New York Deli Potato Salad

Brad Beckwith's Note:

I have only found my favorite potato salad in delicatessens in New York City and Long Island and in some Italian and Jewish delis elsewhere. After much searching, a friend on Long Island sent me this recipe which comes as close to perfection as any I've tried. The recipe may be cut down as the quantities are for a party.

• Total Time: 1 hrs
• Prep Time: 20 mins
• Cook Time: 40 mins

Ingredients:

Servings: 30

• 10 lbs new potatoes
• ¾ cup sugar
• ¾ cup white vinegar
• ¾ cup water
• 1 small onion , pureed
• 1 tablespoon white pepper
• 1 tablespoon salt
• ¾ cup vegetable oil
• Hellmann's mayonnaise
• parsley (to garnish)
• grated carrot (to garnish)

Directions:

1. Steam potatoes over 32-40 oz. water.
2. Peel while hot. (You can actually scrape off the skin by hand under cold water.).
3. Cool in refrigerator for at least one hour.
4. Mix next seven ingredients in a bowl, adding oil last.
5. Slice the potatoes in 1/4" slices into a very large bowl.
6. Fold in the mixture.
7. Chill overnight.
8. Add Hellman's mayo to desired consistency.
9. Spread in large, flat serving dishes and garnish. (I used fresh parsley and finely grated carrots for color.).

Reviews

[joannetk]

Yes, this is the one! If you grew up in Queens NY and long to taste that great vinegary, peppery thin sliced potato salad you had as a child then look no further. Every time I make it someone asks for the recipe. It takes two days to make it, but worth every minute. Also, gets better each day. Be sure to not over cook the potatoes and then slice them thin. Don't forget the parsley.

[Sweetie 91]

At first I was skeptical whether or not my family would like this version of potato salad but what a hit!!! Everyone that trys it asks for the recipe. My traditional recipe with eggs is no longer the favorite in our house! This one is! Thank you for sharing a great recipe!

[Heather U.]

This is really great NY potato salad. Worked fine to scale it down to 2 lbs of new potatoes (skin on for color, vitamins, and fiber). I used black pepper (not a fan of white) and a quarter of the sugar that's called for (I prefer tangy to sweet in potato salad). I might reduce the amount of oil and use dill pickle juice instead of white vinegar next time. Nevertheless, the taste was fabulous as is. Thanks!