This is probably my most favorite salad ever, and I do not throw the word “favorite” around. It is the classic Russian carrot salad (Markovcha) Although it is actually an authentic Korean dish that has been adapted by Russians/Ukrainians. I am sure most Russian/Ukrainian people have tried this salad at one point or another and can agree with me that it has become a traditional favorite. I have this salad on the table at all the special occasions, fancy dinners, and especially Holiday dinners, and it is always the first dish gone! I always make a double or sometimes even triple batch of it to enjoy for the next few days. This salad is common at almost all Russian/Ukrainian weddings and for good reason! This is my version of the salad, I got this recipe from my mother in law Tamara, but of course have added a few of my own changes to it. You should have seen that coming. 😉 I have yet to try a Korean carrot salad that tastes better then this one. I hope you all enjoy it just as much as my family does.
Korean Carrot Salad {Makes about 2.2 pounds. Serves 12-14}
Ingredients:
- 1 Kilogram Carrots (About 2.2 LB)
- 1/2 Cup Olive Oil
- 4 Tablespoons Vinegar
- 1 teaspoon Salt
- 1 1/2 Tablespoons Sugar
- 2 cloves of Garlic
- Pepper to taste
- 2 packs of Korean Carrot Salad Seasoning (Found in most Russian, European, Polish stores.)
- *IMPORTANT TOOLS*: Mandolin Slicer (My dad bought me one at an Asian store.)
(I did not take a picture of the ingredients as they are very basic ingredients, But for those that need it, here is a picture of the Korean Carrot Salad Seasoning. It usually cost .65 or .75 cents and can be found at most Russian, European, and Polish stores. I got mine at the Polish store.)
1) Wash and peel all the carrots then set them aside in a big bowl.
2) Take a large bowl and using the mandolin slicer, slice the carrots into thin, matchstick like, neat strips. (I used a big pot because this was for a party and I made 3X as much and it only fit into a big pot lol.)
3) In a separate bowl, combine the olive oil, vinegar, salt, sugar, pressed garlic, pepper, and Korean carrot salad seasoning packets. Mix it very well.
4) Add it to the large bowl (Or pot in my case lol) with carrots, pour it on top. Then mix the carrots very well until well blended with the sauce and seasonings.
5)Cover and refrigerate over night or at least 10 hours. It is then ready to be enjoyed. Just make sure to mix it very well before putting it into the serving bowls!
(And a close up, so you can see the texture, and detail.)