Salad 'Olivier'

Salad 'Olivier' Recipe from Latvia - Potatoes, Carrots, Eggs, Green Peas, Dill, Salt, Mayonnaise

Region / culture: Latvia | Preparation time: 30 minutes | Cooking time: 1 hour | Servings: 6

Introduction

Salad 'Olivier' is a classic Russian dish that is popular during holidays and special occasions. It is a hearty and flavorful salad that is perfect for gatherings and potlucks.

History

Salad 'Olivier' was created in the 1860s by Lucien Olivier, a Belgian chef working in Moscow. The original recipe included grouse, veal tongue, caviar, and a special dressing. Over the years, the recipe has evolved to include more accessible ingredients like potatoes, carrots, and peas.

Ingredients

5 potatoes
3 carrots
4 eggs
1 lb (454 g) boiled meat
0.5 lb (227 g) green peas
2-3 dill pickles (fresh cucumbers can be used)
salt to taste
0.5 lb (227 g) mayonnaise

How to prepare

Boil the potatoes and carrots with the skin on to retain the vitamins. Then, cool them down and peel them.
Boil the eggs and meat.
Chop the potatoes, carrots, eggs, meat, and dill pickles into 0.5 inch squares.
Add green peas and salt, adjusting the quantities to your taste.
Stir in mayonnaise only for the portion of salad you are going to eat. It will keep better without it.
Mix the salad and refrigerate for a while.
If you prefer a slightly softer salad, mix an equal part of mayonnaise with sour cream.
Bon appétit!

Variations

Add diced apples or pickles for a sweet and tangy twist.
Use sour cream instead of mayonnaise for a lighter version of the salad.
Include cooked chicken or ham for a different protein option.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

Boil the potatoes and carrots with the skin on to retain the vitamins.

- Chop the ingredients into uniform pieces for a visually appealing salad.

- Refrigerate the salad for at least an hour before serving to allow the flavors to meld together.

Serving Suggestions

Salad 'Olivier' can be served as a side dish with grilled meats or as a main course on its own. It pairs well with crusty bread or crackers.

Cooking Techniques

Boil the potatoes, carrots, eggs, and meat separately to ensure they are cooked evenly.

- Chop the ingredients into small, uniform pieces for a consistent texture in the salad.

Ingredient Substitutions

Use canned peas instead of fresh peas for convenience.

- Substitute dill pickles with sweet pickles for a different flavor profile.

- Use Greek yogurt instead of mayonnaise for a healthier alternative.

Make Ahead Tips

Salad 'Olivier' can be made ahead of time and refrigerated for up to 24 hours. The flavors will continue to develop, making it even more delicious.

Presentation Ideas

Garnish Salad 'Olivier' with fresh herbs like parsley or dill for a pop of color. Serve it in a decorative bowl or on a platter for an elegant presentation.

Pairing Recommendations

Serve Salad 'Olivier' with a glass of chilled white wine or a refreshing sparkling water with lemon for a complete meal experience.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Store leftover Salad 'Olivier' in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat it in the microwave or on the stovetop before serving.

Nutrition Information

Calories per serving

One serving of Salad 'Olivier' contains approximately 300 calories.

Carbohydrates

Salad 'Olivier' is a carb-heavy dish due to the potatoes, carrots, and peas. One serving contains approximately 30 grams of carbohydrates.

Fats

The mayonnaise in Salad 'Olivier' contributes to the fat content of the dish. One serving contains approximately 15 grams of fat.

Proteins

The boiled meat and eggs in Salad 'Olivier' provide a good amount of protein. One serving contains approximately 20 grams of protein.

Vitamins and minerals

Salad 'Olivier' is rich in vitamins and minerals, particularly vitamin C from the potatoes and carrots. It also contains iron and potassium from the meat and peas.

Alergens

Salad 'Olivier' contains eggs and mayonnaise, which may be allergens for some individuals. It is important to check for any food allergies before serving.

Summary

Salad 'Olivier' is a balanced dish that provides a good mix of carbohydrates, fats, proteins, vitamins, and minerals. It is a satisfying and nutritious option for a meal or side dish.

Summary

Salad 'Olivier' is a delicious and versatile dish that is perfect for any occasion. With its hearty ingredients and flavorful dressing, it is sure to be a hit with family and friends. Enjoy this classic Russian salad as a side dish or main course for a satisfying meal. Bon appétit!

How did I get this recipe?

I recall the feeling of curiosity that washed over me when I found this recipe for Salad 'Olivier'. It was a cold winter evening, and I was rummaging through an old cookbook that had been passed down to me from my own grandmother. As I flipped through the pages, a faded, handwritten note fell out, with the title "Salad 'Olivier'" scrawled across the top.

Intrigued by the name, I read through the ingredients and instructions. Potatoes, carrots, peas, pickles, and mayonnaise - it seemed like an unusual combination, but something about it piqued my interest. I had never heard of Salad 'Olivier' before, but I was determined to give it a try.

I decided to make the salad for a family gathering that weekend. As I peeled and chopped the vegetables, the familiar scents of dill and vinegar filled the air, bringing back memories of my own childhood in the kitchen with my grandmother. She was the one who had taught me how to cook, sharing her recipes and culinary wisdom with me.

I remembered watching her hands move deftly as she prepared meals for our family, her eyes sparkling with joy as she created delicious dishes from scratch. She had a way of infusing every dish with love and care, and I hoped to do the same with this new recipe.

As the salad came together, I couldn't help but feel a sense of pride and accomplishment. The bright colors of the vegetables mixed with the creamy mayonnaise created a beautiful mosaic on the plate, a symbol of the love and dedication that had gone into making it.

When my family tasted the Salad 'Olivier', their faces lit up with delight. The flavors blended together perfectly, creating a harmonious balance of savory and tangy notes. They couldn't believe that I had managed to recreate a dish that was so beloved in our family, despite never having tasted it before.

As we sat around the table, sharing stories and laughter, I felt a deep sense of connection to my grandmother and her legacy. Through this recipe, I had discovered a new way to honor her memory and keep her spirit alive in our kitchen.

Over the years, I have continued to make Salad 'Olivier' for special occasions and family gatherings. Each time I prepare it, I am reminded of the love and tradition that has been passed down through generations, and I am grateful for the gift of cooking that my grandmother gave me.

In a world that is constantly changing and evolving, there is something comforting and grounding about holding onto these timeless recipes. They are more than just instructions for making a meal - they are a link to our past, a reminder of the people and places that have shaped us into who we are today.

As I look back on that cold winter evening when I first discovered the recipe for Salad 'Olivier', I am filled with gratitude for the journey that it has taken me on. It has brought me closer to my grandmother, to my family, and to the rich tapestry of flavors and memories that make up our shared culinary heritage.

And so, I will continue to cook and create, to learn and grow, always keeping the spirit of my grandmother alive in every dish that I make. For in the kitchen, as in life, the best recipes are those that are made with love.