Smoky Caesar Salad With Chile Croutons Recipes

SMOKED SARDINE CAESAR WITH SALUMI AND PAN-CROUTONS

Steps:

• For the dressing, combine the clove of grated garlic and the smoked sardines in a small bowl and mash to a rough paste with a fork. Add the mayonnaise, 1/2 cup of the Parmesan cheese, the lemon juice, 3 tablespoons of the olive oil, 1/4 teaspoon salt and 1/2 teaspoon pepper, and mix together. Thin the dressing with a tablespoon or so of water, until it has the consistency of thick cream.
• For the croutons, heat a large heavy skillet over medium heat. Add the remaining 2 tablespoons olive oil to coat the bottom of the pan, and then add the smashed garlic cloves, butter, paprika and bread. Season with salt and pepper and cook, stirring often, until the bread turns crisp throughout and darkens on the edges, about 5 minutes. Discard the garlic, and allow the croutons to cool.
• To serve, place the lettuce in a bowl and season with a little salt and pepper. Add enough dressing to coat, and then add the salumi, remaining 1 cup Parmesan cheese, the croutons and mint, and toss.

CLASSIC CAESAR SALAD WITH HOMEMADE CROUTONS

Steps:

• Preheat the oven to 375 degrees F (190 degrees C). Place bread on a rimmed baking sheet.
• Whisk together oil, butter, garlic, salt, and pepper in a liquid measure. Pour mixture over the bread and toss with your hands until evenly coated. Spread bread mixture into a single layer. Bake in the preheated oven until golden brown and toasted, yet slightly soft in the center, 15 to 18 minutes, tossing croutons a few times during baking. Remove from the oven and let cool completely while you prepare the salad.
• Place garlic, anchovies, and salt in a large salad serving bowl; press the mixture with a fork until a paste forms. Stir in egg yolk, lemon juice, Dijon, and Worcestershire sauce until well combined. Slowly whisk in olive oil until all is incorporated and mixture is well blended and smooth. Stir in 2 tablespoons Parmesan cheese and 1/4 teaspoon pepper. Remove about 1/4 cup of dressing and set aside for another use.
• When ready to serve, add lettuce and 1/2 of the croutons to the bowl with the remaining dressing; toss until well coated. Reserve remaining croutons for another use.
• Sprinkle salad with additional Parmesan and pepper if desired. Serve immediately.

KALE CAESAR SALAD WITH SMOKED CHICKPEA CROUTONS

Steps:

• For the Caesar dressing: Bring an inch of water to a boil in a medium saucepan. Place the florets in a steamer basket set over the boiling water. Cover and steam for about 5 to 7 minutes, until they're easily pierced with a fork.
• In a high-powdered blender, combine the cooked cauliflower with the Parmesan, olive oil, lemon juice, garlic, mustard, salt and pepper. Blend on high speed for 2 minutes, until the dressing is completely smooth and combined. If needed, add water, about 2 to 3 tablespoons at a time, until the dressing is pourable. The dressing will be warm because of the steamed cauliflower. Transfer the dressing to an airtight container and refrigerate for an hour.
• While the dressing is chilling, make the croutons: Preheat the oven to 400 degrees F (200 degrees C). Line a baking sheet with parchment.
• In a large bowl, combine the chickpeas with the olive oil, garlic powder, smoked paprika and salt. Toss until coated. Spread the chickpeas out on the prepared baking sheet and roast for 20 minutes until they are golden brown and crispy. Check on the chickpeas after 10 minutes and shake the pan to toss or stir to ensure even cooking.
• For the salad: Place the chopped kale in a large bowl. Drizzle with the Caesar dressing and toss until the kale leaves are completely coated. Top with the chickpea croutons and shaved Parmesan. Enjoy immediately.