25 min
Prep Time
1 hr 6 min
Cook Time
Easy
Level
2
Servings

This is a French-style spinach salad that should satisfy even the meat-lovers at the table. Features bacon lardons, which are simply crouton-size pieces of slab bacon, fried until crisp on the outside and chewy on the inside.

Ingredients

  • ¼ pound slab bacon

  • 1 tablespoon curry powder

  • 3 tablespoons red wine vinegar

  • 1 tablespoon prepared Dijon-style mustard

  • 9 tablespoons vegetable oil

  • salt and pepper to taste

  • 12 cups flat leaf spinach - rinsed, dried and stems removed

  • 12 fresh mushrooms, sliced

Method

  1. Trim the rind from the bacon and cut into 1 inch cubes. Place bacon in a large, deep skillet. Cook over medium high heat until brown and crispy. Cover and reduce heat to lowest setting to keep bacon warm.

  2. In a small, dry skillet, toast curry powder over medium heat, stirring often, until fragrant, about 30 seconds. Remove from heat.

  3. In a medium bowl, whisk together the vinegar and mustard. Add oil in a thin stream, whisking constantly, until the oil is completely incorporated. Add curry powder and whisk until smooth. Season to taste with salt and pepper.

  4. In a large bowl, toss together the bacon, spinach, mushrooms and vinaigrette until evenly coated. Adjust salt and pepper to taste and serve immediately.