Russian scientists have proposed changing the traditional ingredients of the popular Olivier salad for a healthier and low-calorie alternative.
The Olivier salad, made of chopped potatoes, meat, carrots and other vegetables along with eggs and mayonnaise, has been a staple of Russian New Year celebrations for more than a century.
But nutrition scientists at the Siberian State Medical University say that cooks should swap out three key ingredients: mayonnaise, sausage and pickles.
Mayonnaise "is a real calorie bomb," warn the scientists.
They suggest making a homemade sauce of olive oil, egg yolk, mustard and lemon juice that will "very much remind you of the mayonnaise we're used to" but with far less calories.
Sausage, which contains trans-fats, should be exchanged for boiled chicken or turkey, the scientists said.
Pickles should also be taken out because of their high salt content, which can lead to swelling and increase the appetite.
"On New Year's eve, that's not a desirable effect," the scientists added.
Belgian chef Lucien Olivier is credited with inventing the salad in the 1860s during his tenure at the Hermitage, a popular Moscow restaurant. Throughout the world, the dish is often called Russian salad.
A Message from The Moscow Times:
Dear readers,
We are facing unprecedented challenges. Russia's Prosecutor General's Office has designated The Moscow Times as an "undesirable" organization, criminalizing our work and putting our staff at risk of prosecution. This follows our earlier unjust labeling as a "foreign agent."
These actions are direct attempts to silence independent journalism in Russia. The authorities claim our work "discredits the decisions of the Russian leadership." We see things differently: we strive to provide accurate, unbiased reporting on Russia.
We, the journalists of The Moscow Times, refuse to be silenced. But to continue our work, we need your help.
Your support, no matter how small, makes a world of difference. If you can, please support us monthly starting from just $2. It's quick to set up, and every contribution makes a significant impact.
By supporting The Moscow Times, you're defending open, independent journalism in the face of repression. Thank you for standing with us.
Remind me later.
