Romaine Hearts With Caesar Salad Dressing Recipes

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.

Steps:

• Cook the egg in a pan of simmering water for 10 minutes. Cool under cold running water and peel.
• Meanwhile, combine the anchovies, garlic, lemon juice and zest, and egg yolks in the bowl of a food processor and process to blend. Add the water and blend again. Then, with the motor running, gradually pour in the oil through the feed tube and process to emulsify. Scrape out into a salad bowl. Stir in the cheese and season with salt and pepper. Add the greens and toss to coat. Taste, for seasoning, and grate the egg over the top.

Steps:

• Put all ingredients, except the oil and vinegar, in a food processor and process until blended. Slowly mix in the oil, then mix in the vinegar. If too thick, add a little water.
• Brush the leaves of romaine on both sides with the olive oil and season lightly with salt and pepper. Grill on each side for 30 seconds. Place 6 leaves on each plate, drizzle with the dressing and garnish with shaved cheese and croutons.

Steps:

• Whisk the Parmesan, mustard, vinegar and garlic in a small bowl. Whisk in the oil. Sprinkle the vinaigrette with salt and pepper. Toss the lettuce with the vinaigrette. Serve immediately.

Steps:

• In a large bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, lemon juice, Parmesan cheese, Worcestershire sauce, and salt and pepper. (If mixture is too thick, add 1 to 2 tablespoons water.)
• Add lettuce; toss to coat with dressing. Top with shaved Parmesan, if desired.

Steps:

• Slice eggs in half; remove yolks. Refrigerate whites for another use. In a blender or food processor, combine the lemon juice, vinegar, anchovy, mustard, garlic, Worcestershire sauce, pepper, salt and egg yolks; cover and process until blended. While processing, gradually add oil in a steady stream. Cover and refrigerate for 1 hour., In a salad bowl, combine the romaine, Parmesan cheese and croutons. Drizzle with dressing; toss to coat. Serve immediately.