Chicken and Haricots Verts Salad

What Americans call string beans are known as French beans elsewhere, and haricots verts (green beans) are recognized as a slim variety of string beans. Before the nineteenth century, the French didn’t use them much because they were so expensive. Their wonderful color and snap have always made them seem like a token of springtime enjoyed in fall.

INGREDIENTS

Sprig of parsley
Sprig of tarragon
1 bay leaf
1/2 an onion, peeled
Salt and freshly ground pepper
2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
2 teaspoons Meaux mustard
2 tablespoons red wine vinegar
6 tablespoons olive oil
3 tablespoons heavy cream
2 tablespoons minced fresh basil
1 pound haricots verts
3/4 pound mushrooms, cleaned and thinly sliced
1 cup Tricolor Peppers
1 tablespoon lemon juice
1 cup coarsely chopped walnuts

Yield: 6 servings

RECIPE

Bring 2 cups of water to a boil. Add the parsley, tarragon, bay leaf, onion and salt.

Drop the chicken into water, and poach for 12 minutes. Cool and cut the chicken into small pieces. (This step can be done in advance.)

For the dressing: Put the mustard and vinegar in a bowl, and mix well. Whisk in the oil, then add the cream and basil. Season with salt and pepper to taste.

Steam the beans for 8 minutes. Drain, and place in a bowl with the chicken, the dressing and all the remaining ingredients, and toss gently.

“En famille”

FRENCH WOMAN'S MANIFESTO

French women don't have much TV to watch.

FRENCH_WOMEN ON TWITTER

Follow French_Women on Twitter
  • New phenomenon in France: non smokers are becoming less tolerant, esp when the seat is ze terrace. Arguments galore! http://t.co/4cHeTFJS 21 hours 54 min ago
  • French women detox after the holidays: the timeless "bouillon" without moderation...leek soup works well too. http://t.co/NPAXDJki 2 days 3 hours ago
  • @teska10 Not much as it is making a few French women and kids fat, although it's much better than in the US in (cont) http://t.co/W7TRGl8f 1 week 5 days ago
  • @sasha_my_jewel Yes, please do share 2 weeks 2 days ago
  • The very best wine bar in Paris in the Batignolles, a fun section of the 17eme, run by my wonderful friend Laure http://t.co/DaFpNuwB 2 weeks 2 days ago

FRENCH QUIZ

Login or Register to take our quiz and find out just how French you are

STAY AU COURANT

Sign up for the newsletter to receive news, special features and more.

Visit the fan page on Facebook