Recipes

Salad Aveyronnaise

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18 oz punnet cherry tomatoes , halved
1 garlic clove
drizzle extra-virgin olive oil
5 tbsp walnuts
3 large handfuls baby spinach or other salad leaves
large handful basil leaves
7 oz pack bacon lardons
3.5 oz Roquefort , cut into chunks with a small, sharp knife

For the vinaigrette

2 tbsp sherry vinegar
4 tbsp mild-tasting olive oil , such as Filippo Berio

Put tomatoes in a small roasting tin or dish and crush the garlic directly over them using a garlic crusher. Season, drizzle with oil and roast for about 15 mins at 374F/fan 338F/gas 5, until slightly shriveled. At the same time and temperature, toast the walnuts until glossy and fragrant, about 10 mins, then chop them roughly. Set everything aside in the fridge until ready to reheat.

Before serving, heat oven to 230F/fan 194F/gas ΒΌ Put in the tomatoes, still in their dish, and the walnuts, in a dish or on a piece of foil on a baking tray, to keep warm. Toss the spinach and basil together in a large bowl and season lightly.

Heat a little oil in a pan and sizzle the lardons for 3-4 mins until just lightly browned. Transfer to a piece of foil and keep hot in the oven.

Stir the dressing ingredients together and pour into a pan, which must not be more than lukewarm. Bring to a boil (the vinegar will smell very strong, so stand back), then pour over the salad and toss again to wilt slightly. Add remaining ingredients to the salad, reserving a few choice crumbs of Roquefort and a scattering of walnuts. Toss and transfer to plates, then top with the remaining cheese and nuts.

Yield: 6 servings
Prep Time: 0 hr 15 mins
Cook Time: 0 hr 15 mins
Ready In: 0 hr 15 mins
   
Category: Salads
Main Ingredient: Pork
Cooking Method: Baking
Occasion: New Years