Potato, Green Bean and Venison Sausage Salad

• Recipe by Paula Disbrowe and David Norman

Disbrowe uses smoky venison sausage from Broken Arrow Ranch in Ingram, Texas (800-962-4263), but a mild andouille or kielbasa sausage would be delicious as well.

Ingredients

1. 1 tablespoon pure olive oil
2. 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
3. Kosher salt
4. 6 medium plum tomatoes, halved lengthwise
5. 3 pounds medium new potatoes, scrubbed
6. 1 1/2 tablespoons sherry vinegar
7. 1 pound haricots verts
8. 1 garlic clove, chopped
9. 1/4 cup mayonnaise
10. 2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
11. Freshly ground pepper
12. 1/2 pound smoked venison sausage, sliced 1/3 inch thick
13. 1/4 cup coarsely chopped basil

Directions

1. Preheat the oven to 250°. Drizzle the pure olive oil on a rimmed baking sheet and sprinkle with the thyme and a pinch of salt. Arrange the tomatoes, cut side down, on the sheet and roast for 1 hour. Pull off the skins. Turn the tomatoes and roast for 30 minutes longer, until slightly dried. Let cool, then coarsely chop. 
2. Meanwhile, in a large pot of cold water, bring the potatoes to a boil. Cook over moderately high heat until tender, about 20 minutes. Drain and let cool. Peel the potatoes and quarter them. Transfer the potatoes to a large bowl and toss with 1 tablespoon of vinegar. 
3. Bring a medium saucepan of salted water to a boil. Add the haricots verts and boil until tender, about 5 minutes. Drain and rinse under cold water; pat dry. 
4. On a work surface, mash the garlic to a paste with a pinch of salt. Transfer the garlic paste to a mini food processor, along with the mayonnaise and the remaining 1/2 tablespoon of vinegar, and puree until smooth. Add the extra-virgin olive oil in a thin stream and process until blended. Add the tomatoes and pulse several times, stopping while the dressing is still slightly chunky. Season with salt and pepper. 
5. Set a medium skillet over high heat. Add the sausage and cook, turning once, until browned and crisp, about 2 minutes. Using a slotted spoon, transfer the sausage to the potatoes. Add the beans, basil and tomato dressing, season with salt and pepper and toss well. Transfer to a bowl and serve.