Grilled potato & feta salad
Potato salad is always a favourite. But maybe it is time for a bit of variety and try something new, something so summery and perfect for a picnic or a braai.
I love potato salad and very few things remind me more of summer than the taste of potatoes smothered in a tangy mayonnaise dressing. Bits of gherkin in between and topped with chopped, boiled egg. Of course, you get many, much grander versions, but give me the down to earth, no-nonsense version any day. It conjures up memories of buffet tables laden with cold meats and salads.
Of course, nothing prevents you from having a potato salad in winter, but to me it is just not the same. I always associate it with a long table in the shade of the trees and a long leisurely lunch with old friends. But, to be honest, good old faithful can get a bit boring sometimes. And it is then when I let my imagination take me far across the blue waters to the dreamy islands of the Mediterranean. This potato salad was inspired by the tantalising dream of a Greek holiday.
This salad serves 6.
4 large garlic cloves, peeled
1 teaspoon salt
1 tablespoon finely chopped fresh rosemary
Freshly ground black pepper to taste
4 tablespoons olive oil
850 g potatoes
⅓ cup crumbled feta cheese
1 tablespoon freshly chopped parsley
Using a mortar and pestle or a food processor, mix the garlic, salt, rosemary into a paste. Stir through the olive oil and pour the mixture into a large bowl. Leave to stand. Cut the potatoes into thick slices and drop into boiling water for 5 – 7 minutes or until just tender.
Drain and spread out on a kitchen towel to dry. Put it into the bowl with the garlic mixture and toss to coat. Grill over hot coals for about 3 – 4 minutes on each side. Arrange the potatoes on a serving platter and sprinkle with the feta and parsley.
Alternatively, you can thread potato slices on wooden or metal skewers to make it easier to grill. It is also a great way to serve them. Just shorten the boiling time slightly so that the potatoes can easily be thread.
Do yourself a favour and visit www.potatoes.co.za for everything you should know about this wonderful food straight from the womb of the earth.
