French Potato Salad with Dijon Mustard and Fines Herbes

Serves 6 as a side dish.

Published July 1, 2002.   Cooks illustrated

If any of the fresh herbs aren't available, just add additional amounts of those that aren't. For best flavor, serve the salad warm, but to make ahead, follow the recipe through step 2, cover with plastic wrap, and refrigerate. Before serving, bring the salad to room temperature, then add the shallots and herbs.

• 2 pounds small red potatoes (about 2-inch diameter), unpeeled, scrubbed, and cut into 1/4-inch-thick slices
• 2 tablespoons table salt
• 1 medium clove garlic , peeled and threaded on skewer
• 1 1/2 tablespoons champagne vinegar or white wine vinegar
• 2  teaspoons Dijon mustard
• 1/4 cup olive oil
• 1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper
• 1 small shallot, minced (about 2 tablespoons)
• 1 tablespoon minced fresh chervil leaves
• 1 tablespoon minced fresh parsley leaves
• 1 tablespoon minced fresh chives
• 1 teaspoon minced fresh tarragon leaves

Instructions

1. Place potatoes, 6 cups cold tap water, and salt in large saucepan; bring to boil over high heat, then reduce heat to medium. Lower skewered garlic into simmering water and partially blanch, about 45 seconds. Immediately run garlic under cold tap water to stop cooking; remove garlic from skewer and set aside. Continue to simmer potatoes, uncovered, until tender but still firm (thin-bladed paring knife can be slipped into and out of center of potato slice with no resistance), about 5 minutes. Drain potatoes, reserving 1/4 cup cooking water. Arrange hot potatoes close together in single layer on rimmed baking sheet.

2. Press garlic through garlic press or mince by hand. Whisk garlic, reserved potato cooking water, vinegar, mustard, oil, and pepper in small bowl until combined. Drizzle dressing evenly over warm potatoes; let stand 10 minutes.

3. Toss shallot and herbs in small bowl. Transfer potatoes to large serving bowl; add shallot/herb mixture and mix gently with rubber spatula to combine. Serve immediately.