French beans, Parma ham, green goddess dressing

French beans, Parma ham, green goddess dressing. Photograph: Nick Bradshaw
French beans, Parma ham, green goddess dressing. Photograph: Nick Bradshaw
Serves: 4
Course: Starter
Cooking Time: 0 hr 10 mins

Ingredients

  • 1 ripe avocado, flesh removed
  • 1 tub (200ml) light crème fraîche
  • 1 clove of garlic, peeled and sliced
  • 2 spring onions, trimmed and chopped
  • Juice of 1 lemon
  • 1tbs chopped tarragon or basil
  • A little dash of green Tabasco (if you have it) or a few chilli flakes
  • A drizzle of olive oil
  • Salt and pepper
  • 2 x 220g packets of trimmed fine French beans
  • 8 slices of Parma ham

1 Put all the ingredients except the beans and the ham into a food processor or blender and blitz until smooth.

2 The next step is a little unorthodox but it works. The time in the microwave will depend on the thickness of the beans. Put the unopened packets of French beans on a plate into the microwave on high for three minutes. Check that they have softened slightly.

3 Open the bags carefully and allow the bag to cool, then turn the beans in the dressing.

4 Plate the beans, drape the Parma ham over the top and serve. You may have some dressing left over. It's good with so many things, especially a roast chicken sandwich.

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