Kamil Perry
A classic Caesar salad is a popular dish that combines crisp romaine lettuce, crunchy croutons, shaved Parmesan cheese, and a tangy, creamy dressing. The salad is named after its creator, Italian restaurateur Caesar Cardini, who first served it in his restaurant in Tijuana in 1924. The original recipe is said to have included only romaine lettuce, garlic, olive oil, lemon, Worcestershire sauce, croutons, and Parmesan cheese. Over the years, the recipe has evolved, with some variations including anchovies, egg yolks, and different types of cheese. The dressing is typically made with a combination of olive oil, lemon juice, Dijon mustard, garlic, Worcestershire sauce, and Parmesan cheese, whisked together to create a smooth and creamy consistency. The croutons can be made by tossing bread cubes in olive oil and seasoning, then baking until golden brown and crisp. The addition of Parmesan cheese to the croutons enhances the flavour and adds a salty, nutty taste to the salad.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Type of Cheese | Parmesan |
| Texture | Shredded, shaved, grated, or thin shavings |
| Taste | Savory, salty, nutty |
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Parmesan shavings
To create Parmesan shavings, all you need is a block of Parmesan and a potato peeler. Hold the block of Parmesan firmly and use the potato peeler to create thin, uniform shavings. You can also use a grater to create different textures, such as larger shreds and granular grated Parmesan.
When making a Caesar salad, it is important to combine all the ingredients and toss them gently to coat the lettuce evenly in the dressing. The Parmesan shavings can be added on top of the salad as a garnish, along with other ingredients such as croutons, lemon wedges, bacon bits, or fried capers.
The dressing for a Caesar salad typically includes garlic, lemon juice, Worcestershire sauce, Dijon mustard, capers, egg, anchovy fillets, pepper, and olive oil. The addition of Parmesan cheese to this dressing creates a rich and creamy texture. It is recommended to use room temperature ingredients and slowly drizzle the oil to achieve the desired thickness.
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Grated parmesan
When making a Caesar salad, the lettuce is rinsed, dried, chopped, and placed in a large bowl. The lettuce is then tossed with croutons and a dressing made from oil, salt, lemon juice, egg, Worcestershire sauce, garlic, and, of course, grated Parmesan. The salad can be garnished with additional Parmesan cheese and fresh lemon wedges.
Some recipes suggest blending all the dressing ingredients, including the Parmesan, in a blender or food processor. Others recommend adding the Parmesan cheese after blending the other ingredients. This ensures the cheese is not over-processed and retains some texture.
The salad can be served with pasta, steak, grilled chicken, or lasagna. It is a versatile dish that can be adapted to suit many tastes. The dressing is rich and creamy, and the Parmesan cheese is a key ingredient in achieving this.
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Vegetarian parmesan
Parmesan cheese is a general term with multiple interpretations. At the top of the hierarchy sits authentic Parmigiano Reggiano, crafted from only three ingredients: rennet, salt, and raw, unpasteurized milk. Parmigiano Reggiano is made solely in specific Italian provinces and has a Protected Designation of Origin (PDO) status, indicating its distinctive characteristics tied to its area of origin. The traditional production process for Parmigiano Reggiano involves using animal rennet, derived from the inner lining of the fourth stomachs of calves, making it unsuitable for vegetarians.
However, not all cheeses labeled as Parmesan are Parmigiano Reggiano, and some brands offer vegetarian alternatives. These vegetarian options use plant-based or microbial rennet, which is functionally similar to animal rennet, to achieve the coagulating and curding magic needed for cheese-making. In the United States, some popular brands offering vegetarian Parmesan include Organic Valley, Trader Joe's, Mauro & Gianni, and Whole Foods' in-house 365 brand.
While these vegetarian options may be harder to find and may differ slightly in taste, they are viable alternatives for vegetarians who wish to avoid animal rennet. It is important to read food labels and understand the ingredients to make informed choices, especially for those adhering to a vegetarian diet.
Some people may argue that obsessing over whether Parmesan is vegetarian misses the broader point of vegetarianism, as the dairy industry is inherently linked to the slaughter of young male calves. However, for vegetarians who wish to avoid animal products, knowing that some cheeses, including certain types of Parmesan, contain animal-derived ingredients is essential for making informed dietary choices.
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Anchovy paste
To make the anchovy-garlic paste, you can chop the anchovies and garlic together until a mostly smooth paste forms. You can also use a small food processor or blender to blend the anchovies and garlic. Some recipes suggest adding a pinch of salt and pepper to the paste.
To make the Caesar salad dressing, whisk together the egg yolks, lemon juice, dijon mustard, garlic, salt, and pepper until smooth. Then, while whisking constantly, slowly drizzle in olive oil. You can finish with a neutral oil of your choice, such as grapeseed or canola oil. Once the oil has been added, keep whisking for another minute to thicken the dressing. Finally, whisk in the Parmesan cheese, then taste and season with freshly ground black pepper.
Some recipes suggest adding the anchovy paste to the dressing before the olive oil, while others suggest adding it after. It is important to note that the dressing ingredients, including the egg, should be at room temperature before making the dressing.
If you are unable or unwilling to use raw eggs, you can use pasteurized eggs, or even replace the egg with a dollop of mayonnaise.
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Homemade croutons
First, preheat your oven to 350°F and line a large baking sheet with parchment paper. If you're using the grill, simply skip this step. Next, cut your bread into cubes. Ideally, the bread should be at least a day or two old, but any variety will do. You can also slice off the crusts if you prefer.
Now it's time to make the garlic oil. Many garlic croutons are seasoned with garlic powder, but for a more complex flavour, you can infuse garlic oil. To make the garlic oil, heat two smashed garlic cloves in 1/4 cup of olive oil for about a minute, until the garlic is fragrant. You can also use melted butter if you prefer. Allow the oil to cool slightly before drizzling it over the cubed bread.
Toss the bread cubes with the garlic oil and a few big pinches of salt until they're evenly coated. You can also add other seasonings like Italian seasoning, black pepper, or dried herbs like parsley, oregano, dill, or chives. If you want to add some cheese to your croutons, sprinkle on some Parmesan!
Spread the bread cubes in a single layer on the prepared baking sheet. Bake in the preheated oven for 10 to 18 minutes, or until golden brown and crisp. The timing will depend on the freshness of your bread and how crispy you like your croutons. If you're using the grill, the cooking time may vary. Keep an eye on your croutons to make sure they don't burn.
Once they're golden brown and crisp, remove them from the oven or grill and let them cool completely. Homemade croutons are now ready to be served or stored. You can store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days or up to 2 weeks if stored in the refrigerator.
Enjoy your homemade croutons on top of your favourite Caesar salad or any other dish that needs a crunchy, tasty boost!
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