Harbor Springs foodie Maureen Abood is author of Rose Water & Orange Blossoms: Fresh and Classic Recipes from my Lebanese Kitchen (Running Press 2015), and her blog by the same name at maureenabood.com. She shares her Lebanese potato salad recipe made with freshly squeezed lemons and a hint of mint.


Lebanese Potato Salad

Makes about 8 servings.

Ingredients:

  • 3 lbs. russet potatoes, peeled and cut in ½-inch dice
  • 2 teaspoons kosher salt
  • Juice of three large lemons
  • ¼ cup extra virgin olive oil
  • 1 cup finely sliced scallions, white and green parts
  • ¼ cup finely chopped or julienned mint

Directions:

Cook the potatoes by placing them in a large saucepan and cover by 1 inch with cold water. Add a teaspoon of salt. Cover and bring to a boil. Remove the lid and reduce the heat to medium. Test a sample of the potatoes every minute or so with the tip of a paring knife. They are ready when the knife cuts into the potato with just a hint of resistance. Taste the potatoes each time they are checked for doneness, looking for an al dente quality. Be careful not to overcook the potatoes or they will turn to mush when they are stirred with the dressing.

Drain the potatoes and place in a medium bowl. Season the warm potatoes with salt, lemon, and olive oil, stirring very gently. Taste and adjust seasonings. When the potatoes have cooled down almost to room temperature, add the scallions and mint, stirring gently to combine.

This potato salad is delicious warm, as well as the next day. (Cover and refrigerate overnight. Bring to room temperature and add more fresh mint, again stirring gently).

Note: Dress the potatoes while they’re still warm, but wait to add the mint until the potatoes have cooled off —otherwise the mint will turn dark and you’ll lose the green that makes the salad so pretty.

rose_water_orange_blossoms_maureen_abood

Get the Book! Maureen Abood’s cookbook Rose Water & Orange Blossoms shares the lush flavors of her childhood. 100 recipes, plus gorgeous photos, including:

  • Mandarin Orange Frozen Yogurt
  • Spiced Lamb Kofta Burgers
  • Avocado Tabbouleh in Little Gems
  • Pomegranate Rose Sorbet
  • Green Bean & Lamb Stew
  • Spicy Cilantro Potatoes
  • Apricot Lime Fruit Leather

For a limited time on ShopMyNorth.com, get the book for $20. That’s a $10 savings! 


More Northern Michigan Food & Drink

#2016 #Emmet_County #Harbor_Springs #Food_&_Drink

Photo(s) by Maureen Abood