Green Garlic Caesar Salad with Anchovy Croutons
(from fdmts’s recipe box)
“These croutons bring all the boys to the yard”
Source: NY Times
Prep time: 30 minutes
Cook time: 10 minutes
Serves 8 people
Categories: Salad
Ingredients
- 1/2 c. olive oil
- 7 anchovy fillets, finely chopped
- 1 large head green garlic (scape) OR 3 large garlic cloves, finely chopped.
- About 2 cups crusty day-old bread in 3/4 inch cubes
- 1/8 tsp kosher salt
- 1/2 tsp ground black pepper
- 1 tbsp lemon juice
- 1 1/2 tsp dijon mustard
- 1/2 tsp Worcestershire sauce
- 2 large eggs
- 2 or 3 heads romaine lettuce, separated and torn into pieces.
- 3/4 c. parmesan cheese, grated
Directions
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Heat 3 tbsp oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add half the anchovies and cook, stirring, until they melt into the oil, about 2 minutes.
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Stir in half the garlic and cook until fragrant – about 1 minute
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Add bread cubes, salt, and 1/4 tsp pepper. Toast, tossing frequently, until the croutons are crisp and golden. 3 – 5 minutes.
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At this point, people will have gathered in the kitchen, and they will be demanding to know what that awesome smell is. You have the option of giving them a crouton apiece – if they’re nice.
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In medium bowl, whisk together remaining garlic and anchovies, plus lemon juice, mustard, Worcestershire, and remaining peper. Whisk in remaining olive oil.
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Bring small saucepan of water to a boil. Lower eggs into water and cook between 90 seconds and 4 minutes (from “hardcore traditional” to “soft boiled”). Rinse under cold water until cool enough to handle.
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Combine lettuce and cheese in large bowl. Add vinaigrette and toss well. Add croutons after this is done, or else they get soggy.
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Crack eggs into salad, toss a few more times. Salt to taste.