Russian Salad. Recipe

Russian Salad, also known as Olivier Salad, is a popular dish that originated in Russia in the 19th century. It was first created by a French chef named Lucien Olivier, who worked at the famous Hermitage restaurant in Moscow. The recipe quickly gained popularity and became a staple in Russian cuisine.

Fun fact: The original Olivier Salad recipe was a well-guarded secret, with Olivier himself being the only one who knew the exact ingredients and their proportions.

Over time, the recipe for Russian Salad has evolved and become more diverse, with different variations appearing in different regions. It is now a common dish in many countries, particularly during special occasions and holidays.

Here's a traditional recipe for Russian Salad, incorporating lamb as the main protein:

Ingredients:
- 4 pounds of lamb
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Juice of 1 lemon
- 2 small onions, chopped
- 1 bay leaf
- 2 sprigs of parsley
- 2 sprigs of thyme
- 1/2 cup of butter
- Flour for dredging
- 1 cup of hot water
- French peas (to serve)

Instructions:
1. Preheat the oven to a high temperature.

2. Season the lamb with salt, pepper, and lemon juice. This will help to enhance its flavor.

3. Place the seasoned lamb in a dripping-pan.

4. Add the chopped onions, bay leaf, parsley, and thyme to the pan. These aromatic ingredients will infuse the lamb with their flavors.

5. Pour the melted butter over the lamb and then dredge it with flour. This will create a crispy and flavorful crust.

6. Add the hot water and lemon juice to the pan. This will create a delicious sauce for the lamb.

7. Place the dripping-pan with the lamb in the preheated oven and let it bake until the lamb is cooked to your desired doneness. This typically takes about 20 to 30 minutes, depending on the thickness of the lamb.

8. While the lamb is baking, prepare the French peas according to your preferred method. These will be served as a side dish with the lamb.

9. Once the lamb is cooked, remove it from the oven and let it rest for a few minutes before carving.

10. Serve the lamb with the French peas, allowing the flavors of the dish to complement each other.

Russian Salad is often enjoyed as a main course dish. It combines the succulent flavors of the lamb with the freshness of the French peas, creating a balanced and satisfying meal.

Similar to Russian Salad, there are other dishes from different cultures that incorporate meat and vegetables. For example, the Greek Moussaka combines layers of eggplant and ground meat, topped with a rich béchamel sauce. Another similar dish is the Mexican Chiles Rellenos, which consists of stuffed peppers filled with meat and served with a tomato-based sauce.

These dishes reflect the creativity and diversity of cuisine around the world, showcasing how meat and vegetables can be combined in various ways to create delicious and satisfying meals.

Vote