necessary.

Nutrition Information

Calories per serving

200

Carbohydrates

- Total Carbohydrates: 32g

- Dietary Fiber: 4g

- Sugars: 2g

Fats

- Total Fat: 7g

- Saturated Fat: 1g

- Trans Fat: 0g

Proteins

- Protein: 3g

Vitamins and minerals

Vitamin C: 20% DV

- Vitamin A: 2% DV

- Iron: 6% DV

- Potassium: 15% DV

Alergens

This recipe is gluten-free and dairy-free.

Summary

This Lebanese Potato Salad is a healthy and nutritious dish that is low in calories and high in vitamins and minerals.

Summary

Lebanese Potato Salad is a simple and delicious dish that is perfect for any occasion. With its fresh flavors and healthy ingredients, this salad is sure to become a favorite in your recipe collection. Enjoy!

How did I get this recipe?

I recall the feeling of curiosity that overcame me when I found this recipe for Lebanese Potato Salad. It was a hot summer day, the kind of day where the only relief came from a cool breeze or a refreshing glass of lemonade. I was going through an old cookbook that had been passed down to me from my own grandmother, filled with handwritten notes and splattered pages from years of use.

As I flipped through the pages, a worn and yellowed piece of paper fell out from between the pages. It was a recipe for Lebanese Potato Salad, written in elegant script with faded ink. The ingredients were simple yet exotic, with flavors that I had never tried before. Intrigued, I decided to give it a try.

I followed the instructions carefully, boiling the potatoes until they were tender and then dressing them with a mixture of olive oil, lemon juice, garlic, and a blend of spices. As I took my first bite, I was transported to a world of bold flavors and vibrant colors. The tangy lemon juice paired perfectly with the earthy potatoes, while the garlic added a subtle kick of heat. It was unlike anything I had ever tasted before, and I knew that this recipe would become a staple in my own kitchen.

I had always been passionate about cooking, learning new recipes and techniques from anyone willing to share them with me. My grandmother had been my first teacher, showing me the basics of preparing meals and instilling in me a love for good food. Over the years, I had collected recipes from friends, neighbors, and even strangers I had met on my travels. Each one held a special place in my heart, a memory of a moment shared over a meal.

The recipe for Lebanese Potato Salad had a special significance to me, as it symbolized the blending of cultures and flavors that I had come to cherish. I had always been fascinated by Lebanese cuisine, with its bold spices and fresh ingredients. This recipe was a testament to the beauty of simplicity, using just a few key ingredients to create a dish that was both satisfying and memorable.

As I continued to make the Lebanese Potato Salad, I began to experiment with different variations, adding in ingredients like fresh herbs, diced tomatoes, and olives. Each time I made it, I would think of the person who had shared the recipe with me, imagining the meals they had prepared with love and care.

One day, I decided to invite my friends over for a Lebanese feast, featuring the potato salad as the star of the show. As they gathered around the table, their eyes lighting up with anticipation, I knew that this meal would be a special one. The flavors of the salad danced on their tongues, eliciting smiles and nods of approval. I watched with joy as they devoured every last bite, savoring the taste of a dish that had been passed down through generations.

As the evening drew to a close and my friends bid me farewell, I felt a sense of pride and satisfaction wash over me. The recipe for Lebanese Potato Salad had brought us together, creating a bond that transcended time and distance. It was a reminder of the power of food to connect us, to nourish not only our bodies but also our souls.

And so, as I cleaned up the kitchen and put away the leftovers, I knew that this recipe would always hold a special place in my heart. It was more than just a dish – it was a story, a memory, a connection to the past and a bridge to the future. And I was grateful for the curiosity that had led me to discover it, for it had enriched my life in ways I could have never imagined.