Why prepare hot potato salad
Hot Potato Salad is easy to prepare because it only requires a few simple ingredients. The warm potatoes absorb the dressing much better than cold ones which makes every bite very tasty. You can serve this dish immediately or let it sit for a few minutes to let the flavours develop. It is a versatile recipe that fits both a casual lunch and a more formal dinner.
How to get hot potato salad ready
Prepare potatoes: Wash the potatoes and cut any larger ones in half so they are all roughly the same size. Place them in a large saucepan of salted water and bring to the boil. Simmer for about fifteen minutes or until they are tender when pierced with a fork. Drain the potatoes and set them aside to steam for a moment.
Cook bacon: While the potatoes are boiling, place the bacon lardons in a cold frying pan. Turn the heat to medium and fry until the bacon is crispy and the fat has rendered out. Add the finely chopped red onion to the pan for the last two minutes of cooking to soften it slightly.
Make dressing: In a small bowl, whisk together the olive oil, cider vinegar and wholegrain mustard. Add a little salt and pepper but remember that the bacon is already quite salty. Pour the dressing into the frying pan with the warm bacon and onions to heat it through gently.
Combine ingredients: Place the warm potatoes into a large mixing bowl. Pour the warm dressing and bacon mixture over the potatoes and toss everything together until well coated. Scatter over some freshly chopped parsley and serve the Hot Potato Salad while it is still warm.
Useful tips for hot potato salad
Use waxy potatoes like Charlotte or baby new potatoes because they hold their shape well when boiled. Avoid floury potatoes as they might fall apart and make the salad look mushy. It is important to dress the potatoes while they are still hot so they can soak up the vinegar and mustard.
If you want a vegetarian version, you can swap the bacon for sun dried tomatoes or salty capers. Adding a bit of honey to the dressing can balance the acidity if you prefer a slightly sweeter taste. You can also add some fresh chives or dill for extra herbal notes in your Hot Potato Salad.
Find more ideas here:
cod roe salad,
oven-fried pork belly or
breaded flounder fillet.
