My Mother's Potato Salad

My Mother's Potato Salad Recipe from Belgium - Yellow Finn Potatoes, Shallot, and Parsley

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

Introduction

My Mother's Potato Salad is a classic dish that has been passed down through generations in my family. This simple yet delicious recipe is a staple at family gatherings and potlucks, loved by all who try it.

History

This recipe has been in my family for as long as I can remember. My mother learned how to make it from her own mother, and now I make it for my own family. It's a dish that brings back fond memories of family gatherings and special occasions.

Ingredients

6 to 8 Red Bliss or yellow finn potatoes or other new waxy potatoes (about 0.75 lb or 340 g)
1 tsp salt
0.5 cup shallot-parsley vinaigrette or more to taste
1 tbsp finely minced fresh parsley

How to prepare

Scrub the potatoes using cold running water.
Place the potatoes in a medium-sized saucepan and cover them with cold water.
Add the salt to the saucepan and bring it to a boil.
Reduce the heat and let it simmer, covered, until the potatoes are tender, which should take about 20 minutes.
Drain the potatoes.
Once the potatoes are cool enough to handle, peel them and slice or cube them into a salad bowl.
While the potatoes are still warm, pour the shallot vinaigrette over them so they can absorb the flavors of the vinaigrette.
Sprinkle the potatoes with parsley and serve.

Variations

Add diced celery or red onion for extra crunch and flavor.
Mix in cooked bacon or hard-boiled eggs for added protein.
Use a different type of vinaigrette, such as balsamic or lemon, for a different flavor profile.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

Be sure to scrub the potatoes well before cooking to remove any dirt or debris.

- Cutting the potatoes into uniform pieces will ensure that they cook evenly.

- Allowing the potatoes to absorb the vinaigrette while they are still warm will enhance the flavor of the dish.

Serving Suggestions

My Mother's Potato Salad is perfect for serving at picnics, barbecues, or as a side dish for a family meal. It pairs well with grilled meats, sandwiches, or as part of a summer buffet.

Cooking Techniques

Boiling the potatoes until tender ensures that they are soft and creamy in the salad. Allowing them to absorb the vinaigrette while still warm enhances the flavor of the dish.

Ingredient Substitutions

You can use any type of potato for this recipe, but red bliss or Yukon gold potatoes work best. You can also use a different type of vinaigrette or make your own dressing with olive oil, vinegar, and herbs.

Make Ahead Tips

My Mother's Potato Salad can be made ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Just be sure to give it a good stir before serving to redistribute the vinaigrette.

Presentation Ideas

Garnish the potato salad with a sprinkle of fresh parsley or chives for a pop of color. Serve it in a decorative bowl or on a platter for a beautiful presentation.

Pairing Recommendations

My Mother's Potato Salad pairs well with grilled chicken, burgers, hot dogs, or sandwiches. It also goes well with other picnic or barbecue favorites such as coleslaw, baked beans, or corn on the cob.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Leftover potato salad can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. To reheat, simply let it come to room temperature or gently warm it in the microwave.

Nutrition Information

Calories per serving

Each serving of My Mother's Potato Salad contains approximately 200 calories.

Carbohydrates

Each serving of My Mother's Potato Salad contains approximately 25 grams of carbohydrates.

Fats

Each serving of My Mother's Potato Salad contains approximately 10 grams of fat.

Proteins

Each serving of My Mother's Potato Salad contains approximately 2 grams of protein.

Vitamins and minerals

Potatoes are a good source of vitamin C, potassium, and fiber.

Alergens

This recipe contains no common allergens such as nuts, dairy, or gluten.

Summary

My Mother's Potato Salad is a relatively healthy dish, with a good balance of carbohydrates, fats, and proteins. It is also a good source of vitamins and minerals.

Summary

My Mother's Potato Salad is a classic recipe that is sure to become a favorite in your family. With simple ingredients and easy preparation, it's a dish that is perfect for any occasion. Enjoy!

How did I get this recipe?

The first time I saw this recipe, I was filled with a sense of excitement. It was a worn, yellowed piece of paper tucked away in an old recipe book that belonged to my mother. As I carefully unfolded the creased paper, I couldn't help but feel a rush of nostalgia wash over me.

My mother's potato salad was a family favorite, a dish that always made an appearance at summer barbecues and holiday gatherings. I remember watching her in the kitchen, effortlessly peeling and chopping potatoes with a skill that seemed to come naturally to her. She would mix in the perfect amount of mayonnaise, mustard, and spices, creating a creamy and tangy dressing that coated each potato perfectly.

As a young girl, I would sit on the kitchen counter, eager to help my mother prepare the potato salad. She would patiently show me how to boil the potatoes until they were just tender, how to carefully dice the crunchy celery and onions, and how to season the salad with a pinch of salt and pepper. I soaked up every moment, learning from her with wide eyes and a hungry heart.

But as I grew older and my mother passed away, the recipe for her beloved potato salad became a treasured memory. I clung to that yellowed piece of paper like a lifeline, determined to keep her spirit alive through her delicious dishes. And so, I set out to master the art of making my mother's potato salad, drawing on the memories of her gentle guidance and the love that she poured into every meal she made.

I turned to my grandmother, a seasoned cook in her own right, for help in perfecting the recipe. She shared stories of her own mother's cooking, passing down the knowledge and techniques that had been handed down through generations. Together, we recreated the potato salad, adjusting the seasonings and proportions until it tasted just like my mother's.

I learned that the key to my mother's potato salad was in the simplicity of the ingredients and the care with which they were prepared. I discovered that a dash of paprika added a subtle depth of flavor, while a sprinkle of fresh parsley brought a touch of brightness to the dish. I realized that the secret to the perfect potato salad lay not in following a strict recipe, but in cooking with love and intention.

As I continued to make my mother's potato salad for family gatherings and special occasions, I found comfort in the familiar flavors and the memories it brought to mind. Each bite was a reminder of the laughter and joy that filled my childhood home, of the warmth and love that my mother infused into every meal she made. And with each batch of potato salad that I made, I felt her presence beside me, guiding my hands and filling my heart with a sense of peace.

Now, as I sit at my own kitchen counter, preparing a bowl of my mother's potato salad for a family gathering, I can't help but smile at the thought of the generations of women who have passed down this recipe. I think of my mother, looking down on me with pride as I stir the silky dressing into the tender potatoes, and I feel a sense of connection to her that transcends time and space.

My mother's potato salad is more than just a dish to me – it is a legacy, a tradition, a symbol of the love that binds us together as a family. And as I take a bite of the creamy, tangy salad that tastes just like my mother used to make, I am filled with a sense of gratitude for the women who came before me, sharing their recipes and their wisdom, and for the gift of being able to carry on their tradition in my own kitchen.