Australian Caesar Salad with Red Desert Spiced Chicken

Australian Caesar Salad with Red Desert Spiced Chicken Recipe

Region / culture: Australia | Preparation time: 20 minutes | Cooking time: 10 minutes | Servings: 2

Introduction

The Australian Caesar Salad with Red Desert Spiced Chicken is a delightful twist on the classic Caesar salad, incorporating unique Australian ingredients to elevate the flavor profile. This recipe combines the crisp freshness of lettuce with the savory depth of Red Desert spiced chicken, emu prosciutto, and a tangy Oz lemon mayonnaise dressing. It's a perfect blend of textures and flavors that pays homage to traditional Australian cuisine while offering a new take on a beloved dish.

History

The Caesar salad originally hails from Mexico, created by Italian-American restaurateur Caesar Cardini in the 1920s. However, the Australian Caesar Salad with Red Desert Spiced Chicken is a modern adaptation that infuses Australian culinary sensibilities into this classic. The introduction of Red Desert Dust, a spice blend inspired by the flavors of the Australian outback, and emu prosciutto, gives this salad a distinctive Aussie twist. This recipe is a testament to the evolution of Australian cuisine, embracing local ingredients and flavors to create innovative dishes.

Ingredients

1 romaine or cos lettuce
10 g Red Desert Dust
0.5 chicken breast (sliced)
5 g corn flour
5 g vegetable oil
2 anchovies or 2 tsp akudjura (if no anchovy available)
2 tbsp of freshly grated parmesan cheese
3 – 4 black olives
0.25 cup of olive oil
2 tsp of butter
croutons made from native flavoured breads
2 slices of emu prosciutto
20 ml Oz lemon mayonnaise

How to prepare

Wash the lettuce and refrigerate.
In a bowl, combine the Red Desert Dust, cornflour, vegetable oil, and chicken breast. Mix well and refrigerate.
In a frying pan, heat the butter and olive oil over low heat. Fry the bread until golden, then drain on paper towels.
Grill the chicken breast slices and add them to a bowl with the lettuce, emu prosciutto, and Oz lemon mayonnaise.
Toss the ingredients in the bowl.
Garnish with croutons and anchovies.

Variations

For a vegetarian version, replace the chicken and emu prosciutto with grilled tempeh or tofu seasoned with Red Desert Dust. You can also add other vegetables like cherry tomatoes or cucumbers for extra freshness.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

To ensure the chicken is perfectly cooked and flavorful, marinate it with the Red Desert Dust and cornflour mixture for at least an hour before grilling. This not only tenderizes the chicken but also locks in the spices. For the crispiest croutons, use day-old bread and fry them in a mixture of butter and olive oil until golden brown. Lastly, chilling the lettuce before assembling the salad helps keep it crisp and refreshing.

Serving Suggestions

This salad is best served fresh, with the croutons added just before serving to maintain their crunch. It can be enjoyed as a main course for a light lunch or dinner or served as a side dish at barbecues and picnics.

Cooking Techniques

Grilling the chicken over medium heat ensures it remains juicy and tender. Frying the bread in a mixture of butter and olive oil gives the croutons a rich flavor and golden color.

Ingredient Substitutions

If Red Desert Dust is not available, you can use a mix of paprika, garlic powder, and a pinch of cayenne pepper as a substitute. Anchovy paste can replace whole anchovies for a more subtle flavor.

Make Ahead Tips

The chicken can be marinated and the croutons prepared a day ahead. Store them separately in the refrigerator until ready to assemble the salad.

Presentation Ideas

Serve the salad on a large platter, layering the lettuce, chicken, and prosciutto for visual appeal. Drizzle the Oz lemon mayonnaise dressing over the top and garnish with shaved parmesan cheese and black olives.

Pairing Recommendations

This salad pairs beautifully with a crisp white wine, such as a Sauvignon Blanc or a Chardonnay, which complements the tangy dressing and savory chicken.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Store any leftover salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to two days. It's best enjoyed cold, as reheating may wilt the lettuce and make the croutons soggy.

Nutrition Information

Calories per serving

A serving of the Australian Caesar Salad with Red Desert Spiced Chicken contains approximately 350 calories, making it a suitable option for a light meal or a substantial side dish.

Carbohydrates

This salad is relatively low in carbohydrates, with the primary sources being the bread used for croutons and the cornflour used in the chicken marinade. A serving of this salad contains approximately 15 grams of carbohydrates.

Fats

The Australian Caesar Salad with Red Desert Spiced Chicken is moderate in fats, primarily from the olive oil, mayonnaise, and parmesan cheese. The total fat content per serving is around 20 grams, with a mix of monounsaturated, polyunsaturated, and saturated fats.

Proteins

This salad is an excellent source of high-quality protein, thanks to the chicken breast and emu prosciutto. Each serving provides approximately 25 grams of protein, essential for muscle repair and growth.

Vitamins and minerals

The salad is rich in vitamins and minerals, particularly from the lettuce and olives. It provides a good source of Vitamin A, Vitamin C, calcium, and iron. These nutrients are crucial for maintaining healthy vision, immune function, bone health, and oxygen transport in the body.

Alergens

This recipe contains potential allergens such as dairy (parmesan cheese, mayonnaise), gluten (bread), and fish (anchovies). Individuals with allergies or intolerances to these ingredients should modify the recipe accordingly.

Summary

Overall, the Australian Caesar Salad with Red Desert Spiced Chicken is a balanced dish, offering a good mix of proteins, healthy fats, and essential vitamins and minerals. It's moderately low in carbohydrates and calories, making it a nutritious option for those mindful of their intake.

Summary

The Australian Caesar Salad with Red Desert Spiced Chicken is a refreshing and flavorful dish that combines traditional elements with Australian-inspired ingredients. It's a versatile recipe that can be adapted to suit different dietary needs and preferences, making it a perfect addition to any meal.

How did I get this recipe?

The memory of finding this recipe for the first time brings a smile to my face. It was many years ago, during my travels to Australia. I had always been fascinated by the vibrant culture and delicious cuisine of the country, so I jumped at the chance to explore and learn more about their culinary traditions.

I found myself in the bustling city of Sydney, wandering through the markets and sampling all sorts of exotic dishes. It was there that I stumbled upon a small food stall run by a friendly woman named Lily. She was serving up a delicious looking salad that caught my eye - an Australian Caesar Salad with Red Desert Spiced Chicken.

I struck up a conversation with Lily, who was more than happy to share her recipe with me. She explained that the salad was a unique twist on the classic Caesar, inspired by the flavors of the Australian Outback. The red desert spices added a smoky, earthy kick to the dish, while the fresh greens and creamy dressing kept it light and refreshing.

I watched as Lily prepared the salad, marinating the chicken in a blend of native spices and grilling it to perfection. She tossed together crisp romaine lettuce, crunchy croutons, and a generous sprinkling of grated Parmesan cheese. The final touch was a drizzle of her homemade Caesar dressing, made with tangy Worcestershire sauce and zesty lemon juice.

As I took my first bite of the salad, I was blown away by the explosion of flavors in my mouth. The tender, juicy chicken paired perfectly with the crisp lettuce and creamy dressing. It was a taste sensation unlike anything I had ever experienced before.

I knew that I had to learn how to make this incredible dish for myself, so I asked Lily if she would be willing to teach me. She was delighted to pass on her recipe, and we spent the afternoon cooking together in her makeshift kitchen.

I learned all of Lily's secrets for creating the perfect Australian Caesar Salad with Red Desert Spiced Chicken. She showed me how to mix the spices for the chicken marinade, how to grill it just right, and how to assemble the salad with precision and care.

After a few hours of cooking and chatting, the salad was finally ready. I couldn't wait to taste my own creation, and as I took my first bite, I knew that I had mastered the recipe. The flavors were just as bold and delicious as I remembered, and I felt a sense of pride knowing that I could now make this dish anytime I wanted.

Since that day, the Australian Caesar Salad with Red Desert Spiced Chicken has become a staple in my cooking repertoire. I have shared the recipe with friends and family, who are always impressed by the unique flavors and exotic ingredients.

Every time I make this salad, I am transported back to that sunny afternoon in Sydney, cooking with Lily and learning about the rich culinary heritage of Australia. It is a memory that I will cherish forever, and one that I am grateful to have passed on through this delicious recipe.