Griddled Caesar Salad from Theo's book 'SHARE' perfect vegetarian recipe or make it a substantial meal with grilled chicken or salmon (also great on the bbq!)
30gparmesan cheeseor vegetarian hard cheese, grated
Croutons
1slicebreador bread roll
1clove garlicfinely chopped
1pinchchili flakesoptional
15ml olive oil
Instructions
Chicken
Slice the chicken breasts in half lengthways, season with salt, pepper and dried oregano and fry in a hot pan with a little oil for about 4 minutes on each side or until cooked through and slightly charred, then remove from the pan and keep warm. Just before serving, slice the chicken into strips to place on top of the salad.
Croutons (pangritata)
Fry the breadcrumbs, garlic and chili flakes, if using, in a splash of hot olive oil for a couple of minutes (only add breadcrumbs when oil is hot - not before), until slightly golden then remove onto a paper towel.
Dressing & Lettuce
Mix all the caesar salad dressing ingredients together, then spoon over the cut side of the gem lettuce, be liberal with this, pushing it into some of the leaves - save any unused dressing for the end.
Drizzle little drizzle olive oil over the top then lay into a hot griddle or frying pan. DON'T MOVE THEM! Leave them to fry for about 3-4 minutes then carefully use a fish slice/spatula to slide underneath and flip them over for a few minutes. They should be lovely and charred!
Once done - simply lay two halves of gem lettuce per person onto a plate, top with sliced chicken (if using), scattering over any breadcrumbs and any remaining dressing - enjoy!
Flexitarian Option
.If doing vegetarian version a few fried breadcrumbs (Pangritata) on top give it some texture; if using chicken, sometimes I don't bother with the breadcrumbs. Vegetarian - omit chicken for halloumi and use vegetarian hard cheeseRecipe extract from SHARE by Theo Michaels, published by Ryland Peters Small, photography by Mowie Kay
Notes
.If doing vegetarian version a few fried breadcrumbs (Pangritata) on top give it some texture; if using chicken, sometimes I don't bother with the breadcrumbs. Vegetarian - omit chicken for halloumi and use vegetarian hard cheeseRecipe extract from SHARE by Theo Michaels, published by Ryland Peters Small, photography by Mowie Kay