grilled caesar
photo by Rob Soegtrop
Caesar salad is one of those dishes that I hate to admit that I love because it’s pretty boring, but it’s just so damn good. Here’s a way of switching it up to make it a bit more interesting and “chef-y” if you will. Why would you grill lettuce, though, you ask? What I thought originally might just be for the gimmick has actually turned in to a regular recipe in my household! The grilling is not about cooking the lettuce, but just adding a touch of smoky grill flavour to a classic recipe.
Here are a few tips for this (and all) Caesar recipes: fresh dressing is so worth the extra effort. Follow along below for directions. I use a hand blender to make the dressing, but a whisk is also a reliable method. Also, my favourite method for making crispy bacon bits in a hurry is the microwave! Line a few thinly sliced pieces of pancetta or prosciutto with paper towel, put them in the microwave for about 45 seconds, and voila, crispy bacon bits.
Time to get cooking!
Grilled Caesar Salad
Total time: 25 minutes
Hands-on time: 25 minutes
Serves: 4
Ingredients
2 romaine lettuce hearts
1 clove of garlic, grated or minced well
1 lemon + 1 for garnish
1 tsp Dijon mustard
1 egg yolk
Worcestershire sauce (3-4 glugs)
3 tbsp. extra virgin olive oil + more for drizzling
2 tbsp grated fresh Parmesan cheese
Fresh bread or croutons for garnish
Bacon bits or pancetta for garnish (optional)
Caper berries for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat the grill to medium high heat. Slice romaine hearts lengthwise and 1 lemon in half and drizzle the cut side of each with olive oil. Set aside ready for grilling.
- To make the dressing, either use a stand-up hand blender or whisk.
Combine the garlic, mustard, lemon juice, egg yolk, Worcestershire sauce, salt, and pepper. Very slowly drizzle in the olive oil while blending or whisking vigorously, until the dressing thickens. Mix in the Parmesan cheese. Taste and season accordingly. - Place romaine, cut side down on the grill for about 2 minutes, or until there are nice grill marks. You just want the char flavour, but you do not want to cook the lettuce all the way through.
- Arrange the lettuce cut side up on a serving platter, drizzle with dressing, garnish with shaved parmesan cheese, bacon bits or crispy pancetta, and caper berries. Serve alongside fresh grilled bread or croutons and grilled lemons.
