Austrian Erdäpfelsalat, or Austrian-style potato salad, is a beloved traditional dish celebrated for its simplicity and depth of flavor. This classic potato salad features waxy potatoes dressed in a tangy apple cider vinegar and Dijon mustard vinaigrette, complemented by fresh chives and parsley. It is often enjoyed cold, making it an ideal side dish for various occasions, from casual family gatherings to festive feasts. The combination of tender potatoes with a flavorful dressing creates a harmonious blend of textures and tastes that highlight the essence of Austrian cuisine.

Erdäpfelsalat has a long-standing place in Austrian culinary tradition. "Erdäpfel" is the Austrian German word for potato, and "Salat" means salad. This dish, deeply rooted in Central European food culture, showcases the Austrian preference for hearty, comforting fare. Traditionally, it’s made with local ingredients and served as a staple at festive occasions, family meals, and seasonal celebrations. The simplicity of the dish reflects the Austrian approach to cooking, which emphasizes the use of fresh, quality ingredients to create satisfying and flavorful meals.

Ingredients:

• 1 kg (about 2.2 lbs) waxy potatoes (such as Yukon Gold or Austrian salad potatoes)
• 1 small red onion, finely chopped
• 3 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
• 4 tablespoons vegetable oil (sunflower or rapeseed oil works well)
• 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 2 tablespoons fresh chives, chopped (for garnish)
• 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

Instructions:

Boil the Potatoes:

1- Wash the potatoes thoroughly and place them in a pot of cold, salted water.

2- Bring the water to a boil and cook the potatoes until they are fork-tender, but not mushy (usually around 15-20 minutes, depending on the size of the potatoes).

Prepare the Dressing:

1- In a small bowl, mix the finely chopped red onion with apple cider vinegar and let it sit while the potatoes cook. This helps mellow the sharpness of the onion.

2- Add vegetable oil, Dijon mustard, salt, and pepper to the onion-vinegar mixture. Whisk everything together to create a smooth dressing.

Peel and Slice Potatoes:

1- Once the potatoes are cooked, drain them and let them cool for a few minutes until they can be handled.

2- Peel the potatoes and slice them into rounds or cubes, depending on your preference.

Combine Potatoes and Dressing:

1- While the potatoes are still warm, gently toss them with the dressing. This allows the potatoes to absorb the flavors more effectively.

Garnish and Chill:

1- Add chopped chives and parsley to the salad for a burst of freshness and color.

2- Cover the Erdäpfelsalat and let it chill in the refrigerator for at least an hour before serving. This allows the flavors to meld.

Serve:

1- Before serving, give the salad a final toss and adjust salt and pepper if needed.

2- Erdäpfelsalat is best enjoyed cold, making it a refreshing and delightful side dish for various occasions.

This classic Austrian Erdäpfelsalat is sure to be a hit with its vibrant flavors and comforting appeal. Guten Appetit!

Nutritional Values:

Nutritional values can vary based on specific brands and variations of ingredients, but here's a general estimation for the listed ingredients per serving. Keep in mind that this is just a rough estimate, and the actual values may differ:

Nutritional Values per Serving (assuming 4 servings):

1. Waxy Potatoes (200g, cooked and peeled):

• Calories: 180
• Carbohydrates: 40g
• Protein: 4g
• Fat: 0g
• Fiber: 4g

Benefit: Rich in complex carbohydrates, waxy potatoes provide a sustained energy release. They are also a good source of dietary fiber, promoting digestive health.

2. Red Onion (1 small):

• Calories: 20
• Carbohydrates: 5g
• Protein: 1g
• Fat: 0g
• Fiber: 1g

Benefit: Red onions contain antioxidants and anti-inflammatory compounds. They may contribute to heart health and help regulate blood sugar levels.

3. Apple Cider Vinegar (3 tablespoons):

• Calories: 15
• Carbohydrates: 0g
• Protein: 0g
• Fat: 0g

Benefit: Apple cider vinegar may aid in weight management, improve digestion, and help control blood sugar levels. It also contains acetic acid, known for its antimicrobial properties.

4. Vegetable Oil (4 tablespoons):

• Calories: 480
• Carbohydrates: 0g
• Protein: 0g
• Fat: 56g

Benefit: Healthy oils like sunflower and rapeseed provide essential fatty acids, such as omega-3 and omega-6, supporting heart health and overall well-being.

5. Dijon Mustard (1 teaspoon):

• Calories: 5
• Carbohydrates: 0g
• Protein: 0g
• Fat: 0g

Benefit: Mustard is low in calories and can add flavor without excess salt or sugar. It also contains turmeric, which has anti-inflammatory properties.

6. Salt and Pepper (to taste):

• Negligible caloric contribution

Benefit: In moderation, salt is essential for electrolyte balance, and pepper contains antioxidants that may have anti-inflammatory effects.

7. Fresh Chives (2 tablespoons):

• Calories: 0
• Carbohydrates: 0g
• Protein: 0g
• Fat: 0g

Benefit: Chives belong to the onion family and contain vitamins A and C, as well as antioxidants. They may contribute to immune system support and overall health.

8. Fresh Parsley (2 tablespoons):

• Calories: 2
• Carbohydrates: 0g
• Protein: 0g
• Fat: 0g

Benefit: Parsley is a nutrient-dense herb containing vitamins K, C, and A. It has anti-inflammatory properties and may contribute to bone health.

Total Estimated Nutritional Values per Serving:

• Calories: Approximately 702
• Carbohydrates: Approximately 45g
• Protein: Approximately 5g
• Fat: Approximately 56g
• Fiber: Approximately 5g

Keep in mind that these values are rough estimates and can vary based on specific ingredients and portion sizes. Adjustments may be necessary based on your dietary preferences and requirements.