Frisee Salad with Lardons and Poached Eggs

1. 1

   Tear frisee into bite-size pieces and put in a large bowl.

2. 2

   If using slab bacon, cut lengthwise into 1/4-inch-thick slices.

3. 3

   Cut bacon slices crosswise into 1/4-inch-thick sticks (lardons).

4. 4

   In a heavy skillet cook bacon over moderate heat, stirring occasionally, until golden and remove skillet from heat.

5. 5

   Have ready another skillet with 1-inch warm water.

6. 6

   Half-fill a 4-quart saucepan with water and stir in white vinegar.

7. 7

   Bring liquid to a bare simmer.

8. 8

   Break each egg into a teacup.

9. 9

   Slide 1 egg into simmering liquid and immediately push white around yolk with a slotted spoon, moving egg gently.

10. 10

    (Egg will become oval, with yolk completely covered by white.)

11. 11

    Add remaining 3 eggs in same manner.

12. 12

    Simmer eggs about 1 1/2 minutes for runny yolks to about 3 minutes for firm yolks.

13. 13

    (Serving this salad with runny, not fully cooked yolks may be of concern if there is a problem with salmonella in your area.)

14. 14

    Immediately transfer eggs to skillet of warm water.

15. 15

    Reheat bacon in its skillet over moderate heat.

16. 16

    Add shallot and cook, stirring, 1 minute.

17. 17

    Add red-wine vinegar and boil 5 seconds.

18. 18

    Immediately pour hot dressing over frisee and toss with salt and pepper to taste.

19. 19

    Divide salad among 4 plates and top with drained poached eggs.

20. 20

    Season eggs with salt and pepper and serve salad immediately.

* Per serving · 4 servings · Values may vary.