40

min
  • salads

Vectorized Vegetable Ceasar with Polenta Croutons

Standing at the crossroads of tradition and innovation, our Vectorized Vegetable Caesar with Polenta Croutons offers a novel take on a classic dish. This recipe is designed to reinvent the traditional Caesar salad, turning it into a meal that is not just appetizing and nourishing, but also a conversation piece.

  • SERVES
    4 people
  • PREP TIME
    30 minutes
  • Cook TIME
    10 minutes
Ingredients
  • 2 heads of fresh romaine lettuce
  • 1 cup of shaved Parmesan cheese
  • 4 cups of polenta, prepared
  • 1 cup of olive oil
  • Salt and freshly ground pepper to taste
  • 4 cloves of garlic, minced
  • 2 egg yolks
  • 2 tablespoons of Dijon mustard
  • 2 tablespoons of fresh lemon juice
  • 2 anchovy fillets, minced (optional)
Directions
  1. Begin by preheating your oven to 375 degrees Fahrenheit.
  2. Cut the prepared polenta into one-inch cubes and toss them in a bowl with half of the olive oil, salt, and pepper. Spread these out on a baking sheet and bake for 10-15 minutes until they are crispy and golden-brown.
  3. While the polenta is baking, make your Caesar dressing. In a mixing bowl, combine the minced garlic, egg yolks, Dijon mustard, lemon juice, and minced anchovies (if using).
  4. Slowly whisk in the remaining olive oil until the dressing is thick and creamy. Season with salt and pepper.
  5. Wash and dry the romaine lettuce, then tear it into bite-sized pieces.
  6. Toss the lettuce with the Caesar dressing until well-coated, then divide among four plates.
  7. Sprinkle each salad with the shaved Parmesan and top with the crispy polenta croutons.

This recipe was born from a desire to bring a fresh spin to the well-loved Caesar salad. The traditional bread croutons have been replaced by golden, crispy polenta croutons, adding a unique texture and depth of flavor to the dish. The polenta croutons, with their satisfying crunch and delicate corn flavor, beautifully complement the crisp romaine lettuce and creamy Caesar dressing.

"The inspiration behind this recipe was to create a dish that could stand out in a sea of Caesar salads. I wanted to stay true to the spirit of the classic, while adding a unique twist that would make it distinctly Iron Chef-worthy."

The Caesar dressing in this recipe is a nod to the classic version, made with egg yolks for creaminess, lemon juice for tang, and a hint of Dijon mustard for a bit of heat. The optional anchovies add a subtle umami flavor that elevates the dish, while the generous sprinkling of shaved Parmesan adds a delightful salty note.

In contrast to the usual Caesar salad, this Vectorized Vegetable Caesar with Polenta Croutons is a dish that will intrigue and satisfy both your palate and your guests'. Each mouthful promises a symphony of flavors and textures, from the creamy dressing to the crispy croutons, that is sure to make this version a firm favorite in your culinary repertoire.

salads