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
• 3/4 cup sugar
• 3/4 cup white vinegar
• 3/4 cup water
• 1 small onion, pureed
• 1 tablespoon white pepper
• 1 tablespoon salt
• 3/4 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.

[Chef #852565]

This receipe is amazing. I left New York city (Queens) when I was in my twenties. For Thirty years I've been looking for New York Potato Salad. It is not sold anywhere else in the U.S. I've lived in many cities and have traveled to dozens more. I've tried to make it at home with other recipes and they all have failed. This recipe is perfect. I do remember that some deli's had chopped pimento and others had a hint of finely chopped celery. I've added those 2 ingredients and it made a slight difference. It is still just like I remember. Brad, thanks for bringing this recipe to the world once again.

[Imaveryluckyman]

I used to work at a German Deli and this recipe is very very close to what we used to make. This recipe is good for a base potato salad. If you don't add the mayonnaise and instead add bacon & onion, then heat, you'll have German potato salad. If you add egg & celery to the recipe as is you'll have a deluxe potato salad. All in all great recipe!! Thanks for posting Brad.