Andrea’s picks for this month’s Cottage Cooking Club recipes all looked tempting, but the new potato, tomato and boiled egg salad got my attention. Now, I am not a huge fan of hard-boiled eggs. In fact, I’m quite picky about chook pellets, as my hubby calls them, especially if they are stinky. Deal’s off! But, since I reach for free-range eggs, I have noticed they do not have that unbearably fishy smell to them, even when boiled.
Living in Southern California has a lot of advantages, besides the obvious, beautiful weather. There is a big community of Middle Easterners here and grocers cater to the culinary needs of the residents.
I confess I get a bit carried away in the produce section, especially if I am shopping on a grumbling tummy, which explains the pound of long beans and three bunches of radishes destined to rot in my fridge. Who needs three bunches of radishes, anyway?
Besides the plentiful produce section with a wide range of fresh herbs, most Armenian and Persian grocers also offer house-made dishes, even fesenjan which is certainly not as good as Mom’s, but still a healthy and delicious heat+serve perfect for a busy work-night.
My intention here is not to campaign for the local markets, as they do so well they really do not need my help in rounding up business. I really just want to tell you that they also offer dips, soups and salads, the most popular of which is likely Olivier. Despite its French name, this salad traces its roots to Russia where the basic potato salad is embellished with both chicken and egg. Perhaps that explains the appeal of Hugh’s salad.
This salad has all the classic flavours that pair so well with gently boiled new potatoes. The egg and the onion are present, but there is a newcomer, the tomato. That is the sort of innovative idea you will find in Hugh’s books. Who would have thought to toss some cherry tomatoes into a potato salad? Get your copy and come cook along with us at Andrea’s.
This salad is lovely for the summer months and serves well as dinner. It draws smooth, chewy, crunchy textures from the various ingredients, the best of which is the surprising burst of flavour you get when you pop a tomato between your teeth. I just hope Hugh does not mind my throwing some crunchy radishes into the mix.
That looks delicious! A lovely side dish indeed 🙂
Yum, I want to make this! -Jill Karmach
Stunning. I'm in awe over your photography!
Your photography skills are as amazing as your cooking!
Hi Coco, love your presentation it is gorgeous!
Thanks, June. Hope you try it.
Jill, it's so easy that, even with your busy schedule, you can make it!
Cathleen, you just made my day. Thank you!
You are the sweetest! Many thanks! xo
Thanks, Cheri. I had a blast with my li'l “photo shoot.”
Dear Colette, you did an outstanding job with the presentation of the Potato Salad – it looks colorful and fresh and utterly delicious – I am so glad that you decided to join us and that you enjoy this wonderful cookbook so much! I particularly like the first picture – just fabulous, dear friend! The addition of the red radishes certainly makes this an even healthier dish!
Have a great weekend!
You are so funny with all your beans… I guess it better to over shop produce than baked goods. Lovely salad, this is the only time of year that our produce in NY is really good so I am enjoying the seasons harvest too.
Your salad looks wonderful! I have the same issue with buying produce. Oh well! Your radish addition looks delicious. I'm sure Hugh is fine with it! 🙂
I made this salad as well, and thought it was great. Happy that you enjoyed yours as well!
What a colorful and beautiful potato salad. I love Sean's “chook pellets!” Your photos are just beautiful – I love the one of your desk and the cookbook! xox, David
Your salad looks so fresh and beautiful, and I love that you made it a home for some of your radishes.
Spectacular! So fresh and appetizing. Love your pics too.
So, so pretty!
Love the colors of the salad! I am saving this recipe for when the super hot summer days hit us on the West Coast. I also looove shopping at our local Iranian markets 🙂
Now I love radishes, Coco, so I could probably polish off 3 bunches of them and they would have never met your Tomato, Potato and Boiled Egg Salad. Butttt, that was a great idea to add radishes. Candy also made this salad so I am interested in trying it now. I am really enjoying this cookbook. If I hadn't joined the CCC, I know I wouldn't make time to do this. Summer is busy. I have my July recipes done (also did the stale bread-thing) and will be posting on time this month. I really enjoy reading your blog. Another good perk of cooking with Andrea.
Thanks, sweety!
Thanks for checking mine out, Mary. You're a brave woman for tackling more than one recipe. I can only manage one at a time. I do love this Cottage Cooking Club Andrea has set up for us. We're lucky to know her! Can't wait to see your pick for July.