Caesar Salad

"Anything but anchovies..."

 

This common phrase can be heard around the world in pizza parlors everywhere.  I've spoken the words myself.  Maybe you have, too.  I'd never even given anchovies a chance.  Just sounded yucky, I suppose.   

Why this bias against anchovies?  Where did it come from?

An anchovy is an innocent little fish found in waters worldwide.  Many countries rely upon its easy availability as a cheap source of protein, enjoying its mild flavor in various forms.

Back the boat up!  Mild flavor? you ask.  Turns out the sharp, tangy bite we attribute to anchovies is actually due to their curing process:  the salty brine, the packing in oil.  Besides, you may be consuming them more often than you think, in the form of Worcestershire sauce.

My own original Caesar Salad recipe calls for all the traditional elements.  If you skip the anchovies, you would surely be dissappointed.  The flavors of each ingredient blend to create such a enticingly bright and salty experience, your people won't be able to get enough.  The salad bowl will be empty - a rarity in my house, but true for this salad, nonetheless.   (Just don't reveal the presence of anchovies).

For you novice shoppers, anchovies can be found in grocery stores everywhere.  They are packed in little tins, usually shelved above the tuna and next to the sardines.

These salad ingredients are easily kept on hand for a quick addition to any dinner.  Or add chicken to make it a meal!

Kelly's Caesar Salad

an original recipe by Kelly Jo Vanderstelt

1.  Prepare the dressing in a large bowl:

• 4 Anchovies, finely chopped
• 2 Garlic Cloves, minced
• Juice of 1/2 large Lemon
• 1 Tsp. Worcestershire
• 1/2 Tsp. Salt
• 1/2 Tsp. freshly ground Pepper
• 1/4 Tsp. dry Mustard

2.  Whisk in 1/3 Cup Olive Oil until well blended.

3.  Toss with:

• 2 head of Romaine, washed and chopped into bite-sized pieces.
• 1 Cup of Croutons
• 1/2 Cup Parmesan, finely shredded (not grated)

4.  Serve immediately.

Options:

• You can add spinach along with the Romaine, to pack even more nutritional punch.
• To make it a meal instead of a side, add a couple of chicken breasts, cooked or grilled and cut into bite-sized chunks.  Throw in sliced cucumber, tomatoes, bacon bits...anything, really.