Grilled Caesar Salad

I love love love grilled romaine.  I usually cut the head in half lengthwise, brush with oil olive, sprinkle with sea salt and freshly cracked pepper, put on an oiled hot grill , cut side down, and grill until slightly charred.  I then either use blue cheese dressing and sprinkle with bacon or with your favorite vinaigrette.  I serve with grilled steaks or any chops.  Here is another take on this delicious cooking idea:



Serves 4-6

• 1 medium clove garlic, peeled
• Kosher salt
• 4 anchovy fillets, rinsed well and patted dry
• 1 large egg yolk
• 2 Tbs. fresh lemon juice; more as needed
• 1/2 cup plus 3 Tbs. extra-virgin olive oil; more for the bread
• 1 oz. finely grated Parmigiano-Reggiano (1 cup using a rasp grater); more for serving
• Freshly ground black pepper
• 3 3/4-inch-thick slices crusty white bread
• 3 hearts of romaine, quartered lengthwise, with the cores intact

Prepare a charcoal or gas grill fire for direct grilling over medium heat (350°F).

With a mortar and pestle (or using the side of a chef’s knife), pound or mash the garlic to a smooth paste with a pinch of salt. Add the anchovies and pound or mash again until smooth. Transfer the mixture to a small bowl. (Or, if the mortar is large enough, leave it in the mortar.) Add the egg yolk. Whisk in the lemon juice, then whisk in 1/2 cup of the olive oil in a slow stream until emulsified. Add the Parmigiano, and several grinds of black pepper and whisk to combine. Season to taste with more salt or lemon juice.

Brush the bread slices on both sides with olive oil. Grill until toasted, about 1 minute per side, then cut or tear into bite-size pieces.

Put the romaine on a baking sheet and drizzle with the remaining 3 Tbs. olive oil. Toss gently to coat evenly and season with salt. Place the romaine on the grill cut side down and grill until nicely marked, 1 to 2 minutes. Turn and mark on the other cut sides, 1 to 2 minutes more.

Transfer the grilled romaine to a platter or individual plates, and sprinkle the croutons on and around the romaine. Drizzle a generous amount of the dressing on top and sprinkle with additional Parmigiano. Serve immediately, passing any remaining dressing at the table.

nutrition information (per serving): 
Calories (kcal): 380; Fat (g): 30; Fat Calories (kcal): 270; Saturated Fat (g): 5; Protein (g): 14; Monounsaturated Fat (g): 20; Carbohydrates (g): 13; Polyunsaturated Fat (g): 3.5; Sodium (mg):1370; Cholesterol (mg): 60; Fiber (g): 2;

From Fine Cooking magazine