I think this recipe originated with my Aunt Eileen, and our family's been enjoying it for many years. To be a Caesar salad, one must have oil, lemon, garlic, egg, and parmesan, so this the essence of Señor Caesar, and as basic as possible. You can add chicken or garbanzo beans to give it a little more standing as a main dish. Don't let it freak you out that this salad has raw egg in it. Seriously, people have been eating this for like a thousand years and they don't get sick. If you're really worried about it, though, omit it.
INGREDIENTS
1/4 c. olive oil
juice of 1-2 lemons
1 garlic clove, halved
1/4 tsp. salt
dash pepper
1 large head romaine lettuce (or 2 small heads)
1 c. croutons
1/4 c. grated parmesan cheese
4 anchovies
1 egg
DIRECTIONS
In a large bowl, combine olive oil, lemon juice, garlic, salt, and pepper. Let stand at least 50 minutes. Ten minutes before serving, tear lettuce into dressing. Add cheese, croutons, and anchovies (if using). Toss well. Add egg, toss well again.
Note: This recipe first appeared on Fig & Plum waaaay back in 2003, and it took me seven years to illustrate it! But the recipe is such a keeper, it's worth repeating.
Posted by jessica at June 12, 2010 3:04 PM | TrackBackI remember my father making a table-side production of Caesar Salad in the 50's with the raw egg. Thanks for the reminder to relax a bit about the egg part and make it again, which I will, using your recipe.
Posted by: Kristen at June 12, 2010 7:44 PMMade this for dinner last night. Left out the anchovies and added some grilled chicken...yum. My husband loved it!
Posted by: Norma at June 14, 2010 8:07 AMYum! Thank you for sharing.
Posted by: Knittripps at June 19, 2010 5:22 PMOn little tiny thing--the recipe says: "wooden" salad bowl, unless I'm mistaken. My copy of this is so covered with oil, etc. I'm glad you gave it again. I can copy it and put it on a new, clean recipe card :-). Thank you, dear!
Posted by: Mom Sandi at June 29, 2010 3:11 PM