So, what the eff is mâche, anyway?
Valerianella locusta.
Also known as corn salad or 'lamb's lettuce'.
It's a hardy winter green and is actually quite tasty.
Velvety smooth and crisp, it's great as a garnish, added to a salad, or even just on its own.
I made a large salad of just mâche the other day, and it was delicious. I didn't want to complicate the flavours, or do much to take away from the subtleties of the mâche, so it was just the lettuce and some minced shallot and sheep's milk cheese, and a healthy spattering of a red wine vinaigrette and some freshly ground black pepper.
That's it.
And it was delicious!
Mmmmm...
I find it didn't even need a 'crunch' addition either, like nuts or anything, as the texture of the mâche itself is quite delightful.
:)