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by Francine Black
A plate of La salade Nicoise left over from yesterday’s lunch! It’s missing a few wedges of hard boiled egg as they were quickly snagged by hungry souls!
As the name suggests, this salad does originate in Nice, that famous French resort on the glorious Cote d’Azure of the Mediterranean. Purists would argue that the original dish was a piece of stale bread saturated with the juices of ripe tomato slices, garlic, fresh basil and oily anchovies, and I expect that would be quite tasty and reminiscent of Italy’s bruschetta.
The famous chef and chronicler of French recipes, August Escoffier (1846-1935), who grew up nine miles from Nice would write what he considered to be the correct version of the salad. Considered a charlatan by the locals of Nice, it is nonetheless his version that has prevailed to this day.
On a large platter, we lay tender leaves of Bibb lettuce and then we place mounds of boiled baby potatoes, steamed young green beans, wedges of hard boiled eggs, slices of ripe tomato, good olives, our choice of protein. Then all is dressed in a lemony olive oil vinaigrette, liberally laced with fresh herbs.
As to the protein, oil packed tuna or anchovies were the classic choices and they were generously sprinkled over top. We chose grilled chicken and it was very nice too. This being French, a few good slices of bread alongside would not be despised.
While an actual trip to Nice might only remain a dream, we can certainly enjoy a vicarious experience by enjoying this delicious salad in our Pennsylvania homes. Bon appetit!
High in the mountains above Bally, where the dense groves of treetops seem to touch the sky, isFrancine Black, Boyertown’s own version of chef Julia Child. Her daily activities reflect the things she most values: family and friends, music, and lovingly prepared food.High in the mountains above Bally, where the dense groves of treetops seem to touch the sky, isFrancine Black, Boyertown’s own version of chef Julia Child. Her daily activities reflect the things she most values: family and friends, music, and lovingly prepared food.
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