Wednesday, July 10, 2019

Curried Potato Salad

Curried Potato Salad

Add extra savor to a summertime fave

Summer means cook-outs. And cook-outs call for potato salad. QED, no?

But you don’t have to make the same old spud salad next time. Dish up this curry creation instead.

Curry and potatoes are a perfect pair (just look at any Indian restaurant menu for proof). Curry sharpens the potato-y goodness while adding sensational flavor all its own.

So don’t settle for old-school side dishes. Be curr-ageous.


Curried Potato Salad

Recipe: Curried Potato Salad

This dish is flexible. Feel free to add or subtract ingredients (and alter ingredient quantities) to taste.

Once the potatoes are cooked, it takes about 20 minutes to make this potato salad. We like to chill it for a couple of hours before serving, but dish it up immediately if you wish.

This recipe serves about 6 as a side. It’s easy to double or halve the recipe to suit your needs.

Leftovers keep for a few days if refrigerated in an airtight container.

Ingredients
  • ~2½ pounds potatoes (cut into ½-inch cubes), cooked and still warm (see our Potato Salad Basics Recipe for notes on what type of potatoes to use and how to cook them) 
  • 1 yellow or red onion (about 1 cup when diced)
  • 2 to 3 ribs celery (to taste)
  • ~¼ cup cider vinegar (or a bit more to taste; see Step 4)
  • ~¼ to ½ cup reserved liquid from potato cooking water 
  • 1 to 1½ cups mayonnaise (or half mayo plus yogurt or sour cream; to taste)
  • 1 tablespoon curry powder (or to taste; see Notes)
  • ½ teaspoon turmeric
  • 2 teaspoons cumin 
  • ½ teaspoon cayenne pepper (or to taste; very optional)
  • ¼ cup minced cilantro
Procedure
  1. Cook the potatoes using the Potato Salad Basics Recipe. When the potatoes are done, drain them (reserving about ½ cup of their cooking liquid). Return the drained potatoes to the cooking pot, cover it, and let the potatoes sit for about 4 minutes. 
  2. While the potatoes are cooking, peel and dice the onion (¼-inch dice are about right; maybe a bit larger). Add the chopped onions to a bowl that’s large enough to hold the cooked potatoes.
  3. Wash and string the celery. Cut it into thin slices (or dice it), then add it to the bowl with the onions.
  4. Add about ¼ cup cider vinegar to the bowl, along with the salt. Once the cooked potatoes are ready to use (Step 1), add them to the bowl. Toss the potatoes gently with the other ingredients. Add more cider vinegar or some of the reserved cooking liquid (from Step 1) if necessary. Let the potato mixture sit for 10 minutes, tossing gently a couple of times. (This gives the potatoes time to absorb the liquid – and its flavor. So watch how the potatoes are absorbing the liquid, and add a bit more if necessary.) 
  5. Meanwhile, in a separate bowl, mix together the mayonnaise, curry powder, turmeric, cumin, and cayenne (if using). Taste, then adjust the spices to your preference (and add salt if necessary).
  6. Wash and dry the cilantro, then chop it roughly.
  7. When the potatoes have absorbed all (or almost all) the liquid, add the mayo mixture and the chopped cilantro. Toss all the ingredients together until the potatoes are lightly coated with the mayo mixture. Taste, then adjust the seasoning if necessary. 
  8. Serve right away or chill the potato salad in the fridge for an hour or two.
Curried Potato Salad

Notes
  • We often garnish this potato salad with additional diced onion and chopped cilantro.
  • Don’t have cilantro on hand? You could substitute parsley.
  • This recipe makes a mild-tasting dish. For more curry goodness, double the amount of curry powder. And do use the cayenne pepper.
  • You could also add some chopped jalapeño peppers if you want more heat. A couple should do the trick.
  • Diced red bell pepper would be another nifty addition to this salad.
  • We sometimes like to add mustard (maybe 2 to 4 tablespoons) to this dish. Either Dijon or ordinary yellow ballpark mustard works pretty well. Just add it to the mayo in Step 5.
  • You could also add chopped hard-boiled eggs to this salad.
  • We use kosher salt for cooking. It’s less salty by volume than regular table salt (the crystals are larger and more irregular, so they pack a measure less tightly). If substituting table salt, start with about half the amount we recommend. But always season to your taste, not ours.
  • There are lots of potato salad recipes around. In the US, mayonnaise-based potato salads are probably the most common. Cooks often substitute yogurt or sour cream for some or all of the mayo.
Curried Potato Salad

Curry On

“I cayennen’t say enough about this dish,” said Mrs. Kitchen Riffs. “Yum!”

“You’re just trying to curry favor,” I said.

“More like currying flavor,” said Mrs K R.

“Aw, this dish is just small potatoes,” I said.

“Nix the false modesty, spud slinger,” said Mrs K R. “Take a bow. Then dish up seconds.”

Cumin right up.

You may also enjoy reading about:
Cauliflower Potato-Style Salad
Potato Salad Basics
American (Mayonnaise) Potato Salad
French Potato Salad
German Potato Salad
Mustard Potato Salad
Horseradish Potato Salad
Chipotle Sweet-Potato Salad
Potato and Green Bean Salad
Hard-Boiled Eggs
Or check out the index for more

72 comments:

Mae Travels said...

I love the combination of curry flavor with mayo. I used to make a rice salad that was very similar to this, but I think it would be wonderful with potatoes. It's fascinating how many different potato salad recipes have been posted recently, just by the few bloggers and cooking sites I read.

best... mae at maefood.blogspot.com

Kitchen Riffs said...

Hi Mae, curry and mayo really is a terrific pairing. It's particularly nice in deviled eggs. And wonderful with potatoes. :-) Thanks for the comment.

Terry / Blue Kitchen said...

John, I could immediately taste this, just by reading the title. Sounds like a great way to mix up your summer potato salad game!

Kitchen Riffs said...

Hi Terry, this dish really doesn't need a recipe, does it? The title says it all! :-) Thanks for the comment.

Lea Ann (Cooking On The Ranch) said...

Even though I love that "same old spud salad" this is so gorgeous in appearance that I must give it a try. Love the idea of curry, cumin and cayenne.

Kitchen Riffs said...

Hi Lea Ann, this is such a nice change from "regular" potato salad! Really good stuff. :-) Thanks for the comment.

Savor the Best-Pat said...

I have never had a curried potato salad and it sounds fantastic! I must give it a try, thanks, John...❤️

Kitchen Riffs said...

Hi Pat, this is SO good. :-) Enjoy! Thanks for the comment.

Frank Mosher said...

Thank you for a reminder of an old but great recipe! Your "puns" are simply great as well. Cheers!

Kitchen Riffs said...

Hi Frank, we love curry & potatoes. And puns, of course. :D Thanks for the comment.

Dahn said...

It really isn't a summer cookout without potato salad! This one sounds really good, I love curry

Kitchen Riffs said...

Hi Dahn, summer and potato salad are just made for each other, aren't they? :-) Thanks for the comment.

Juliana said...

I absolutely love the idea of adding curry powder in the potato salad...I must give a try next time making potato salad...such a nice kick to it. Thanks for the recipe and I hope you are enjoying your week John!

Kitchen Riffs said...

Hi Juliana, bet you'll like this. :-) Thanks for the comment.

Kelsie | the itsy-bitsy kitchen said...

I love curry but I never thought to add it to potato salad. This sounds great!

Kitchen Riffs said...

Hi Kelsie, it IS great. :-) Thanks for the comment.

Fran @ Gday Souffle said...

I like any salad with curry- especially pasta salads. Starchy food and curry are my friends!

Kitchen Riffs said...

Hi Fran, curry IS nice in starchy foods! And this recipe will definitely be your friend. :-) Thanks for the comment.

Angie's Recipes said...

We love curry flavoured anything! The potato salad looks so inviting with that beautiful golden colour.

Kitchen Riffs said...

Hi Angie, we love curry, too! And the flavor is so good in this dish. :-) Thanks for the comment.

Sherry's Pickings said...

this sounds delicious KR. i love potato salad! I'm a big fan of those Japanese-style potato salads with the mashed potato too. Love your photos and sassy talk with the missus as always:) cheers sherry

Anne in the kitchen said...

I am going to try this during the weekend, except I will ketofy it using cauliflower rather than potatoes. Thanks for the inspiration and keep up the fabulous puns. I enjoy them as much as I enjoy your recipes!

Natalia said...

I will definitely try this, love all the flavours!:)

Healthy World Cuisine said...

We love a little kick in our potato salad. Curry, turmeric and spice ought to do it. Your potato salad would be a great addition to the flank steak on the menu for tonight. Hoping your summer is going well. Take care

Cocoa and Lavender said...

Great idea, John! I do get really bored with the standard potato salad!

Kelly | Foodtasia said...

I love potato salad at this time of year, John, and yours looks so delicious with the curry powder! And the color is so vibrant and pretty. Lots of great tips over in the Potato Salad Basics - Thanks for that!

Kitchen Riffs said...

Hi Sherry, sassy talk is our specialty. :-) Thanks for the comment.

Kitchen Riffs said...

Hi Anne, cauliflower "potato" salad works really well! In fact it's a dish we sometimes make. Glad you enjoy the puns! We (obviously) enjoy them too. :-) Thanks for the comment.

Kitchen Riffs said...

Hi Natalia, this is really full of flavor -- tasty stuff. :-) Thanks for the comment.

Kitchen Riffs said...

Hi Bobbi, flank steak is terrific with potato salad! What time is dinner? :-) Thanks for the comment.

Kitchen Riffs said...

Hi David, much as we like regular potato salad, we really do need a change sometimes. Well, maybe often. :-) Thanks for the comment.

Kitchen Riffs said...

Hi Kelly, isn't this pretty? And curry powder really adds a lot to a mayo potato salad. :-) Thanks for the comment.

Merryn@merrynsmenu said...

Just delightful the addition of curry powder, cayenne and celery is brilliant. We willbe taking this to a friend's barbeque tomorrow night. Thanks for another great recipe John.

Kitchen Riffs said...

Hi Merryn, have a wonderful time at the BBQ! :-) Thanks for the comment.

mjskit said...

What a clever idea! I've made a curry slaw but never considered using curry powder or tumeric in a potato salad. I love this and what a gorgeous Color. Thanks for the inspiration John!

Kitchen Riffs said...

Hi MJ, this is good -- I think you'll like. :-) Thanks for the comment.

Evelyne CulturEatz said...

Potato salads rule but yes fun t change it up. I normally do the Austrian version but love this curry. And such a vibrant color!

Kitchen Riffs said...

Hi Evelyne, the potato salad we probably do most frequently is the French-style, but love any and all potato salads. Particularly this one -- love curry! :-) Thanks for the comment.

Deb|eastofedenCooking said...

I always add celery to my potato salad. It adds just enough crunch! Adding curry spices really amps up the flavor profile! Making such a lush salad screams summer.

Kitchen Riffs said...

Hi Deb, celery in potato salad is good. And adding curry flavor is really satisfying. :-) Thanks for the comment.

Pam said...

It sounds like a great potato salad, John! Lots of good ingredients here! I've never added curry to it and I will have to be 'curr-ageous' and try it! Take care

Kitchen Riffs said...

Hi Pam, we really like this -- tons of flavor! :-) Thanks for the comment.

Jeff the Chef said...

I love potato salad. I've never had a curried one. It sounds great!

Kitchen Riffs said...

Hi Jeff, it IS great. :-) Thanks for the comment.

Food Gal said...

I love this! It's almost like the flavors of a deviled eggs but in potato salad form. And how could that ever be wrong? ;)

Laura Dembowski said...

Yes to everything about this salad! I fell in love with curry in a duck salad at a fancy and now closed restaurant. It is so suited so salads of all kind and potato is definitely one!

Kitchen Riffs said...

Hi Carolyn, this is exactly like the flavors in deviled eggs! :-) Thanks for the comment.

Kitchen Riffs said...

Hi Laura, curry in duck salad sounds like a wonderful idea! :-) Thanks for the comment.

Valentina said...

I think the flavors of curry with the creamy texture of the potatoes is one of the best culinary combinations out there. This looks delicious! ~Valentina

Kitchen Riffs said...

Hi Valentina, LOVE the curry/potato combo. :-) Thanks for the comment.

Ron said...

What a currylicious looking potato salad. I love the color of the salad and I love a good Dum Aloo, so this has to be a winner. A curr-ageous effort indeed.

All That I'm Eating said...

This sounds ideal to go alongside a BBQ over the summer, I will definitely be giving this a try!

Judy@SavoringToday said...

I like how curry bring a new twist to classic dishes like this. I add it to my tuna salad too! Great recipe and so timely for summer bbq. :)

Kitchen Riffs said...

Hi Ron, this is truly currylicious! Love curry, and this is a fun recipe. :-) Thanks for the comment.

Kitchen Riffs said...

Hi Caroline, it's a great dish with BBQ! Or all by itself. :-) Thanks for the comment.

Kitchen Riffs said...

Hi Judy, I've never added curry to my tuna salad! But I will. :-) Thanks for the comment.

Pam said...

Great flavors - it looks delicious!

lisa is cooking said...

Love this idea. I've seen curry chicken salads, but I like the idea of curry potato salad more. The jalapeno and red bell pepper addition suggestions sound great too!

Kitchen Riffs said...

Hi Pam, great flavors, great dish. :-) Thanks for the comment.

Kitchen Riffs said...

Hi Lisa, we've made curry chicken salad (haven't put it on the blog), but agree curry potato salad is better. :-) Thanks for the comment.

Sippity Sup said...

Yes. Summer BBQs call for potato salad exactly because (as you note) they are so adaptable. GREG

Kitchen Riffs said...

Hi Greg, good to be adaptable. :-) Thanks for the comment.

Easyfoodsmith said...

Love this salad John, it has the flavors that my Indian palate is going to love so much! :D

Kitchen Riffs said...

Hi Taruna, neat salad, huh? :-) Thanks for the comment.

Rosita Vargas said...

Me encanta el curry en las comidas se ve exquisito,abrazos.

Kitchen Riffs said...

Hi Rosita, curry is good stuff, isn't it? :-) Thanks for the comment.

R's Rue said...

I want some now. Blessings friend.

Kitchen Riffs said...

Hi R, it makes a nice breakfast. :-) Thanks for the comment.

Chef Mimi said...

Deeee licious! Curry flavors are so wonderful. I've never thought to add them to a potato salad. Really smart.

Kitchen Riffs said...

Hi Mimi, you'll love this! :-) Thanks for the comment.

Raymund said...

Oh! this is a nice twist to the usual potato salad. Good stuff

Kitchen Riffs said...

Hi Raymund, isn't this neat? SO good! Thanks for the comment.