Crunchy two bean salad with gazpacho dressing

Crunchy French bean salad in gazpacho dressing. Photograph: Harry Weir Photography
Crunchy French bean salad in gazpacho dressing. Photograph: Harry Weir Photography
Serves: 2
Course: Salad
Cooking Time: 20 mins

Ingredients

  • 250g cherry tomatoes
  • 1 clove of garlic, peeled and sliced
  • 4 tbs olive oil, plus more for drizzling
  • Half tsp smoked paprika
  • A pinch of chilli flakes
  • Salt and black pepper
  • 1 packet trimmed fine French beans
  • 1 tin butterbeans, drained and rinsed
  • 4 tbs lightly toasted breadcrumbs

1. Put the cherry tomatoes, garlic, olive oil, smoked paprika, chilli flakes and salt and pepper into a liquidiser or food processor and blend until smooth.

2. If the skins bother you sieve the mixture into a medium bowl, then chill.

3. Put the packet of French beans unopened into the microwave on high for 2.5 minutes until cooked. It’s unconventional but it works.

4. Allow to cool in the packet, then add to the tomato dressing along with the butterbeans.

5. Season everything once more, then turn in the dressing so everything is coated.

6. Divide and top with the toasted breadcrumbs and an extra lick of olive oil.

Paul Flynn

Paul Flynn

Paul Flynn is a chef, restaurateur and contributor to The Irish Times. He and his wife, Máire, run the Tannery restaurant and cookery school in Dungarvan, Co Waterford