Blanched Haricot Vert Salad

(Gluten-free, Grain-free, Dairy-free, Nut-free, Refined sugar-free)

Serves 4

French cuisine exemplifies elegance and simplicity, honoring fresh ingredients and seasonal produce. Among its many delightful offerings, the French blanched green bean salad serves as a vibrant and nutritious option any time of year.

French green beans, or haricots verts, have been a staple of French cooking for centuries.  With its bright colors and fresh flavors, the addition of a poached egg to this traditional salad will elevate any meal and bring a touch of sophistication to your dining table. 

Ingredients:

1 pound haricot verts

12 asparagus spears, trimmed and sliced on a diagonal 

2 cups baby spinach leaves

1 shallot, thinly sliced 

½  red chili pepper, finely diced

2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil 

1 tbsp red wine vinegar

1 tablespoon lemon juice

1 teaspoon sea salt 

1 tablespoon white vinegar 

4 poached eggs 

¼ teaspoon fresh ground black pepper

Directions:

Bring a large pot of water to a boil. Prepare a bowl of ice-cold water. Add the asparagus to the boiling water and blanch for 3 minutes. Remove them with a slotted spoon and place them in the ice bath.  

Add the haricot verts to the boiling water and blanch for 5 minutes. Use the slotted spoon to transfer them to the ice bath with the asparagus. Drain the asparagus and haricot verts and place them on a towel to dry. 

Place the haricot verts and asparagus in a large bowl.  Add the spinach leaves, shallot, chile, olive oil, red wine vinegar, lemon juice, and salt and toss gently to coat. Arrange on a platter or distribute on individual plates. 

Use the same pot of water to make poached eggs. Lower the water to a simmer. Add the white vinegar to the boiling water. Crack each egg into a small bowl and gently slide them into the water. Cook until the egg whites set, and the yolk reaches your desired doneness, typically around 3-4 minutes. Remove the eggs with a slotted spoon and place them directly onto the salad. Top with fresh ground pepper and serve immediately.