Ethiopian Spiced Potato Salad with Lemon and Parsley
Inspired by the delightful flavors of Ethiopian cuisine, this refreshing potato salad combines tender russet or white potatoes with a zesty lemon dressing, crunchy white onions, and fresh parsley. The optional jalapeno adds a subtle heat, making this dish a versatile addition to any meal. Perfect for family gatherings or a light lunch, this dairy-free potato salad is best enjoyed chilled and pairs wonderfully with traditional injera or any flatbread of your choice. Quick to prepare, it requires minimal cooking, making it a great choice for busy weeknights or special occasions.
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
8
Ingredients
Ingredients
russet potatoes or white potatoes
1 lb (scrubbed, peeled, and cut into 2 to 2.5-inch chunks)
lemon
1 (juiced, to taste)
grapeseed oil
2-3 tablespoons (none)
white onion
1/3 cup (finely minced)
fresh flat-leaf Italian parsley
2 tablespoons (chopped (NOT dried))
salt
to taste (none)
white pepper
to taste (none)
green jalapeno pepper
1 (minced (optional))
Instructions
1
Begin by cutting the potatoes into 2 to 2.5-inch chunks to ensure even cooking.
2
In a large pot, bring salted water to a rolling boil. Carefully add the potato chunks.
3
Cook the potatoes for about 20 minutes, or until they are fork-tender but not mushy. Check for doneness periodically.
4
Once cooked, drain the potatoes and immediately rinse them under cold water to stop the cooking process and cool them down quickly.
5
Set the rinsed potatoes aside to cool completely as you prepare the dressing.
6
In a large serving bowl, combine the grapeseed oil, minced white onion, chopped Italian parsley, salt, white pepper, and minced jalapeno (if using). Mix well.
7
Once the potatoes have cooled, gently break them into smaller bite-sized pieces and incorporate them into the dressing mixture, tossing everything together delicately to ensure the potatoes are evenly coated.
8
Cover the bowl and refrigerate the salad for at least 3 hours to allow the flavors to meld, keeping it chilled until serving.
9
Before serving, taste the salad and adjust seasonings if needed, adding additional lemon juice or salt to suit your taste.
10
Serve this refreshing salad alongside traditional injera bread or your choice of flatbread.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Ethiopian Spiced Potato Salad?
It is a refreshing potato salad inspired by Ethiopian cuisine, featuring tender potatoes, a zesty lemon dressing, crunchy white onions, and fresh Italian parsley.
What kind of potatoes are best for this recipe?
The recipe recommends using either russet potatoes or white potatoes for the best texture.
How long should I boil the potatoes?
The potato chunks should be boiled for approximately 20 minutes, or until they are fork-tender but not mushy.
Is this Ethiopian potato salad vegan?
Yes, this recipe is entirely plant-based and vegan-friendly.
Is this recipe dairy-free?
Yes, this is a dairy-free potato salad that uses grapeseed oil and lemon juice instead of mayonnaise or cream.
Can I use dried parsley instead of fresh?
No, the recipe specifically notes to use fresh flat-leaf Italian parsley and explicitly states NOT to use dried parsley.
What should I serve with this potato salad?
It is traditionally served with injera bread, but it also pairs wonderfully with any flatbread of your choice.
How long does the salad need to be refrigerated?
For the best flavor, the salad should be refrigerated for at least 3 hours before serving to allow the flavors to meld.
Is this dish spicy?
The heat level is optional; you can add a minced green jalapeño for a subtle heat or leave it out for a mild salad.
What type of oil is recommended for the dressing?
The recipe calls for 2-3 tablespoons of grapeseed oil.
Do I need to peel the potatoes?
Yes, the potatoes should be scrubbed and peeled before being cut into chunks and boiled.
How large should the potato chunks be?
Potatoes should be cut into 2 to 2.5-inch chunks to ensure they cook evenly.
Why do I need to rinse the potatoes in cold water?
Rinsing the potatoes under cold water immediately after draining stops the cooking process and helps them cool down quickly.
What kind of onion should I use?
The recipe specifies 1/3 cup of finely minced white onion for a sharp, crunchy texture.
Can I use black pepper instead of white pepper?
The recipe calls for white pepper to maintain the specific flavor profile, but black pepper could be used as a substitute if necessary.
Is this potato salad gluten-free?
Yes, all the primary ingredients in this potato salad are naturally gluten-free.
How much lemon juice is needed?
The juice of one lemon is used, though you can adjust the amount to your personal taste.
Should the potatoes be mashed into the dressing?
No, the potatoes should be gently broken into smaller bite-sized pieces and tossed delicately to avoid mashing them.
Can I make this recipe in advance?
Yes, because it requires at least 3 hours of chilling, it is an excellent dish to prepare ahead of time.
What makes this salad 'spiced'?
The 'spiced' element comes from the combination of white pepper, minced white onion, and the optional jalapeño.
Is this salad served warm or cold?
This salad is best enjoyed chilled and should be kept refrigerated until the moment of serving.
How many ingredients are in this recipe?
There are 8 ingredients in total, including potatoes, lemon, oil, onion, parsley, salt, pepper, and jalapeño.
Can I use red potatoes?
While the recipe suggests russet or white potatoes, red potatoes can work if you prefer a waxier texture.
What is the best way to mix the potatoes and dressing?
Toss them together delicately in a large serving bowl to ensure even coating without breaking the potatoes too much.
Can I add more salt or lemon later?
Yes, it is recommended to taste the salad after it has chilled and adjust the seasonings right before serving.
How much potato do I need?
The recipe requires 1 lb of russet or white potatoes.
Is grapeseed oil necessary?
Grapeseed oil is used for its neutral flavor, but you can substitute it with another light neutral oil if needed.
Is this recipe suitable for a large party?
Yes, it is described as perfect for family gatherings and can be easily doubled to serve more guests.
Is there any sugar in this recipe?
No, this recipe contains no added sugars.
What kind of parsley should I buy?
You should use fresh flat-leaf Italian parsley for the most authentic flavor.