When my character Valerie goes to her first meeting of the neighborhood orchid society she’s just joined in Murder, Local Style, she brings a dish to share—as is the tradition here on the Big Island of Hawai‘i. That dish, which proves very popular, is a Japanese-style potato salad.
What sets this potato salad off from its American and German counterparts is the inclusion of a variety of unexpected vegetables (peas, carrots, corn, and cucumber), as well as the use of Kewpie mayonnaise. Using this Japanese brand of mayo—made with yolks only, as well as a special blend of vinegar and spices—is a must, as it’s what gives the dish its distinct creaminess and strong hit of umami.
Kewpie mayonnaise can be found in the Asian food aisle of most supermarkets, or online. (Note that there are two varieties of Kewpie mayo—the Japanese one with a hugging baby, a Kewpie doll, on the label, and an American version depicting a sandwich. Make sure to buy the Japanese one.)
The salad is traditionally made with peeled potatoes, but I prefer to keep the skins on—it’s your choice. And either Persian or Japanese cucumbers work best, as they have fewer seeds, though any variety will work fine.
Japanese-Style Potato Salad
(serves 8-10)
Ingredients
3 pounds Yukon Gold or similar potatoes, cut into 1-inch chunks (about 8 cups)
2 medium carrots, peeled and sliced into ¼-inch discs.
4 whole garlic cloves, peeled
2 dried bay leaves
1 tablespoon, plus 1 teaspoon salt, divided (plus more to taste)
1 cup corn kernels (canned, fresh, or frozen)
1 cup peas (fresh or frozen—not canned)
2 tablespoons rice wine vinegar
1¼ cup Kewpie mayonnaise
1 teaspoon black pepper (plus more for garnish)
1 medium cucumber, cut lengthwise into quarters, then thinly sliced
4 green onions, coarsely chopped
Directions
Place potatoes, carrots, garlic, bay leaves, and 1 tablespoon salt into a large pot and cover with cold water by at least 1 inch.
Bring to a boil over high heat, then reduce to medium and simmer, uncovered, until a fork can just pierce the potatoes (about 7 minutes). Add the corn and peas and continue to simmer until the potatoes are fork-tender (about 3 more minutes).
Drain the vegetables, discarding the garlic cloves and bay leaves, and transfer while warm to a large bowl.
Add the vinegar and remaining 1 teaspoon of salt and toss to combine. Add the Kewpie mayonnaise and the black pepper and toss again, until everything is evenly coated with the mayo.
Chill, uncovered, stirring occasionally, until cooled (30-60 minutes). Add the cucumber and two-thirds of the green onions and toss. Season to taste with more salt, if necessary.
Garnish with more black pepper and the rest of the onions.
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Just Released!
Orchid Isle Mystery #3
Available for purchase here.
"The beauties and customs of Hawai‘i provide a striking backdrop for a murder with an unexpected motive."
Kirkus Reviews
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Out now in paperback!
Orchid Isle Mystery #2
Buy link here.
2026 Lefty and Agatha Award Finalist
for Best Mystery/Contemporary Mystery!
"Immerse yourself in Hawaiian lore and savor the portrayal of the stunning landscapes
while enjoying the entertaining mystery."
Kirkus Reviews
Also available
in paperback!
Orchid Isle Mystery #1
Buy link here
2025 Lefty Award Finalist
for Best Mystery!
“Karst’s first Orchid Isle novel is part murder mystery, part vividly evocative, colorful sketch of Hawaii and its history, geography, tradition, culture, food, language, and people. Armchair travelers and mystery aficionados alike will find it entertaining.”
Booklist
This first book in my brand-new Orchid Isle mystery series features retired caterer Valerie Corbin and her wife Kristen who, on a trip to the Big Island of Hawai‘i, swap surfing lessons for sleuthing sessions when a hike to an active lava flow turns deadly.
Praise for MOLTEN DEATH:
“a compelling read that will enlighten, engage, and entertain, leaving readers longing for their next trip to the Orchid Isle.”
--New York Times bestselling author Jenn McKinlay
“a terrific debut to a series that will go on my must read list!”
--USA Today bestselling author Deborah Crombie
2024 Lefty Award Finalist
for Best Humorous Mystery!
This newest Sally Solari mystery
is available for purchase here !
Praise for A SENSE FOR MURDER:
“[Sally is] sassy, irresistible company... Culinary cozy fans will be in heaven.”
--Publishers Weekly
“An enjoyable read for mystery mavens and foodies alike.”
--Kirkus Reviews
Justice is Served: A Tale of Scallops,
the Law, and Cooking for RBG
is the 2024 Silver Medal Winner for both the
IBPA Benjamin Franklin Award
and the IPPY Award!
Buy link here
-Foreword Reviews (starred review)
"[This] book is a romp from cover to cover—and, just like a great meal, left me ready for more."
-Karen Shimizu, executive editor, Food & Wine-
All of the Sally Solari Mysteries (as well as my other books) are available through Amazon, Barnes and Noble, and Bookshop.
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