Pigeon with garden salad

This is called ‘garden salad’ as in the Provençal countryside most people grow their own salad leaves, which are bursting with assorted hot, peppery flavours. In French markets you can also buy freshly picked, small young leaves called mâche, which make the individual lettuce seem dull in comparison; they offer crunch and a variety of lovely flavours. This salad makes a fantastic starter or, in double quantities, a great main course.