Italian Caesar Salad With Polenta Croutons Recipes

ITALIAN CAESAR SALAD WITH POLENTA CROUTONS

Steps:

• MAKE THE POLENTA: (Make First).
• Bring 3 cups of water to a boil in a heavy large saucepan.
• Add salt.
• Gradually whisk in the cornmeal.
• Reduce the heat to low and cook until the mixture thickens and the cornmeal is tender, stirring often, about 12 to 15 minutes.
• Turn off the heat.
• Add the butter, and stir until melted.
• Lightly oil a half sheet pan.
• Transfer the hot polenta to the prepared baking dish, spreading evenly to 3/4-inch thick.
• Refrigerate until cold and firm, about 2 hours.
• MAKE THE DRESSING:.
• Finely chop the garlic and anchovies in a food processor.
• Blend in the lemon juice and mustard.
• With the machine running, gradually blend in the oil.
• Season the dressing, to taste, with salt and pepper.
• TO MAKE CROUTONS:
• Cut the polenta into 3/4-inch cubes.
• Pat the polenta cubes dry with paper towels.
• Add enough vegetable oil to a heavy large frying pan to come 1-inch up the sides of the pan.
• Heat the oil over high heat.
• Working in batches of 10, carefully add the polenta cubes to the oil 1 at a time and fry until golden brown, stirring to keep the cubes separate, about 2 minutes.
• Using a slotted spoon, transfer the polenta croutons to a paper towel-lined plate to drain any excess oil.
• (The dressing and polenta croutons can be prepared 1 day ahead up to this point.
• Cover the dressing and polenta croutons separately and refrigerate.
• Rewarm the polenta croutons on a baking sheet in a 350 degrees F oven before serving.)
• MAKE THE SALAD:.
• Prepare the barbecue for high heat or grill pan.
• Grill the lettuce until lightly charred, about 2 minutes per side.
• Cut the lettuce into bite-size pieces.
• On a serving platter, mound the grilled chopped lettuce.
• Decoratively scatter the sun-dried tomatoes and pine nuts.
• Drizzle with enough dressing to evenly coat.
• Sprinkle Parmesan and scatter the warm polenta croutons over and serve immediately.

CLASSIC CAESAR SALAD WITH HOMEMADE CROUTONS

Steps:

• Preheat the oven to 375 degrees F (190 degrees C). Place bread on a rimmed baking sheet.
• Whisk together oil, butter, garlic, salt, and pepper in a liquid measure. Pour mixture over the bread and toss with your hands until evenly coated. Spread bread mixture into a single layer. Bake in the preheated oven until golden brown and toasted, yet slightly soft in the center, 15 to 18 minutes, tossing croutons a few times during baking. Remove from the oven and let cool completely while you prepare the salad.
• Place garlic, anchovies, and salt in a large salad serving bowl; press the mixture with a fork until a paste forms. Stir in egg yolk, lemon juice, Dijon, and Worcestershire sauce until well combined. Slowly whisk in olive oil until all is incorporated and mixture is well blended and smooth. Stir in 2 tablespoons Parmesan cheese and 1/4 teaspoon pepper. Remove about 1/4 cup of dressing and set aside for another use.
• When ready to serve, add lettuce and 1/2 of the croutons to the bowl with the remaining dressing; toss until well coated. Reserve remaining croutons for another use.
• Sprinkle salad with additional Parmesan and pepper if desired. Serve immediately.