WINTER SALAD WITH TOASTED MUSTARD SEED VINAIGRETTE

Winter Salad with Toasted Mustard Seed Vinaigrette image

Time 30m

Yield Makes 16 servings

Number Of Ingredients 10

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2 large fennel bulbs (sometimes called anise)
1/4 cup mustard seeds
1/4 cup cider vinegar
2 tablespoons Dijon mustard
3/4 cup olive oil
1 shallot, finely chopped
2 large heads romaine (4 lb), torn into bite-size pieces
2 large heads frisée (French curly endive; 1 lb), torn into bite-size pieces
6 Belgian endives, cut crosswise into 1/2-inch-wide slices
2 cups fresh flat-leaf parsley

Steps:

Trim fennel stalks flush with bulbs and discard stalks. Quarter bulbs lengthwise and cut out most of cores, leaving enough to keep pieces intact. Cut quarters lengthwise into thin slices.
Toast mustard seeds in a dry small heavy skillet over moderate heat, stirring constantly, until mustard seeds begin to pop and turn 1 shade darker, about 3 minutes. Transfer to a plate to cool.
Whisk together vinegar, Dijon mustard, and salt and pepper to taste, then add oil in a slow stream, whisking until emulsified. Stir in shallot and mustard seeds.
Toss together fennel, romaine, frisée, endives, and parsley in a large bowl. Serve with dressing on side.