200-Caesar Salad by Jamie Oliver

Caesar Salad – A Warm Delicacy with a Story

When you think of Caesar salad, it brings to mind a perfect blend of flavors, textures, and history. This iconic dish has evolved over time, becoming a favorite around the world. With each carefully selected ingredient, Caesar salad is a fantastic way to add a touch of refinement to your meals. In this recipe, I will present a delicious version featuring chicken, pancetta, and crispy croutons that will win you over with the first bite.

Preparation time: 15 minutes
Cooking time: 30 minutes
Total time: 45 minutes
Servings: 4

Ingredients:

For the salad:
- 4 boneless chicken thighs (approximately 600 g)
- 2 large slices of homemade bread (preferably a day old, to make crispy croutons)
- A handful of fresh rosemary, finely chopped
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 4 tablespoons of extra virgin olive oil
- 100 g grated Parmesan cheese

For the pancetta:
- 250 g smoked pancetta, sliced

For the dressing:
- 1 small can of anchovies (approximately 50 g)
- 3 cloves of garlic, minced
- 100 ml sour cream
- 100 g grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 tablespoons of extra virgin olive oil
- Juice of one small lemon

Instructions:

1. Preparing the chicken and croutons:
Start by preheating the oven to 180°C. In a non-stick baking dish, tear the slices of homemade bread into medium-sized pieces. Arrange them in an even layer. Add the chicken thighs, drizzling with olive oil, salt, pepper, and chopped rosemary. Cover the dish with aluminum foil and place it in the oven for 30 minutes. You'll notice the croutons becoming crispy as the chicken's juices blend with the rosemary aroma.

2. Making the dressing:
While the chicken and croutons are baking, you can prepare the dressing. In a blender, combine the anchovies, minced garlic, sour cream, grated Parmesan, olive oil, and lemon juice. Blend until smooth and creamy. Taste the dressing and adjust with pepper, being careful not to add salt, as the anchovies are already salty.

3. Frying the pancetta:
In a non-stick skillet, fry the pancetta slices over medium heat until they become crispy and golden. This step will add a unique flavor to your salad. Once the pancetta is ready, transfer it to a paper towel to absorb excess fat.

4. Assembling the salad:
Once the chicken is cooked and the croutons are crispy, remove the dish from the oven. Tear the chicken thighs into large pieces using a fork. On a serving platter, layer the salad leaves, followed by the crispy croutons, pieces of chicken, pancetta slices, and a generous drizzle of dressing. Sprinkle grated Parmesan on top and, for a touch of freshness, add a few lemon slices.

5. Serving:
Caesar salad is best served warm, immediately after assembling. This is essential to enjoy the contrasting textures – the crispy croutons, juicy chicken, and creamy dressing. You can pair the salad with a glass of dry white wine or a freshly minted lemonade.

Practical Tips:

- Ingredient selection: Use homemade bread or ciabatta for the croutons, as they will brown nicely and have a pleasant texture. Pancetta can be replaced with bacon, but the flavor will be different.
- Variations: You can add fresh vegetables, such as cherry tomatoes or avocado, to bring extra color and nutrients.
- Complementary dishes: This salad pairs perfectly with a tomato soup or a vegetable tart, providing a contrast of flavors and textures.

Frequently Asked Questions:

- Can I substitute anchovies? If you don't like the taste of anchovies or have dietary restrictions, you can omit this ingredient and add more garlic or soy sauce to enhance the flavor.
- How can I store the salad? It’s recommended to prepare Caesar salad fresh, but if you have leftovers, you can store the components separately to avoid soggy croutons.

Nutritional Benefits:

This salad offers a balanced mix of protein from the chicken and pancetta, carbohydrates from the bread, and healthy fats from the olive oil and sour cream. The Parmesan adds calcium, while rosemary is known for its antioxidant properties.

Caesar salad is not just a delicious dish but also a culinary experience that will make you feel like a true chef in your own kitchen. Enjoy every bite and cherish the moments spent around the table with your loved ones!