ESCAROLE SALAD WITH ROASTED TOMATOES AND WARM WHITE BEAN VINAIGRETTE

ESCAROLE SALAD WITH ROASTED TOMATOES AND WARM WHITE BEAN VINAIGRETTE image

Yield 8

Number Of Ingredients 17

For the tomatoes:
1 pound (about 6) large plum tomatoes, each cut in 6 wedges
1 tablespoon olive oil
Kosher salt and ground black pepper, to taste*
1/4 teaspoon dried tarragon or 1/2 teaspoon chopped, fresh tarragon
For the Warm White Bean Vinaigrette dressing:
1 can (about 15 ounces) cannellini beans, drained and rinsed
1 clove garlic, halved
1/4 cup white wine vinegar
2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
Kosher salt, to taste*
1 teaspoon hot pepper sauce
1/4 cup hot water
For the salad:
1 pound escarole lettuce mix, including radicchio, escarole, frisée, chicory and mâche or 2 pounds of the same lettuce in heads, cleaned of damaged leaves, cored, washed and broken in bite-size pieces
3 scallions, trimmed and sliced
2 ounces (about 1/3 cup) pitted black olives, quartered

Steps:

Preparation time: Approximately 15 minutes Cook time: Approximately 20 minutes Preparation: Heat oven to 450°F. Toss the tomatoes and oil on a large sheet pan and season with salt and pepper, if desired. Roast for 15 minutes. Sprinkle with tarragon and cool. When just cool to the touch, lift carefully with a spatula to make sure the tomatoes are not sticking to the pan. To make the dressing, purée all of the dressing ingredients in a blender or food processor until smooth. Transfer to a skillet. Toss the lettuces and scallions in a large mixing bowl. Heat the dressing until simmering, stirring often; add more water if needed to keep it the texture of unbeaten cream. Toss the dressing with the lettuces. Mound on a large platter or on individual plates. Scatter the olives on top and arrange the roasted tomatoes decoratively on and around the salad.