Oh, the humble carrot—often overshadowed by its more glamorous vegetable cousins, yet it holds a charm all its own. This Russian Carrot Salad, dusted with fragrant coriander, is like a nostalgic trip to a bustling Moscow market, where the air is thick with the scent of spices and stories. A dish that whispers secrets of a time long past, yet feels refreshingly modern with each crunchy bite.
Steps
- Begin by grating the carrots into thin, matchstick-like strands using a fine julienne grater or slicer. This shape enhances both the visual appeal and flavor absorption of the carrots.
- Slice the onions into half circles and heat oil in a large skillet over medium-low heat. Add the onions and cook them for 7-10 minutes until they achieve a golden brown color, enhancing the salad with a subtle sweetness.
- As the onions cook, season the grated carrots in a large bowl with salt, ground black pepper, sugar, ground coriander, paprika, and cayenne pepper. Mix everything thoroughly to ensure even distribution of the spices.
- Mince the garlic finely and place it in a large bowl. Once the onions are done, strain them through a fine mesh sieve, pouring the hot oil over the garlic to slightly cook it while retaining its fresh flavor.
- Combine the strained oil and garlic mixture with the seasoned carrots, adding vinegar if desired. Mix all the ingredients well to blend the flavors, then cover and refrigerate the salad to let it marinate for a few hours or overnight.
- Before serving, give the salad a thorough mix to redistribute the flavors and juices. Garnish with fresh herbs like parsley or cilantro for an added burst of freshness. Store leftovers in the fridge for up to a week, ensuring the salad remains flavorful and fresh.
Ingredients
- 2 pounds of carrots, peeled and finely julienned
- 1 pound of onions, sliced into half circles
- 1 cup of oil (such as avocado, sunflower, or grapeseed oil)
- Salt, to taste
- Ground black pepper, to taste
- 1 tablespoon of granulated sugar
- 1 ½ teaspoons of ground coriander
- 1 ½ teaspoons of paprika
- ¼ teaspoon of cayenne pepper, or adjusted to your preference
- 4-6 cloves of garlic, minced
- ½ to 1 tablespoon of white vinegar, optional, according to taste
- Fresh herbs for garnishing, such as parsley or cilantro
FAQ
- What is Russian Carrot Salad also known as?
- Russian Carrot Salad is often referred to as Koreiskaya Morkovka, which means Korean Carrots.
- Can I prepare this salad in advance?
- Yes, Russian Carrot Salad is best when made ahead of time. Allowing it to marinate for a few hours or even overnight in the refrigerator enhances its flavors.
- What tools can I use to prepare the carrots?
- To achieve the classic look, use a fine julienne slicer for long, thin strands. If unavailable, a regular box grater can work as an alternative.
- Is there flexibility in adjusting spices and flavors?
- Absolutely! You can modify the spice levels and seasonings according to your taste, such as adding more cayenne for heat or adjusting vinegar for tanginess.
- How should I store Russian Carrot Salad?
- Store the salad in an airtight container, like a mason jar, in the refrigerator. It can be kept fresh for about a week, making it ideal for meal prep.
Tips
- Use a Fine Julienne Grater: To achieve the classic look and texture of Russian Carrot Salad, use a fine julienne grater for the carrots. This shape not only enhances the salad’s visual appeal but also allows the carrots to absorb flavors more effectively.
- Marinate for Better Flavor: Prepare the salad a few hours or even a day in advance and let it marinate in the refrigerator. This allows the flavors to meld together beautifully, resulting in a more delicious and flavorful salad.
- Experiment with Garlic: Depending on your taste preference, you can adjust the garlic flavor. For a milder taste, add minced garlic to the onions during the last minute of cooking. For a stronger garlic kick, pour the hot oil directly over raw minced garlic.
- Save the Cooked Onions: The caramelized onions add amazing flavor to the salad oil, but they aren’t used in the final dish. Instead, incorporate them into other recipes like soups, pastas, or as a topping for meats.
Equipment
- Koreiskaya Morkovka, here is a list of main equipment you might need to purchase, especially if they are not commonly found in every household:
- Fine Julienne Slicer – Essential for achieving the long, thin strands of carrots that are characteristic of this salad.
- Mandoline – An alternative to the julienne slicer for cutting the carrots into fine matchsticks.
- Large Skillet – Needed for caramelizing the onions in oil.
- Fine Mesh Sieve – Used to strain the onions and pour the hot oil over the garlic.
- Glass Mason Jar with Airtight Lid – Ideal for storing the salad in the refrigerator and keeping it fresh.
