New Potato Salad with Fennel and Spring Peas

Directions

1. For the potatoes and peas: Add 6 cups water, 3 tablespoons of salt, and potatoes to a heavy-bottomed pot. Turn heat to high, partially cover, and bring to a boil. Meanwhile, blanch peas: Bring 6 cups of water with 3 tablespoons of salt to a boil. Prepare an ice bath with 1 tablespoon of salt. Add peas to the boiling water and cook until the water comes up to a boil again, 2–3 minutes. Taste to verify that the peas are fully cooked; then strain, place peas into the salted ice bath to halt cooking, and set aside. Check potatoes periodically by piercing the largest one with a fork. They are done when the fork goes all the way through with no resistance. Turn off the heat and let the potatoes sit in their water, 4-5 minutes longer. While potatoes are cooking, prep the rest of the ingredients
2. Vinaigrette: In a small saucepan over medium-low heat, add vinegar, olive oil, sugar, salt, and pepper. Bring to a simmer to dissolve and incorporate all of the ingredients. Remove from heat and set aside. Meanwhile, prepare the fennel by removing the fronds (reserving them for later use) and use a mandoline to slice into thin strips. Add the sliced fennel to a bowl, along with the green onions and warm vinaigrette. Toss to coat and set aside.
3. Assembly: Drain the peas and fully cooked potatoes. Cut the potatoes in half and add directly to the fennel while they are still warm; toss so the vinaigrette is absorbed into the potatoes. Roughly chop the fennel fronds (about ¼ cup), and cut the mint and basil into a rough chiffonade (about ¼ cup total); add to the salad. At the last minute, to avoid discoloration, add the peas. Toss again and serve.

from FoodNetwork