Guatemalan-style Brain Salad

Ingredients

In this Guatemalan adaptation of Beyin salatasi, we incorporate local Guatemalan ingredients and flavors to create a unique twist. The original Turkish dish is typically prepared with brain meat, but we enhance it with Guatemalan herbs and spices, giving it a distinct flavor profile. Additionally, we incorporate fresh local vegetables to add a vibrant touch to the salad. We alse have the original recipe for Beyin salatasi, so you can check it out.

• 500g (1.1 lb) brain meat 500g (1.1 lb) brain meat
• 2 tablespoons olive oil 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 red bell pepper, diced 1 red bell pepper, diced
• 1 green bell pepper, diced 1 green bell pepper, diced
• 1 red onion, thinly sliced 1 red onion, thinly sliced
• 2 tomatoes, diced 2 tomatoes, diced
• 1 cucumber, diced 1 cucumber, diced
• 1 avocado, diced 1 avocado, diced
• 1 lime, juiced 1 lime, juiced
• 2 tablespoons fresh cilantro, chopped 2 tablespoons fresh cilantro, chopped
• Salt and pepper to taste Salt and pepper to taste

Nutrition

• Calories (kcal / KJ): 250 kcal / 1046 KJ
• Fat (total, saturated): 18g, 4g
• Carbohydrates (total, sugars): 8g, 3g
• Protein: 15g
• Fiber: 4g
• Salt: 1g

Preparation

1. 1.
   Rinse the brain meat under cold water and remove any excess membranes.
2. 2.
   In a pot of boiling water, gently poach the brain meat for 5 minutes. Remove from heat and let it cool.
3. 3.
   Once cooled, carefully remove any remaining membranes from the brain meat and cut it into small pieces.
4. 4.
   In a large mixing bowl, combine the diced bell peppers, red onion, tomatoes, cucumber, and avocado.
5. 5.
   Add the brain meat to the bowl and gently toss all the ingredients together.
6. 6.
   Drizzle olive oil and lime juice over the salad. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
7. 7.
   Sprinkle fresh cilantro on top for added freshness.
8. 8.
   Serve chilled and enjoy!

Treat your ingredients with care...

• Brain meat — Ensure that the brain meat is fresh and properly cleaned before cooking. Be gentle when handling it to avoid breaking the delicate texture.

Tips & Tricks

• If brain meat is not available, you can substitute it with cooked chicken or tofu for a vegetarian version.
• For an extra kick of flavor, add a pinch of cayenne pepper or a dash of hot sauce to the salad dressing.
• Serve the salad on a bed of lettuce leaves for an elegant presentation.
• Adjust the lime juice and salt according to your taste preferences.
• This salad pairs well with warm tortillas or crusty bread.

Serving advice

Serve the Guatemalan-style Brain Salad chilled as a refreshing appetizer or light lunch. It can also be enjoyed as a side dish alongside grilled meats or seafood.

Presentation advice

To enhance the presentation, arrange the salad on a large platter and garnish with additional cilantro leaves. The vibrant colors of the vegetables and brain meat will make it visually appealing.