Provencal Herb-Infused Potato Salad
This delightful Provencal Herb-Infused Potato Salad, inspired by the classic French recipe from culinary master Jacques Pepin, elevates humble fingerling potatoes to new heights. Coated in a fragrant mix of extra-virgin olive oil and fresh herbs, this salad showcases the vibrant flavors of scallions, garlic, and aromatic herbs like basil, tarragon, and parsley. A splash of white wine and tangy Dijon mustard add a zesty finish that perfectly complements the tender potatoes. Ideal for summer picnics or as a fresh side dish to elegant dinners, this salad is best served warm or at room temperature, allowing the flavors to meld beautifully. With its stunning presentation in radicchio leaves and a sprinkle of hard-boiled eggs, this dish is as pleasing to the eye as it is to the palate.
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
14
Ingredients
Ingredients
Fingerling potatoes
2 lbs (Scrubbed and whole)
Extra-virgin olive oil
1/2 cup (Plus more to taste)
Scallion
1/2 cup (Chopped, green and white parts in 1/4 inch pieces)
Onion
1/2 cup (Chopped)
Garlic cloves
3 (Mashed and coarsely chopped)
White wine
1/3 cup (None)
Dijon mustard
1 1/2 tablespoons (None)
Chives
2-3 tablespoons (Chopped)
Fresh herbs (basil, tarragon, parsley)
2 tablespoons (Coarsely chopped combination)
Kosher salt
1 teaspoon (Or more to taste)
Fresh cracked black pepper
1/2 teaspoon (Or more to taste)
Radicchio
1 large (Leaves, about 6 from the outside of the head)
Hard-boiled egg
1-2 (Coarsely chopped)
Fresh parsley
To taste (Chopped)
Instructions
1
Begin by scrubbing the fingerling potatoes until clean. Place the whole potatoes in a pot and cover them with water, ensuring it's about 1/2 inch above the potatoes. Bring the water to a boil, then reduce the heat to a gentle simmer. Cook the potatoes until they are fork-tender, approximately 15-20 minutes, depending on their size. Drain the potatoes and allow them to cool slightly.
2
If you prefer, you can scrape the skins from the cooked potatoes while they're still warm. For a decorative touch, consider peeling only a band of skin around the long sides of the fingerling potatoes.
3
In a small sauté pan, heat 2 tablespoons of the extra-virgin olive oil over medium-high heat. Once hot, add the scallions and chopped onion, stirring to coat. Sauté for about a minute until the vegetables soften. Add the minced garlic and stir briefly for another minute, then remove from heat.
4
Slice the warm potatoes into 1/2 inch thick rounds and place them in a large mixing bowl. Pour the white wine and 3-4 tablespoons of olive oil over the potatoes and gently toss to combine.
5
Incorporate the sautéed vegetables, Dijon mustard, chives, assorted herbs, kosher salt, and black pepper. Fold the mixture gently, ensuring the potatoes don't become mushy while fully coating each piece.
6
Taste the salad and adjust with additional olive oil, salt, or pepper as desired.
7
To serve, arrange large radicchio leaves in a circle on your serving platter, cupping them to form a bowl. Spoon the potato salad into the radicchio leaves, topping with coarsely chopped hard-boiled eggs and a sprinkle of fresh parsley.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Provencal Herb-Infused Potato Salad?
It is a French-inspired side dish featuring fingerling potatoes, fresh herbs, and a light olive oil and white wine vinaigrette.
Who inspired this specific recipe?
This recipe is inspired by the classic French culinary techniques of master chef Jacques Pepin.
What type of potatoes are used in this salad?
The recipe calls for 2 pounds of fingerling potatoes, which are known for their tender texture.
How should I prepare the potatoes before boiling?
Scrub the fingerling potatoes until they are clean and keep them whole for the boiling process.
How long do the potatoes need to cook?
Boil the potatoes for approximately 15-20 minutes until they are fork-tender.
Is it necessary to peel the fingerling potatoes?
Peeling is optional; you can scrape the skins off while they are warm or leave them on.
What is the decorative peeling technique mentioned?
For a decorative touch, you can peel just a single band of skin around the long sides of the potatoes.
What type of oil is best for this dressing?
High-quality extra-virgin olive oil is used to provide a rich and fragrant base for the salad.
How are the scallions and onions prepared?
Sauté 1/2 cup of chopped scallions and 1/2 cup of chopped onion in olive oil until they soften.
When should I add the garlic to the mix?
Add the mashed and coarsely chopped garlic to the sautéed vegetables and stir for about one minute before removing from heat.
How thick should the potato rounds be sliced?
Slice the cooked potatoes into rounds that are approximately 1/2 inch thick.
Why is white wine added to the potatoes?
The white wine adds a zesty acidity that balances the richness of the oil and enhances the potato flavor.
When should the liquid ingredients be added to the potatoes?
Pour the white wine and olive oil over the potatoes while they are still warm to help them absorb the flavors.
What kind of mustard is used in this recipe?
The recipe uses 1 1/2 tablespoons of Dijon mustard for a tangy finish.
Which fresh herbs are included in the herb mix?
The Provencal herb mix consists of fresh basil, tarragon, and parsley.
How many chives should be added?
Incorporate 2-3 tablespoons of chopped fresh chives into the salad.
How do I prevent the potatoes from becoming mushy?
Fold the ingredients together gently to ensure each piece is coated without breaking the potato rounds.
At what temperature should the salad be served?
This salad is best served warm or at room temperature to allow the flavors to meld beautifully.
How is radicchio used in the presentation?
Arrange large radicchio leaves in a circle on a platter to act as edible bowls for the potato salad.
What is the final garnish for the dish?
Top the salad with coarsely chopped hard-boiled eggs and a final sprinkle of fresh parsley.
Is this recipe suitable for vegetarians?
Yes, this Provencal potato salad is a vegetarian-friendly dish.
Is this a good recipe for a picnic?
Yes, it is an ideal dish for summer picnics as it holds up well at room temperature.
How many ingredients are in this recipe?
There are 14 total ingredients listed for this potato salad.
What kind of salt is recommended?
The recipe calls for 1 teaspoon of kosher salt, adjusted to taste.
Can I adjust the amount of oil and seasoning?
Yes, you should taste the final salad and add more olive oil, salt, or pepper as desired.
How much water is needed to boil the potatoes?
Fill the pot with enough water to cover the potatoes by about 1/2 inch.
How should the scallions be sliced?
Chop both the green and white parts into 1/4 inch pieces.
What type of pepper is used?
The recipe recommends using 1/2 teaspoon of fresh cracked black pepper.
How many garlic cloves are needed?
The recipe requires 3 garlic cloves that are mashed and coarsely chopped.
How many radicchio leaves are needed for serving?
You will need about 6 large leaves from the outside of a head of radicchio.