In this simplified version of one of Jan Birnbaum's signature dishes, the large lima beans need to soak overnight, so plan accordingly.
Ingredients
1/4 cup extra-virgin olive oil
4 garlic cloves, minced
1 jalapeño, seeded and finely chopped
1/2 habanero chile, seeded and minced
1/2 teaspoon finely grated lemon zest
1 1/4 pounds cleaned squid, bodies cut into 1/4-inch-thick rings and large tentacles halved
1/2 pound dried large lima beans, soaked overnight and drained
1 bay leaf
4 thin strips of lean bacon, cut crosswise into 1/2-inch pieces
1/2 cup kalamata olives, pitted and halved
1 pound watercress, large stems discarded (12 packed cups)
7 tablespoons kosher salt
2 tablespoons cayenne pepper
2 tablespoons sweet hungarian paprika
2 tablespoons freshly ground black pepper
1 tablespoon ancho chili powder
1 tablespoon dry mustard
2 teaspoons ground cumin
2 teaspoons ground coriander
1 teaspoon freshly ground white pepper
1/2 teaspoon finely grated lemon zest plus 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
2 tablespoons minced shallots
1 1/4 teaspoons dijon mustard
1 1/4 teaspoons white wine vinegar
1 small garlic clove (minced)
1/3 cup extra-virgin olive oil
kosher salt
freshly ground black pepper
Directions
In a large glass baking dish, combine 3 tablespoons olive oil with the garlic, jalapeño, habanero, and lemon zest. Add the squid and toss to coat. Cover and refrigerate for 1 hour.
Meanwhile, in a medium saucepan, cover the lima beans with 2 inches of water. Add the bay leaf, cover partially, and simmer over low heat until the beans are tender, 40 to 50 minutes. Remove from the heat and let the beans stand in their cooking liquid. Drain just before using and discard the bay leaf.
Mix all of the spices in a small jar. Cover tightly and store at room temperature for up to 1 month.
In a blender, combine the lemon zest and juice, shallots, mustard, vinegar, and garlic and puree until smooth. With the machine on, slowly add the olive oil until emulsified. Pour the vinaigrette into a bowl and season with salt and pepper.
In a large, deep skillet, heat the remaining 1 tablespoon olive oil. Add the bacon and cook over moderate heat until crisp, about 4 minutes. Transfer the bacon to a plate. Increase the heat to high and cook the bacon fat until sizzling. Add the squid and its marinade in an even layer and cook, without stirring, until the squid begins to turn white, about 1 minute. Sprinkle 2 teaspoons spice mix over the squid and cook, stirring, until just tender, about 1 minute. Gently fold in the bacon, lima beans, and olives and cook just until warmed through. Stir in half of the lemon-shallot vinaigrette and remove from the heat.
In a large bowl, toss the watercress with the remaining vinaigrette and transfer to plates. Top with the warm squid salad and serve at once.