Mixed Green bean Salad, Fried Capers and Parmesan

, from Issue #71. March, 2017
Photography by Manja Wachsmuth.
Mixed Green bean Salad, Fried Capers and Parmesan

I like to use a mix of salad leaves and blanched green vegetables to make a more substantial salad and it gets an extra boost with fried capers and parmesan. Use whatever salad combination is seasonal, fresh and best on the day.

Serves: 4-6

INGREDIENTS

vegetables: broccoli, broccolini, green beans, asparagus, broad beans
mixed salad leaves: cos, witlof, rocket, watercress, red oak, frisee, parmesan, to shave

Lemon vinaigrette dressing
¼ cup olive oil
1 tablespoon lemon juice
1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
1 teaspoon honey
2 cloves garlic, crushed
sea salt and ground pepper

Fried capers
¼ cup capers in brine,
drained and patted dry on kitchen towels
2 tablespoons olive oil

METHOD

Drop the chosen vegetable into a large saucepan of boiling salted water and cook until crisp tender. Drain and refresh in cold water, then pat dry on kitchen towels to remove any moisture.

Lemon vinaigrette dressing: Whisk all the ingredients together and season. 

Fried capers: Heat the oil in a sauté pan until hot. Add the capers and fry until crispy. Drain on kitchen towels. 

To serve: Toss the blanched vegetables with half of the dressing and arrange on a platter. Toss the salad leaves with the remaining dressing and scatter over the top. Add the crisp capers and shavings of parmesan. Serves 4–6