Thursday, 18 September 2008

Potato and Artichoke Salad



Simple summer potato salad. Can be made in advance.

Ingredients for 4 people
3 large potatoes, peeled and diced
2 cans tuna in oil
2 hard boiled eggs
1 can artichoke hearts in brine

For the dressing.
2 tablespoons of mayonnaise
1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
2 tablespoons olive oil
1/2 tablespoon cider vinegar
Salt and pepper to taste
Pinch of paprika, to taste

Mix the dressing ingredients in a large enough bowl.
Cook the potatoes in boiling water for 10 minutes or until tender; drain and toss them in the dressing while still warm, this ensures the taste penetrates the potatoes. Leave them to cool.
Drain the tuna, and quarter the artichoke hearts. Mix the tuna and the artichokes with the potatoes.
Peel the boiled eggs, cut in half, arrange over the potato salad. Cover the salad with cling film and refrigerate until cold. Serve.


Nutritional facts of Globe or French artichokes:

This vegetable is very low in Saturated Fat and Cholesterol. It is also a good source of Niacin, Vitamin B6, Iron and Phosphorus, and a very good source of Dietary Fiber, Vitamin C, Vitamin K, Folate, Magnesium, Potassium, Copper and Manganese.

Other names:

Alcachofa, Alcaucil, ALE, Artichaut, Artichaut Commun, Artichoke Extract, Artichoke Fruit, Artichoke Leaf, Artichoke Leaf Extract, Artischocke, Cardo, Cardo de Comer, Cardon d'Espagne

Medical uses
Artichoke is used to stimulate the flow of bile from the liver. This is thought to help reduce symptoms of heartburn and alcohol "hangover." Artichoke is also used for high cholesterol, irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), kidney problems, anemia, fluid retention (edema), arthritis, bladder infections, and liver problems, including hepatitis C.

Some people use artichoke for treating snakebites, preventing gallstones, lowering blood pressure, lowering blood sugar, to increase urine flow, and as a tonic or stimulant.


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