For the potatoes:
6 medium Yukon Gold potatoes (about 2 lb. total)
For the vinaigrette:
1-1/2 cups plus 2 Tbs. extra-virgin olive oil
1/2 cup finely diced shallots (about 6)
1/4 cup Champagne vinegar
2 Tbs. Dijon mustard
1/4 cup fresh thyme leaves
Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper
For serving:
1 cup walnut halves, toasted
6 oz. Gorgonzola, rind removed, cheese broken into chunks
3 cups lightly packed baby spinach (4-1/4 ounces), washed and spun dry
Roast the potatoes:
Heat the oven to 400°F. Put the potatoes on a baking sheet and roast until tender when pierced with a fork, about 1 hour. Let cool, peel, and break into 1- to 2-inch chunks. Put them on the baking sheet and set aside.
Make the vinaigrette:
Heat 2 Tbs. of the olive oil in a sauté pan over medium heat. Add the shallots and sauté until softened, about 1 min. Whisk the vinegar and mustard in a medium bowl. Whisk in the remaining 1-1/2 cups oil. Add the sautéed shallots and their oil, along with the thyme. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
Fifteen minutes before serving:
Heat the oven to 375°F. Put the walnuts on the baking sheet with the potatoes; warm in the oven until the potatoes are hot, about 10 min. Put the potatoes and walnuts in a large bowl. Stir the vinaigrette; pour 1 cup of it over the potatoes and walnuts (save the rest to drizzle over the beef tenderloin). Let sit for a couple of minutes. At the very last minute, add the Gorgonzola and spinach. Toss well but gently; don't mash.
nutrition information (per serving):
Calories
(kcal):
810;
Fat
(g):
64;
Fat Calories
(kcal):
570;
Saturated Fat
(g):
14;
Protein
(g):
18;
Monounsaturated Fat
(g):
31;
Carbohydrates
(g):
47;
Polyunsaturated Fat
(g):
16;
Sodium
(mg):
330;
Cholesterol
(mg):
35;
Fiber
(g):
6;
photo: Scott Phillips
From Fine Cooking 62
, pp. 45
December 1, 2003