Patates Salatası

The Turks supply us with a quick, easy and healthy alternative mayonnaise-based potato salads. Patates salatasi makes an excellent addition to a table of Turkish mezze. The paprika gives this salad a beautiful color.

4 to 6 servings

• Olive oil -- 1/2 cup
• Paprika -- 1 tablespoon
• Ground cumin -- 1 teaspoon
• Scallions, chopped -- 1 bunch
• Garlic, minced -- 2-3 cloves
• Waxy potatoes, boiled, peeled and cut into thin slices -- 2 pounds
• Lemons, juice only -- 1-2
• Salt and pepper -- to taste
• Parsley, chopped -- 1/2 bunch

Method

1. Heat the olive oil in a sauté pan over medium flame. Add the paprika and cumin and toast them lightly for about 30 seconds. Add the scallions and garlic and sauté lightly for about 1 minute. Remove the ingredients to a large bowl.
2. Add the potatoes and the remaining ingredients and toss to coat the potatoes. Set aside for at least 30 minutes to let the flavors mingle.
3. Adjust seasoning and serve chilled or at room temperature.

Variations

• Use thinly sliced red onion in place of the scallions if you like.
• Use chopped basil, dill or mint along with the parsley for added flavor. Use about 2-3 tablespoons of each.
• Start with the juice of just one lemon and add more as you like for flavor.
• Eliminate the sautéing step and add use the ingredients raw.
• Eliminate the cumin and paprika if you like.