Name: Cold Provençal White Bean Salad
Yield: Serves 6 to 8
Ingredients: 2 cups dried small white beans; 6 cups water; 1/4 cup white wine vinegar; 1/2 cup olive oil; 2 tablespoons Dijon mustard; 2 cloves garlic, pressed; 4 green onions, green part only, very thinly sliced; 1 cup Mediterranean-style olives, pitted and halved; Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste; 6 to 8 large lettuce leaves; 2 small tomatoes, cut into wedges, for garnish

Image may contain Plant Food Produce Vegetable Bean Lentil Dish and Meal

Cold Provençal White Bean SaladCookbook cover image courtesy of Random House

One of the things I enjoyed most on my first visits to France were the cold rice and bean salads. They seemed so simple, and the only rice and beans I had eaten at home were hot and served in soups or casseroles, or under some creamed meat. Here is a typical French-style cold white bean salad.

Recipe notes

Chocolate Guinness Cake

A generous glug of stout gives this snackable loaf a malty depth.

Caramelized Onion Pasta

Turn humble onions into this thrifty yet luxe pasta dinner.

Golden Mushroom Soup With Orzo & a Pat of Butter

This is the type of soup that, at first glance, might seem a little…unexciting. But you’re underestimating the power of mushrooms, which do the heavy lifting.

Apple-Walnut Charoset

A warmly spiced Ashkenazi charoset, perfect for your Passover seder—or spooned over yogurt the next morning.

Béchamel Sauce

This classic 15-minute sauce is your secret weapon for homemade mac and cheese, chowder, lasagna, and more.

Classic French Vinaigrette

Use this simple vinaigrette to dress a plate of greens, some steamed potatoes, or anything else that strikes your fancy.

Hot Honey–Glazed Salmon

This broiled hot honey salmon recipe results in sweet, spicy, glossy fish coated in a homemade hot honey glaze for an easy weeknight dinner or make-ahead lunch.

Tandoori-Style Roasted Cauliflower

Dressed in a spiced yogurt, with ginger and garlic, then roasted until caramelized and tender.