Kartupelu Salad with Sweet Peas and Baked Bacon

This delightful and hearty dish brings together tender potatoes, crispy bacon, and fresh sweet peas, all coated in a creamy, tangy mustard sauce. It's a perfect combination of savory and sweet flavors that create a comforting and satisfying meal. The small potatoes bring a rich texture, while the young sweet peas add a pop of color and freshness to the dish. Bacon, baked to perfection, provides a smoky, bold taste that complements the other ingredients beautifully. The mustard cream sauce enhances the dish with its creamy texture and spicy notes. It's easy to prepare, making it great for a family dinner or a quick yet delightful lunch. A beautiful example of how simple ingredients can come together to create something truly special. This salad is sure to become a favorite and is perfect for any occasion.

Ingredients

Main Ingredients:

• 600 g small potatoes
• 150 g young sweet pea pods
• 120 g smoked streaky bacon

Sauce:

• 200 ml sweet cream
• 2 tsp mustard
• Salt

Preparation Time

Total: 20 minutes

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Start by preparing the mustard cream sauce. Mix 200 ml of sweet cream with 2 teaspoons of mustard and a pinch of salt in a saucepan. Heat quickly until it reaches a creamy consistency, then set aside to cool slightly.
2. Wash the small potatoes thoroughly. Cut each potato in half to ensure even cooking.
3. Fill a pot with water, add a pinch of salt, and bring it to a boil. Plunge the halved potatoes into the boiling water and cook them until they are tender and can be easily pierced with a fork. This should take about 12-15 minutes.
4. Once the potatoes are ready, drain the water, place them in a large mixing bowl, and immediately pour the hot mustard cream sauce over them. Stir gently to coat all the potatoes evenly with the sauce.
5. For the sweet peas, trim the ends and remove the strings from the pods. To maintain their vibrant color and crispness, blanch them by boiling in water for exactly 30 seconds, then immediately transfer them to a bowl filled with ice-cold water to stop the cooking process. Drain the peas and set aside.
6. Move on to the bacon. Preheat your oven to 220°C (428°F). Slice the smoked streaky bacon into thin strips.
7. Place the bacon strips on a baking tray lined with parchment paper and bake for 4 minutes until crispy. Keep an eye on them to prevent burning.
8. Once done, remove from the oven and drain the excess grease by placing the crispy bacon on paper towels. Allow them to cool and further crisp up.
9. In your serving dish, combine the seasoned potatoes, blanched sweet peas, and cooled bacon bits. Ensure everything is well mixed.
10. Season the salad with extra salt if needed and give it one last stir to incorporate all the ingredients.

Tips

• Use waxy potatoes like red or new potatoes for the best texture.
• For a vegetarian version, replace the bacon with smoked tofu or tempeh.
• Customize your salad by adding diced red onions or fresh herbs like dill or parsley for extra flavor.

Nutrition

• Calories: 250 per serving
• Protein: 7g
• Fats: 10g
• Carbohydrates: 30g

Variations

• Replace mustard with honey mustard for a sweeter touch.
• Add fresh dill for an aromatic flavor.

Serving Suggestions

• Pair with grilled chicken for a more substantial meal.
• Serve as a side dish during barbecues or family dinners.
• Garnish with freshly chopped chives for an added layer of flavor.

Best Places

• The Greenhouse - Known for fresh and organic ingredients, they serve an amazing potato salad. Location: 27a Hammersmith Grove, London, UK.
• The Rustic Fork - Offers a cozy atmosphere with an innovative menu including potato-based dishes. Location: 3300 Research Blvd, Austin, TX, USA.
• La Petite Maison - Offers a French twist on classic salads. Location: 54 Brooks Mews, Mayfair, London, UK.
• Cafe de Paris - Famous for its hearty and authentic European salads. Location: 59 Rue de Rivoli, Paris, France.
• Tableau - A sleek and modern setting serving creative potato dishes. Location: 18 Leeuwen St, Cape Town, South Africa.
• The Potato Place - Specializes in unique potato dishes. Location: 1415 Michigan Ave, Detroit, MI, USA.
• GustOrganics - Focus on organic and sustainable dishes. Location: 519 6th Ave, New York, NY, USA.
• Bistro Vendôme - Classic European dishes with a modern flair. Location: 1420 Larimer St, Denver, CO, USA.
• Kartoffelkeller - Offers traditional German potato recipes. Location: Albrechtstraße 14b, Berlin, Germany.
• Potager - Farm-to-table concept with fresh seasonal produce. Location: 1109 Ogilvie St, Boulder, CO, USA.