Macedonian New Potato Salad

Macedonian New Potato Salad Recipe - Delicious and Easy-to-Prepare

Region / culture: Macedonia | Preparation time: 15 minutes | Cooking time: 20 minutes | Servings: 4

Introduction

Macedonian New Potato Salad is a refreshing and flavorful dish that is perfect for summer gatherings or as a side dish for any meal. The combination of tender red potatoes, crunchy radishes, tangy feta cheese, and savory salami is sure to please your taste buds.

History

This recipe is inspired by traditional Macedonian cuisine, which is known for its use of fresh and seasonal ingredients. Potatoes are a staple in Macedonian cooking, and this salad is a delicious way to showcase their versatility.

Ingredients

1.5 lb (680 g) small red potatoes
0.5 cup thinly sliced scallions
0.5 cup thinly sliced radishes
0.5 cup halved (6) lettuce leaves
0.5 cup crumbled feta cheese
2 oz (57 g) chopped dried salami (optional)
salt and pepper

Vinaigrette

2 tbsp white wine vinegar
1 tsp grated lemon zest
2 tsp lemon juice
2 tsp dijon mustard
2 tbsp chopped fresh basil
0.5 tsp chopped fresh oregano
2 tbsp chopped parsley
0.25 cup olive oil

How to prepare

Steam or cook the potatoes until they are just tender.
While the potatoes are cooking, prepare the dressing: combine all the ingredients except for the oil, then gradually whisk in the oil until it is thoroughly combined.
Drain the potatoes, cut them in half, and toss them with the dressing.
Allow the mixture to cool.
Add the scallions and radishes, and toss everything together.
Season with salt and pepper to taste.
Serve the dish on a bed of lettuce leaves and garnish with feta cheese and salami.

Variations

For a vegetarian version, omit the salami and add more vegetables such as cucumbers or bell peppers.
Substitute the feta cheese with goat cheese for a tangy twist.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

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

- The vinaigrette can be made ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator until ready to use.

- Feel free to customize this salad with your favorite herbs and vegetables for added flavor.

Serving Suggestions

This salad can be served as a side dish with grilled meats or as a light lunch on its own.

Cooking Techniques

Steaming or boiling the potatoes until tender is the key technique for this recipe.

Ingredient Substitutions

Feel free to swap out the radishes for another crunchy vegetable like celery or carrots.

Make Ahead Tips

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

Presentation Ideas

Serve this salad on a large platter garnished with fresh herbs for a beautiful presentation.

Pairing Recommendations

This salad pairs well with grilled chicken, lamb, or fish. A glass of crisp white wine or a light beer would also complement the flavors nicely.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Leftover salad can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Enjoy it cold or at room temperature.

Nutrition Information

Calories per serving

Each serving of Macedonian New Potato Salad contains approximately 250 calories.

Carbohydrates

Each serving of Macedonian New Potato Salad contains approximately 25 grams of carbohydrates.

Fats

Each serving of Macedonian New Potato Salad contains approximately 15 grams of fats.

Proteins

Each serving of Macedonian New Potato Salad contains approximately 8 grams of proteins.

Vitamins and minerals

This salad is a good source of vitamin C, potassium, and calcium.

Alergens

This recipe contains dairy (feta cheese) and gluten (salami), so be mindful of any allergies.

Summary

Macedonian New Potato Salad is a balanced dish that provides a good mix of carbohydrates, fats, and proteins, along with essential vitamins and minerals.

Summary

Macedonian New Potato Salad is a delicious and nutritious dish that is perfect for any occasion. With its fresh ingredients and flavorful vinaigrette, this salad is sure to become a new favorite in your recipe repertoire.

How did I get this recipe?

The first time I saw this recipe, I knew I had to try it. It was a warm summer day, and I was visiting a friend who had recently returned from a trip to Macedonia. She had brought back with her a small notebook filled with handwritten recipes that she had gathered from the locals during her travels. As I flipped through the pages, one recipe in particular caught my eye - Macedonian New Potato Salad.

The recipe was simple yet intriguing, calling for just a handful of ingredients – new potatoes, red onion, parsley, olive oil, lemon juice, salt, and pepper. But it was the combination of these ingredients that piqued my interest. I had never thought to pair potatoes with lemon juice before, and I was curious to see how the flavors would come together.

My friend graciously shared the recipe with me, along with a few tips she had picked up from the Macedonian women she had met. She told me that the key to a good Macedonian potato salad was to use the freshest ingredients possible, particularly the potatoes and parsley. She also advised me to let the salad sit for at least an hour before serving to allow the flavors to meld together.

Excited to try something new, I went home and gathered the ingredients to make the salad. I boiled the new potatoes until they were tender but still firm, then let them cool before slicing them into bite-sized pieces. I finely chopped the red onion and parsley, then mixed them together with the potatoes in a large bowl.

In a separate bowl, I whisked together the olive oil, lemon juice, salt, and pepper to create a simple dressing. I poured the dressing over the potato mixture and gently tossed everything together until the potatoes were evenly coated.

I covered the bowl and placed it in the refrigerator to chill, eagerly anticipating the moment when I would finally get to taste my creation. As I waited for the salad to marinate, I thought about the Macedonian women my friend had met and the stories they had shared with her about their traditional recipes.

I imagined them standing in sunlit kitchens, surrounded by the sounds and smells of their homeland. I pictured them laughing and talking as they chopped vegetables and stirred pots, passing down the recipes that had been in their families for generations.

I thought about how food has the power to connect us to our roots, to our past, and to each other. How a simple dish like potato salad could tell a story, evoke memories, and create a sense of belonging.

Finally, the moment of truth arrived. I took the bowl of Macedonian New Potato Salad out of the refrigerator and scooped a spoonful onto my plate. I hesitated for just a moment, savoring the anticipation of that first bite.

And then I tasted it.

The flavors exploded on my tongue – the tanginess of the lemon juice, the earthiness of the potatoes, the sharpness of the red onion, and the freshness of the parsley. It was a perfect balance of sweet, savory, and sour, a harmony of tastes that danced across my palate.

I closed my eyes and let out a sigh of contentment. This was no ordinary potato salad – this was a taste of Macedonia, a glimpse into a world far away yet somehow familiar.

As I savored each bite, I felt a connection to those Macedonian women, to my friend who had shared the recipe with me, and to the culinary traditions that bind us all together. I realized that food is more than just sustenance – it is a form of communication, a way to bridge the gaps between us and celebrate our shared humanity.

And so, as I finished the last bite of my Macedonian New Potato Salad, I knew that this recipe would become a cherished part of my own culinary repertoire. It was not just a dish to be enjoyed, but a story to be shared and a memory to be treasured.

And so I pass it on to you, my dear readers, with the hope that it will bring you as much joy and connection as it has brought me. Happy cooking, and may your table always be filled with love, laughter, and delicious food.