Authentic Caesar Salad E Z Version Recipes

CAESAR SALAD

Steps:

• Make the dressing: Smear the garlic paste over the inside of the salad bowl. Put the anchovies, egg yolks, mustard, lemon juice, and water into a blender and process for 30 seconds until the mixture is smooth. With the blender running, pour the olive oil in slowly for the dressing to emulsify. Stir in the Parmesan, a pinch of salt and a couple of grinds of black pepper; set aside. (Refrigerate the dressing if you will not be using it right away.)
• Assemble the salad: Tear the lettuce into a large bowl. Add enough dressing to coat the salad to your liking. Add some extra Parmesan and toss the salad well. Serve immediately.

PERFECT CAESAR SALAD DRESSING

Steps:

• In a blender, combine the first 10 ingredients; cover and process until blended. While processing, gradually add oil in a steady stream. Stir in Parmesan cheese. Chill until serving.

ZA'ATAR

Steps:

• Stir together all ingredients in a small bowl.
• Available at Middle Eastern markets and by mail order from Kalustyan's (212-685-3451).

AUTHENTIC CAESAR SALAD: E-Z VERSION

Steps:

• Make the dressing with 1/2 of the garlic smashed or minced, oil, salt, mustard, pepper, Worcestershire and anchovy paste. Shake well and refrigerate one hour (or up to 4 days ahead).
• Rug the inside of a large wooden bowl with the remaining garlic, and discard (the garlic, not the bowl).
• Just before serving:.
• Nuke coffee cup half full of water to boiling, carefully place egg in hot water for 1 minute.
• Cool egg (so you can handle it). Crack egg and add to dressing mixture along with lemon juice and shake vigorously, making sure the egg yoke is mixed well.
• Pour over romaine and toss. Add Parmesan and croutons and serve immediately.

THE BEST CAESAR SALAD

Steps:

• Preheat the oven to 400 degrees F.
• For the croutons: Put the olive oil and butter in a small saucepan over medium-low heat. When the butter is completely melted add the garlic and 1/4 teaspoon kosher salt. Carefully swirl the pan to combine. Set aside for 10 minutes to allow the garlic to infuse the oil mixture.
• Put the bread pieces on a baking sheet. Evenly pour the garlic mixture over the bread and toss to coat. Spread the bread in a single layer and bake until golden brown, 8 to 10 minutes. Stir the bread halfway through cooking to ensure even browning. Remove from the oven and sprinkle with black pepper and Parmesan. Set aside to cool.
• For the salad: Soak the anchovies in a small bowl of water for 5 minutes. Rinse with cold water, drain and pat dry. Finely chop the anchovies and garlic, then use the side of your knife to mash them to a paste.
• Add the anchovy paste, egg yolk, Dijon mustard and lemon juice to a large bowl and whisk to combine. While whisking, slowly drizzle in the olive oil in a steady stream until emulsified. Stir in 3 tablespoons grated Parmesan. If needed, add water, 1 teaspoon at a time to thin the dressing. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
• Add the lettuce and croutons to a large bowl and gently toss with the dressing until coated. Top with grated Parmesan and serve immediately.