Emeril's Caesar salad is a classic dish that is perfect for any occasion, especially for a nice, light lunch or dinner. It combines the flavors of crispy romaine lettuce, salty Parmesan cheese, savory croutons, and a creamy, tangy Caesar dressing. This recipe also includes instructions for making homemade croutons and a healthier version of the dressing.
The original Caesar salad recipe was created by Caesar Cardini in 1924 at his restaurant in Tijuana, Mexico. The salad quickly became popular and has since become a staple dish in restaurants and homes around the world. Emeril Lagasse's version of the Caesar salad is a modern take on the classic dish, with a few special touches that make it even more delicious.
For example, Emeril uses a combination of mayonnaise, sour cream, and Greek yogurt in his dressing, which gives it a rich and creamy texture. He also adds a touch of anchovy paste to the dressing, which adds a subtle salty and savory flavor. The homemade croutons are made with a combination of white bread and Parmesan cheese, which gives them a crispy texture and a nutty flavor.
Overall, Emeril's Caesar salad is a delicious and easy-to-make dish that is perfect for any occasion. With its combination of crispy lettuce, salty Parmesan cheese, savory croutons, and creamy, tangy dressing, it's sure to be a hit with everyone who tries it.
JULIA'S CAESAR SALAD
When Caesar Cardini first served his famous salad in the early 1920s, he used just the hearts of the romaine lettuce, the tender short leaves in the center, and he presented them whole. The salad was tossed and dressed, then arranged on each plate so that you could pick up a leaf by its short end and chew it down bit by bit, then pick up another. However, many customers didn't like to get their fingers covered with egg-and-cheese-and-garlic dressing, and he changed to the conventional torn leaf. Too bad, since the salad lost much of its individuality and drama. You can certainly serve it the original way at home - just provide your guests with plenty of big paper napkins. And plan to be extravagant.
Provided by Julia Child
Categories Salad Cheese Egg Leafy Green No-Cook Parmesan Lemon Fall
Yield Makes 2 to 3 servings
Number Of Ingredients 12
Steps:
- Preparing the salad components:
- You will probably need 2 large heads of romaine for 3 people - or use a commercially prepared package of "romaine hearts," if they appear fresh and fine. From a large head remove the outside leaves until you get down to the cone where the leaves are 4 to 7 inches in length - you'll want 6 to 8 of these leaves per serving. Separate the leaves and wash them carefully to keep them whole, roll them loosely in clean towels, and keep refrigerated until serving time. (Save the remains for other salads - fortunately, romaine keeps reasonably well under refrigeration.
- To flavor the croutons, crush the garlic clove with the flat of a chef's knife, sprinkle on 1/4 teaspoon of salt, and mince well. Pour about a tablespoon of olive oil on the garlic and mash again with the knife, rubbing and pressing to make a soft purée.
- Scrape the purée into the frying pan, add another tablespoon of oil, and warm over low-medium heat. Add the croutons and toss for a minute or two to infuse them with the garlic oil, then remove from the heat. (For a milder garlic flavor, you can strain the purée though a small sieve into a pan before adding the extra croutons. Discard the bits of garlic.)
- To coddle the egg, bring a small saucepan of water to a simmer. Pierce the large end of the egg with a pushpin to prevent cracking, then simmer for exactly 1 minute.
- Mixing and serving the Caesar:
- Dress the salad just before serving. Have ready all the dressing ingredients and a salad fork and spoon for tossing.
- Drizzle 2 tablespoons of olive oil over the romaine leaves and toss to coat, lifting the leaves from the bottom and turning them towards you, so they tumble over like a wave. Sprinkle them with a generous pinch of salt and several grinds of pepper, toss once or twice, then add the lemon juice and several drops of the Worcestershire, and toss again. Taste for seasoning, and add more, if needed.
- Crack the egg and drop it right on the romaine leaves, then toss to break it up and coat the leaves. Sprinkle on the cheese, toss briefly, then add the croutons (and the garlicky bits in the pan, if you wish) and toss for the last time, just to mix them into the salad.
- Arrange 6 or more leaves in a single layer on individual plates, scatter the croutons all around, and serve.
CAESAR SALAD
Nailing this misunderstood classic (no, we don't want grilled chicken) is all about restraint and, yes, anchovies.
Provided by Sue Li
Categories Salad Egg Garlic Lunch Parmesan Lettuce Anchovy Bon Appétit Sugar Conscious Pescatarian Peanut Free Tree Nut Free Soy Free Kosher
Yield Makes 6 servings
Number Of Ingredients 12
Steps:
- 1. The Dressing
- A great Caesar salad gets its swagger from a great dressing. Squeamish about raw egg yolks and anchovies? Sorry. Yolks are what give richness to the emulsion, while anchovies provide a briny blast (and that whole umami thing). Here's our go-to recipe: Chop together 6 anchovy fillets packed in oil, 1 small garlic clove, and a pinch of kosher salt. Use the side of a knife blade to mash into a paste, then scrape into a medium bowl. Whisk in 2 large egg yolks*, 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice, and 3/4 teaspoon Dijon mustard. Adding drop by drop to start, gradually whisk in 2 tablespoons olive oil, then 1/2 cup vegetable oil; whisk until dressing is thick and glossy. Whisk in 3 tablespoons finely grated Parmesan. Season with salt, freshly ground black pepper, and more lemon juice, if desired. Can be made 1 day ahead.
- 2. The Croutons
- Make your own. Tearing, not cutting, the bread ensures nooks and crannies that catch the dressing and add texture. Toss 3 cups torn 1" pieces country bread with 3 tablespoons olive oil on a baking sheet; season with kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper. Bake at 375°F, tossing occasionally, until golden, 10-15 minutes.
- 3. The Lettuce
- Use whole leaves from 3 romaine hearts to feed 6 people. They provide the ideal mix of crispness, surface area, and structure.
- 4. The Cheese
- Caesars crowned with a mound of grated Parmesan may look impressive, but all that clumpy cheese mutes the dressing. Instead, use a vegetable peeler to thinly shave a modest amount on top for little salty bursts.
- 5. The Assembly
- Skip the tongs. Use your hands to gently toss the lettuce, croutons, and dressing, then top off with the shaved Parm.
THE BEST CAESAR SALAD
It should not come as a surprise that the best Caesar salad is also the most traditional version. That means it's time to bring out the anchovies and eggs -- and don't skimp on quality Parmesan cheese. We've even included garlicky homemade croutons to balance the tangy dressing.
Provided by Food Network Kitchen
Categories main-dish
Time 45m
Yield 4 servings
Number Of Ingredients 16
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.
EMERIL'S EGGLESS CAESAR SALAD
Make and share this Emeril's Eggless Caesar Salad recipe from Food.com.
Provided by carmenskitchen
Categories Low Cholesterol
Time 20m
Yield 4 serving(s)
Number Of Ingredients 10
Steps:
- In a mixing bowl combine the lemon juice, garlic, mustard, anchovy paste, salt, and pepper.
- Whisk in the canola oil to blend.
- In a large salad bowl, toss the lettuce with the dressing. Add the croutons and top with Parmesan.
Nutrition Facts : Calories 200, Fat 12.4, SaturatedFat 3, Cholesterol 16.1, Sodium 518.8, Carbohydrate 17.5, Fiber 6.4, Sugar 2.1, Protein 10.2
Tips:
- Use fresh, high-quality ingredients. This will make a big difference in the taste of your salad.
- Make your own Caesar dressing. It's easy to make and tastes much better than store-bought dressing.
- Use a variety of lettuces. This will give your salad more texture and flavor.
- Don't overdress the salad. A little dressing goes a long way.
- Add your favorite toppings. This could include croutons, bacon, Parmesan cheese, or even grilled chicken.
- Serve your salad immediately. Caesar salad is best when it's fresh.
Conclusion:
Emeril's Caesar salad is a classic for a reason. It's delicious, easy to make, and can be customized to your liking. Whether you're serving it as a side dish or a main course, this salad is sure to be a hit. So next time you're looking for a quick and easy meal, give this recipe a try.
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