Caesar Salad is a classic dish that originated from Mexico, created by Italian immigrant Caesar Cardini in the 1920s. It features crisp romaine lettuce, crunchy croutons, Parmesan cheese, and a distinctive dressing made with garlic, anchovies, lemon juice, Dijon mustard, Worcestershire sauce, and egg yolks. This salad is beloved for its creamy texture, tangy flavor, and the perfect balance of savory ingredients.
Ingredients:
- 1 head of romaine lettuce, washed and dried
- 1 cup croutons
- 1/2 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 clove garlic
- 2 anchovy fillets
- 1 egg yolk
- 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
- 2 tablespoons lemon juice
- 1/2 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1/3 cup extra virgin olive oil
- Salt and black pepper to taste
Appliances and Special Utensils:
- Blender or food processor
- Large salad bowl
- Salad tongs or two large spoons
- Garlic press (optional)
- Cheese grater
- Whisk
- Measuring spoons and cups
Recipe:
- Prepare the Dressing:
- In a blender or food processor, combine the garlic, anchovies, egg yolk, Dijon mustard, lemon juice, and Worcestershire sauce. Blend until smooth.
- While blending, slowly drizzle in the olive oil to emulsify the mixture.
- Season with salt and pepper to taste. Adjust the seasoning as needed, adding more lemon juice or Worcestershire sauce if desired.
- Assemble the Salad:
- Tear the romaine lettuce into bite-sized pieces and place them in a large salad bowl.
- Add the croutons and half of the Parmesan cheese to the lettuce.
- Dress the Salad:
- Pour the dressing over the lettuce, croutons, and cheese. Use salad tongs or spoons to toss the salad thoroughly, ensuring that every leaf is coated with the dressing.
- Serve:
- Sprinkle the remaining Parmesan cheese over the top of the salad.
- Serve immediately to enjoy the salad at its freshest and crunchiest.
Enjoy your classic and delicious Caesar Salad, perfect as a starter or a light meal!