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+ servings

Hail Caesar Salad: RELOADED

Photo by Lynne Calamia
ACTIVE TIME: 20 minutes
TOTAL TIME: 20 minutes
Yield: 6 to 8 servings

Software

  • 8 ounces Ciabatta bread, torn into 1 inch pieces
  • 1/4 cup extra-virgin olive oil
  • 3/4 teaspoon Kosher salt, divided
  • 3 anchovy fillets
  • 1 garlic clove, peeled and smashed
  • 2 egg yolks
  • 1 teaspoon dijon mustard
  • 1 tablespoon lemon juice
  • 1/2 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
  • 2 drops fish sauce
  • 1/8 teaspoon granulated sugar
  • 1 1/2 cups parmesan cheese, finely grated
  • 1/4 cup neutral oil
  • 2-8 ounce hearts romaine lettuce, inner leaves only
  • 1/2 teaspoon black pepper, freshly ground

Specialized Hardware

  • Mortar and pestle

Procedure

  • Heat oven to 375 degrees F. Place the torn ciabatta pieces into a large bowl. Drizzle with the olive oil and 1/2 teaspoon of the salt. Toss with your hands to thoroughly coat all of the pieces. Spread onto a half sheet pan in one layer and bake for about 15 minutes or until golden brown and crisp, tossing the pieces half way through cooking.
  • Place the anchovy fillets, the garlic, and the remaining 1/4 teaspoon of salt into a mortar and mash with the pestle to make a paste.
  • Add the egg yolks, Dijon, lemon juice, Worcestershire, fish sauce, sugar, and 1 tablespoon of the parmesan and whisk to combine. If your mortar is large enough you may build the dressing right in there. If not, transfer all ingredients, including the anchovy/garlic paste to a medium bowl and whisk.
  • Drizzle the neutral oil very slowly into the dressing while whisking constantly until smooth and emulsified.
  • Add about 3 tablespoons of the dressing to a large salad bowl. Tear the romaine leaves in half or in pieces large enough to pick up with your hands and add to the bowl. Toss gently with your hands to evenly coat, adding more dressing if needed. Any remaining dressing may be reserved for dipping or for later use. Add the black pepper and the remainder of the parmesan and gently toss again.
  • Serve the salad by stacking the leaves onto a plate, and encourage your guests to pick up and eat with their hands. Finish with a final squeeze of lemon juice and additional black pepper if desired.