Macho Salad Bandera has been a tradition for over a decade. The people of Texas, crossing party lines, will come together to celebrate Tex Mex cooking with something called Macho Salad Bandera.
The name is Mexican, but the tradition is all Texan, and it’s delicious. There are festivals and competitions around the state to see who can make it best.
And families host their gatherings to enjoy the fresh flavors together.
What is Macho Salad Bandera?
Macho Salad Bandera is mostly composed of vegetables, and usually, it is a salad. But there isn’t anything salad-like about this dish at all.
The name is a play on words with macho in Spanish, which can mean either “strong” or “manly.”
The dish certainly epitomizes masculine prowess – from its hearty ingredients to its bold and spicy flavors, you would be hard-pressed to find a more masculine word.
How to make Macho Salad Bandera
Ingredients:
- 2 lbs. of cubed beef (I usually use chuck, and it’s always good)
- 4 lbs. of cubed potatoes (you can use white or red)
- 1/2 cup of chopped onions
- 1/4 cup of chopped green onions (about 3 onions)
- 2 lbs. of cubed and peeled carrots
Sauce:
- 3 tablespoons of butter (or vegetable oil)
- 4 tablespoons of flour (You can use regular or self-rising for this.)
- First, you need to get the potatoes and carrots ready.
Method:
1. Cut the potatoes into cubes, and add the carrots.
2. Boil until both are tender. (Usually about half an hour.)
3. Drain and let cool for five minutes or so.
4. While in the refrigerator, remove some of the potato water from it and store it in a plastic container. You can use this in combination with your sauce later on to make your gravy extra thick.
5 . Chop up your green onions into smaller pieces and set them aside too.
6 . Next, you want to slice up the onions. Slice them about half an hour into cooking the potatoes and carrots so that they’re extremely tender.
7 . In a skillet, melt the butter and add your flour.
8 . Thicken until bubbly and add two tablespoons of the potato water from your container. (Usually about a cup.)
9 . Add about five dashes or more of your favorite hot sauce. (I will also use Tabasco.)
10 . Add some salt and pepper to taste.
11. Add your cubed beef, potatoes, and carrots.
12. Mix it all well, and make sure you get the gravy to cover everything! (You can strain any extra water out of the potatoes if you want while they’re cooking.)
13 . Serve with your favorite salad toppings, sour cream, cheese, and your favorite hot sauce.
You may like: Ensalada De Bombones Con Cool Whip
The History of Macho Salad Bandera
This Texan tradition was created by the people of Texas, inspired by the original Macho Salad from Mexico.
Some food historians have different theories on its origins. Some think that Macho Salad Bandera originated with a cook named James Malcolm in Texas in 1977.
Others say it has been around since 1940 and only became famous when Malcolm began making it.
The 5 Health Benefits of Macho Salad Bandera
The health benefits of this dish are too many to mention in one article. This is a very hearty and healthy meal, one that will leave you feeling full and fueled up for hours.
Not only that, but the ingredients themselves each have their health benefits as well:
1. Carrots:
Carrots are rich in antioxidants and beta-carotene, which is great for your eyesight. They can also help improve your eye health with their high vitamin A content, enabling you to avoid certain types of cancers and cardiovascular diseases.
Carrots are also very high in fiber, which is needed to help clean out your digestive tract; they are some of the top food sources for this.
2. Potatoes:
Potatoes have been a staple food for people worldwide for centuries. They are very high in vitamin C,
which you need to keep your immune system from getting sick and fighting off any possible viruses and bacteria that enter your body. They can also help with your skin health by helping you avoid acne and other skin problems.
3. Carrots, Potatoes, and Tomatoes:
All three of these are rich in antioxidants, which help keep your body functioning properly. They prevent the oxygen ions (free radicals) from damaging cells throughout your body, which can cause you to age rapidly and possibly get cancer.
4. Green Onions:
Green onions have similar health benefits as garlic does. It can help keep your blood pressure down, and it helps keep your heart healthy and strong and get you feeling well if you have a cold.
5. Beef:
Beef is a great source of protein. To build muscle, you need to eat high protein foods, so this is a great dish for bodybuilders or athletes looking to bulk up and gain pounds of muscle mass.
How to store?
Macho salad is best if it’s eaten right away when it’s finished. You can store leftovers in an airtight container and put them in the refrigerator for a few days. You can add the juices from the beef to your mixture to help keep them moist if you want.
Is It Healthy?
Although Macho Salad Bandera isn’t exactly healthy food, it has many health benefits. It has all the vitamins and nutrients that help your body function properly, so it will keep you healthy.
Can I Freeze It?
Yes, you can freeze it! Just make sure that you don’t thaw it before you’re ready to use it. You can either melt it in the refrigerator overnight or a bowl of cold water.
You want to be careful when you do this because your COOKED meat may melt and get rubbery if it gets too wet.
The Bottom Line
Macho salad is a very authentic and traditional meal. It combines many great ingredients to create one of the best-tasting meals you’ll ever have.
It’s easy to prepare, and it can be used for quick lunches or dinners for the whole family!
