Pomegranate Bracelet - Soo Edible

AZERBAIJAN FOOD

Numerous variations of this salad exist in Russia and across ex-Soviet countries and this is one I found in my recipe collection. The bracelet “effect” is achieved by placing a glass in the middle of the salad plate and assembling the layers of vegetables, eggs, chicken, and walnuts around it. The glass is removed once the layers have been assembled and the salad is covered with fresh pomegranate seeds all around. Beautiful! And who says you can’t eat a bracelet?

Layered “Pomegranate Bracelet” Salad

Makes 1 large bracelet, enough for 8-10

Note: If you are counting calories, use low fat mayonnaise for the dressing. Also, you may skip the dressing on some of the layers, and use it less frequently, if you wish.

3 medium carrots, boiled in water until tender, and peeled
3 medium potatoes, boiled in water until tender, and peeled
2 medium beets, boiled in water until tender and peeled (boil separately from carrots and potatoes)
3 hard-boiled eggs, shelled
1 cup walnuts, coarsely ground
2 medium skinless, boneless chicken breast halves, cooked in slightly salted water, drained, and shredded into thin strips
salt, to taste
pomegranate seeds (from 1 large pomegranate)

For the Dressing:
mayonnaise, or half mayonnaise + half sour cream (reduced fat ok for both)

Using a coarse side of a box grater, grate the carrots, potatoes, beets, and eggs. Place on separate plates.

Put a tall glass in the middle of a large flat serving platter. You will arrange the ingredients in layers on the plate around that glass, and remove the glass once the salad has been assembled. Begin layering the ingredients evenly on the plate in the following order. Sprinkle the layers with some salt, but take care not to oversalt as mayonnaise is salty already.

1. Potatoes
2. Dressing (about 2 tablespoons, spread evenly)
3. Half of the beets
4. Dressing
5. Carrots
6. Dressing
7. Walnuts
8. Half of the chicken
9. Dressing
10. Eggs
11. Dressing
12. Remaining chicken
13. Dressing
14. Remaining beets

Slather some dressing all over the “bracelet”. Carefully remove the glass from the plate. Generously sprinkle the salad with pomegranate seeds all around. Slightly press to adhere. Chill the salad in the refrigerator for at least 1 hour before serving, to allow the flavors a chance to blend.