Lynn's Dijon Vegan Potato Salad

Origin:

Potato salad was a staple in my southern home while growing up.  This popular side dish is prevalent all over the world.  When I decided I wanted a vegan, mustardy warm potato salad that was a little lighter and healthier, I decided to try something along the lines of a Dijon vinaigrette dressing on roasted potatoes.  I actually prefer to make most potato salads with roasted potatoes as I think they seem a little heartier and more satisfying.  There are many different variations on this dish from all over the world, my childhood potato salad resembles a Romanian style salad using potato, eggs, onions and olives with the addition of mayonnaise.  Potato salad is a popular dish because it’s made with inexpensive ingredients and is a hearty side, though in recent years it has developed a bad rap for being unhealthy and fattening.  Old world variations are simpler and much healthier than most American varieties.  Some are simply dressed with lemon juice, olive oil, salt, pepper and fresh herbs.  Check out Wikipedia’s history of "Potato Salad” for more flavor profiles from around the world.  I’m definitely going to try some of the variations I read about, starting with the Dutch style potato salad with corned beef.

Lynn's Dijon Vegan Potato Salad

Ingredients

2lbs Baby Dutch potatoes or any creamy yellow potato

1/2 cup quality extra virgin olive oil plus additional

1 Tbsp

1/4 cup each:  fresh dill, parsley and chives or green onions, coarsely chopped

3 Tbsp  quality white wine

3 Tbsp Champagne vinegar or white vinegar

2 tsp mild yellow miso

1 tsp salt plus additional 1/2 tsp

½ tsp black pepper plus additional ¼ tsp

½ tsp - 1 tsp Dijon mustard, I use 1 tsp for a more robust flavor.

Method

Cooking  Potatoes: Wash potatoes and dry thoroughly.   Cut into bite pieces and lay onto 2 baking sheets lined with parchment paper.  Drizzle with 1 tbsp olive oil, ½ tsp salt, ¼ tsp black pepper and toss well.  Roast at 375 degrees for 30-40 minutes tossing halfway through cooking.  Potatoes should just be turning golden brown, be careful not to dry them out.

Dressing:  Place Vinegar, water, wine, herbs, miso, Dijon mustard salt and pepper into blender and pulse until blended.  Place blender on low setting and slowly drizzle in olive oil.  Toss vinaigrette into warm potatoes and let sit for at least 15 minutes.  Serve warm, at room temperature, or cold.

Try serving on a bed of your favorite greens and topping with grilled or roasted salmon, add some capers or thinly sliced pickled red onion.

Origins

When I was naming my business, Lynnmoncello Flavor and Style Origins, I chose the word origins because I felt compelled to pay homage to the foods, recipes, and ideas that spur my own creative concepts and inspirations.  I glean inspiration from old world cuisine and cooking techniques as well as our modern takes on them.  When I am planning a recipe, sometimes I am just adjusting a dish to my personal taste or I am creating something that I have never seen before.  Often these new dishes are inspired because I am contemplating what to do with an unfamiliar ingredient, craving something different, or in response to a client’s needs or requests.  When I meet clients who are planning special events, I strive to give them my interpretation of their favorite ideas in order to make their event just as special as they are themselves.  The challenge to create something personal and unique is what origins is all about.