Salads
Salad Olivieh (Persian Potato Salad)
Ingredients
- 4 potatoes, boiled and diced
- 2 chicken breasts, poached and shredded
- 3 eggs, hard-boiled and diced
- 150 g (1 cup) frozen peas, cooked
- 2 gherkins/pickles, finely diced
- 150 g (2/3 cup) mayonnaise
- 1 tbsp lemon juice
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- Olives and extra egg slices, to garnish
Method
- Boil the potatoes until tender, about 20 minutes, then cool, peel and dice.
- Poach the chicken breasts in simmering water for 15-18 minutes until cooked through, then cool and shred finely.
- Combine the diced potatoes, shredded chicken, diced eggs, peas and pickles in a large bowl.
- Fold in the mayonnaise and lemon juice, mixing gently until creamy and well combined.
- Season with salt and pepper, then chill for at least 1 hour before serving.
- Garnish with olives and extra egg slices before serving.
Introduction: Adapted from the Russian Olivier salad in the early 20th century, salad olivieh has become a distinctly Persian party dish, made creamy with mayonnaise and studded with chicken, potatoes, eggs and pickles.
Cultural Background: Adapted from the Russian Olivier salad in the early 20th century, salad olivieh has become a distinctly Persian party dish, made creamy with mayonnaise and studded with chicken, potatoes, eggs and pickles. It appears at celebrations, potlucks and as a sandwich filling throughout Iran.
Tips: Dice all ingredients uniformly small for the classic creamy, cohesive texture. Chilling the salad thoroughly before serving improves both flavour and texture.
Variations: A vegetarian version omits chicken and adds extra egg or diced carrot. Some households add finely diced dill pickle brine for extra tang. A vegetarian version omits chicken and adds extra boiled egg or vegetables.
Storage: Refrigerate in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
Reheating: Not applicable — served cold.
FAQs:
Q: Can I use rotisserie chicken?
A: Yes, shredded rotisserie chicken works well and saves time.
Q: Is olivieh served as a main or side?
A: Both — it is common as a side dish and as a sandwich filling.
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