Bistrosalad Recipes

BISTRO CHEF'S SALAD

Steps:

• Fill a wide, shallow pot with 2 inches of water. Add 1/2 tablespoon vinegar and bring to a gentle simmer.
• Meanwhile, divide the brie between the baguette pieces and sprinkle with about 1 tablespoon of the basil. Whisk the mustard, the remaining 1 1/2 tablespoons vinegar, 1/2 teaspoon salt, and pepper to taste in a large bowl. Slowly whisk in the olive oil until smooth.
• One at a time, crack each egg into a small bowl or cup, then slip into the simmering water. Poach the eggs until the whites are set but the yolks are still runny, 2 to 3 minutes. Using a slotted spoon, transfer the eggs to a paper towel-lined plate to drain briefly.
• Add the mixed greens, frisee and the remaining basil to the bowl with the dressing and toss; season with salt and pepper. Divide among plates and top with the tomato and ham. Season the eggs with salt and pepper and add to the salads. Serve with the baguette pieces.

BABY SPINACH BISTRO SALAD

Steps:

• For the dressing, whisk the mustard and vinegar together with some salt and pepper and 1 tbsp of water. Whisk in the extra virgin olive oil and set aside.
• Heat the olive oil in a large frying pan over a lowish heat and add the garlic and the bacon. Cook the bacon slowly until starting to sizzle, then add the bread to the pan and toss in the bacon juices. Fry everything together slowly (this can take a good 15 mins) until the bacon is ultra-crisp and the croûtons are crunchy, drizzling the pan with a little more oil if it becomes dry. Once cooked, fish out the garlic clove and set the pan aside.
• While the bacon is cooking, tip the eggs into a pan of boiling water and boil for exactly 7½ mins. Cool in cold water, then peel and set aside. Cook the beans in a pan of heavily salted boiling water for 5 mins or until slightly crunchy but still bright green. Drain, tip into a pan of ice-cold water, then drain again and set aside.
• To serve, tip everything except for the eggs and dressing into a large bowl. Drizzle over the dressing and toss gently with your hands. Scatter the salad over a serving platter, halve the eggs and strew over the salad, seasoning the yolks with sea salt flakes and a grind of black pepper.

BISTRO BACON AND EGG SALAD

Steps:

• Cook the bacon in a medium skillet over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until crisp. Using a slotted spoon, transfer the bacon to a paper towel. Pull the skillet from the heat (leave drippings in the skillet) and stir in 1 12 tablespoons cider vinegar, scraping up any browned bits clinging to the skillet. Pour the mixture into a large bowl and whisk in mustard, salt and pepper to taste, and olive oil.
• Fill a nonstick skillet with about 2 inches of water and bring it to the barest simmer over medium heat; add the remaining 1 tablespoon vinegar. Crack the eggs, slipping them gently into the water, and cook until the whites are set but the yolks are still runny, about 4 minutes.
• While the eggs poach, toss the greens with the vinaigrette and bits of bacon. Divide the salad among 4 plates or shallow bowls. Using a slotted spoon, gently scoop the eggs from the water, blot dry with a paper towel, and place 2 of them on top of each salad. Add bread to each plate and serve.

PROSCIUTTO & PEAR SALAD (VIDEO)

Steps:

• Prepare the balsamic vinaigrette. Place the honey, vinegar and olive oil into a dispenser bottle and shake well. Alternatively, place the ingredients in small bowl and whisk until well combined; set aside.
• Prepare the salad. Spread the salad greens over a large tray. Top with the prepared salad ingredients: sliced red onion, sliced sweet fruit and sliced pears. Separate the prosciutto slices and pull apart if pieces are too big. Layer gently over the salad. Add the mozzarella and toasted almonds.
• Drizzle salad with prepared vinaigrette when ready to serve. Serve with a side of toasted baguette.