Steps

1. Peel and thinly slice 1/4 onion (50g).
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2. Thinly slice 1/4 cucumber (30g) into rounds.
   🕒 00:45
3. Place the sliced onion and cucumber in a bowl, sprinkle with salt (to taste), and let sit for a while.
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4. Cut 2 slices of ham in half, then into strips about 5mm wide.
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5. Peel 2 medium potatoes (250g) and remove any eyes.
   🕒 01:09
6. Cut the potatoes into 8 pieces and place them in a microwave-safe container.
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7. Add 1 tsp sugar and 1/4 tsp salt to the potatoes and mix to coat. [Key Tip!] Mixing in the sugar and salt before microwaving helps the flavors penetrate the potatoes thoroughly for a delicious result.
   🕒 01:21
8. Peel 1/4 carrot (50g), wrap it in plastic wrap, and place it on top of the potatoes.
   🕒 01:39
9. Cover loosely with plastic wrap and microwave on 600W for about 5.5 minutes. [Key Tip!] Wrapping the carrot in plastic wrap prevents color transfer and saves time. Loosely covering with plastic wrap allows excess moisture to escape, preventing sogginess.
   🕒 01:49
10. After microwaving, check if a chopstick can easily pierce the potatoes. If not cooked through, microwave for additional time as needed.
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11. Remove the microwaved carrot and let it cool.
    🕒 02:07
12. While the potatoes are still warm, mash them with a fork. [Key Tip!] Leaving some potato chunks provides a more satisfying texture and makes it tastier.
    🕒 02:14
13. Once the potatoes are mashed, add 1 tbsp vinegar while they are still warm and mix. [Key Tip!] Adding vinegar while warm mellows the acidity from the heat and helps it blend better with the mayonnaise later.
    🕒 02:31
14. Let the potato mixture cool down.
    🕒 02:39
15. Cut the cooled carrot into thin, half-moon slices (about 2mm wide).
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16. Add the sliced carrot and the ham strips to the bowl with the cooled potato mixture.
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17. Push the ingredients to the sides of the bowl, and in the empty space, add 4 tbsp mayonnaise and 1-2 tsp prepared mustard. Mix the mayonnaise and mustard together first.
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18. Add the drained, salted onion and cucumber to the mayonnaise and mustard mixture, and combine everything.
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19. Add coarsely ground black pepper (approx. 10 shakes) to your liking, and mix until everything is evenly combined. Your potato salad is ready!
    🕒 03:24