Ensaladilla Rusa is a traditional Spanish potato salad that is perfect for a summer picnic or BBQ. It is a very simple dish to make, but is packed full of flavour. The key ingredients are potatoes, mayonnaise, peas, carrots, and olives. You can also add in some chopped hard-boiled eggs if you like. This dish is usually served cold or at room temperature.
Ingredients
- 1kg potatoes, peeled and diced
- 200g peas
- 2 carrots, peeled and diced
- 100g olives, pitted and chopped
- 4 hard-boiled eggs, chopped (optional)
- 200ml mayonnaise
- Salt and pepper to taste
Method
1. Cook the potatoes and peas in boiling water for 10 minutes.
2. Add the carrots and cook for a further 5 minutes.
3. Drain the vegetables and allow to cool.
4. In a large bowl, mix together the potatoes, peas, carrots, olives, eggs (if using), and mayonnaise. Season to taste with salt and pepper.
5. Serve cold or at room temperature.
Potential changes & improvements
There are many ways that you can change and improve this dish. For example, you could use different types of potatoes, such as waxy potatoes or sweet potatoes. You could also add in other vegetables, such as green beans, corn, or peppers. If you want a more substantial salad, you could add in some cooked chicken or tuna. Finally, you could use a different type of dressing, such as vinaigrette or a yoghurt-based dressing.
What other food it works well with
This salad goes well with many different types of food. It is often served as a side dish to meat or fish. It also goes well with bread, such as a baguette or a crusty loaf. Finally, it makes a great lunch on its own or with a green salad.
Common Mistakes
One common mistake when making this dish is to overcook the vegetables. This will make the salad mushy and unappetizing. Another mistake is to use too much mayonnaise, which will make the salad very rich and heavy. Finally, some people add in too many different vegetables, which can make the salad confusing and busy.
Nutritional Information
This salad is high in carbohydrates and fat. It is also a good source of protein, vitamins, and minerals. However, it is relatively high in calories, so it should be eaten in moderation. This salad is not suitable for people with allergies to eggs, milk, or fish.