Watercress Salad With Cotija Cheese And Fried Tortillas Recipes

WATERCRESS SALAD WITH COTIJA CHEESE AND FRIED TORTILLAS

Steps:

• Heat 1 inch of vegetable oil in a 10- to 12-inch heavy skillet until thermometer registers 350°F, then fry tortilla strips, a handful at a time, until golden, 30 to 45 seconds. Transfer with a slotted spoon to paper towels to drain and season with salt.
• Whisk together vinegar, salt, and pepper in a small bowl, then add olive oil in a stream, whisking until combined well.
• Toss watercress with dressing in a large bowl and divide among 8 plates. Divide tomatoes and tortilla strips among salads, tucking strips into greens decoratively, and sprinkle salads with cheese.
• Available at Latino markets and, in the winter months, Kitchen/Market (888-468-4433).

FRIED PANELA AND WATERCRESS SALAD

Steps:

• Divide the watercress among 4 soup plates. Dust the cheese slices with flour then dip in beaten egg. Drain and roll in the breadcrumbs pressing gently to evenly coat. Set cheese aside.
• Heat 2 tablespoons each of the butter and oil in a saute pan and quickly saute until tomatoes just begin to soften but still hold their shape. Season well with salt and pepper and spoon over watercress.
• Add remaining butter and oil to pan and quickly saute Panela until lightly browned and crisp on both sides. Drain cheese briefly on paper towels. Add lemon juice to pan and swirl over high heat to slightly thicken. Season with salt and pepper and spoon over cress. Arrange fried Panela on top and scatter fried capers and/or anchovies over and serve immediately.

FRIED PANELA AND WATERCRESS SALAD

Steps:

• Divide the watercress among 4 soup plates. Dust the cheese slices with flour then dip in beaten egg. Drain and roll in the breadcrumbs pressing gently to evenly coat. Set cheese aside.
• Heat 2 tablespoons each of the butter and oil in a saute pan and quickly saute until tomatoes just begin to soften but still hold their shape. Season well with salt and pepper and spoon over watercress.
• Add remaining butter and oil to pan and quickly saute Panela until lightly browned and crisp on both sides. Drain cheese briefly on paper towels. Add lemon juice to pan and swirl over high heat to slightly thicken. Season with salt and pepper and spoon over cress. Arrange fried Panela on top and scatter fried capers and/or anchovies over and serve immediately.

FENNEL AND WATERCRESS SALAD

Steps:

• In a bowl, combine the cranberries, red wine vinegar, balsamic vinegar, garlic and salt. Whisk in the olive oil.
• In a large salad bowl, combine the watercress, fennel, radicchio and pecans. Stir the vinaigrette and pour over salad. Toss well and serve at once.

MEXICAN TORTILLA SALAD WITH COTIJA CHEESE AND CILANTRO-PEPITA DRESSING

Steps:

• Place all dressing ingredients except cilantro, mayo and water in a blender or food processor. blend approx 10 sec., then add cilantro, mayo and water and blend until combined . Place in an airtight container and refrigerate, will keep for 3 days. Cut tortillas into match sized sticks. Heat oil in saute pan over med-high; fry tortillas until crisp. Remove with slotted spoon and drain on paper towels. Set aside. Tear lettuce into bite size pieces, toss in large bowl with half of the crumbled cheese, roasted peppers, pepitas and as much salad dressing as you wish. Top with the remaining cheese, roasted peppers, pepitas and fried tortilla strips.

WATERCRESS SALAD

Steps:

• Trim off and discard tough ends of watercress. Rinse watercress and drain well. Pat or spin dry.
• Put mustard, vinegar, salt and pepper in a salad bowl. Blend with a wire whisk. Add oil, beating with whisk.
• Add watercress and chopped onion. Sprinkle with parsley, toss and serve

WATERCRESS AND ENDIVE SALAD

Steps:

• Cut off the tough stems of the watercress and discard.
• Cut off the end of the endive and cut the head into bite-size pieces.
• Rinse watercress and endive and drain or spin dry. Put in a salad bowl.
• Put the lemon juice, vinegar, mustard, salt and pepper in a small bowl. Using a wire whisk, beat in the oil. Pour the dressing over the salad greens and toss.