Ingredients

  • 1 teaspoon olive oil
  • 2 cups thinly sliced shiitake mushrooms
  • 1 red bell pepper, grilled, peeled, cored and cut into 1/2-inch strips
  • 1 cup grilled corn kernels
  • 2 tablespoons balsamic vinegar
  • 1 teaspoon kosher salt
  • 2 cups chopped arugula
  • 3 large baking potatoes, cut into long, 1/2-inch-thick strips
  • 3 strips thick-cut bacon
  • 1 teaspoon kosher salt
  • 1 cup toasted, skinned hazelnuts, ground
  • 4 teaspoons finely chopped fresh rosemary
  • 4 teaspoons finely chopped fresh thyme
  • 1 teaspoon kosher salt
  • Freshly ground pepper to taste
  • 1 tablespoon unsalted butter, softened
  • 4 squabs, cut in half lengthwise

Method

  • To make the salad, heat the oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
  • Add the mushrooms and saute until soft, about 10 minutes.
  • Stir in the red pepper, corn, vinegar and salt.
  • Set aside to cool.
  • To make the potatoes, preheat the oven to 475 degrees.
  • Place the potatoes on a baking sheet and lay the bacon strips over them.
  • Roast for 15 minutes.
  • Turn the potatoes over and place the bacon back over the top.
  • Roast until tender and browned, about 15 minutes longer.
  • Dice the bacon strips and set aside.
  • Meanwhile, to make the squab, place the nuts, herbs, salt, pepper and butter in a small bowl and stir into a smooth paste.
  • Gently run your finger between the squab skin and breasts to make pockets.
  • Stuff the pockets with the nut mixture.
  • Heat a large cast-iron skillet on high heat until almost smoking.
  • Place the squab in the skillet breast side down, lower the heat to medium, weight the squab with a heavy pan and cook for 6 minutes.
  • Turn the squab, weight again and cook for 6 minutes.
  • Turn the squab again and cook for 2 minutes; meat should be medium-rare.
  • To assemble, toss the arugula into the salad and divide among 4 plates.
  • Place 2 squab halves over each salad.
  • Season the potato sticks with salt and lean them up in a circle around the squab.
  • Garnish with the bacon and serve immediately.