Austrian Caesar Salad

Austrian Caesar Salad Recipe - Ingredients and Preparation

Region / culture: Austria | Preparation time: 20 minutes | Cooking time: 15 minutes | Servings: 4

Introduction

The Austrian Caesar Salad is a delightful twist on the classic Caesar Salad, incorporating traditional Austrian flavors to create a unique and delicious dish. This recipe combines the crispness of fresh greens with the savory taste of seasoned chicken, all brought together with a tangy vinaigrette. It's a perfect blend of textures and flavors that makes for a refreshing and satisfying meal.

History

The original Caesar Salad was created in the 1920s by Italian-American restaurateur Caesar Cardini in Tijuana, Mexico. Over the years, it has seen countless variations across the globe. The Austrian Caesar Salad is a modern adaptation that infuses Austrian culinary sensibilities into the classic recipe, such as the use of pumpkin seed oil and a specific blend of herbs for seasoning the chicken.

Ingredients

Vinaigrette

0.5 cup of dijon-style mustard
0.5 cup of canola oil
0.5 cup of red wine vinegar
salt and freshly ground pepper to taste

Salads

4 chicken breasts
salt to taste
0.5 cup of mixed chopped herbs (parsley, basil, thyme, and rosemary)
2 tbsp of virgin olive oil
1 head of iceberg lettuce
1 bunch of watercress
1 tbsp of pumpkin seed oil
2 oz (57 g) of freshly-grated parmesan cheese
2 cups of large bread croutons

How to prepare

Vinaigrette

Combine all ingredients in a covered jar and shake until blended.
The vinaigrette can also be made in a processor or blender, but do not over mix.

Salads

Remove the skin and bones from the breasts.
Season them with salt and coat with the herbs.
Warm the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat and sear the breasts for 1 minute on each side.
Reduce the heat to medium and cook for 7 to 10 minutes, turning once, just until the juices run clear.
Remove the breasts and let them cool enough to handle.
Cut the breasts into 0.5 inch slices, keeping all the slices from each breast together.
Wash and break up the lettuce.
Toss the lettuce with the vinaigrette and arrange it on chilled plates, covering the plates completely.
Place all the slices from one breast around the lettuce on one of the plates of lettuce; repeat with the remaining slices.
Place one-fourth of the watercress in the center of each salad.
Drizzle pumpkin seed oil over the salads.
Sprinkle each salad with Parmesan cheese and croutons.

Variations

For a vegetarian version, replace the chicken with grilled tofu or chickpeas. You can also experiment with different types of greens, such as arugula or spinach, for varied textures and flavors.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

To ensure the chicken is perfectly cooked and juicy, let it rest for a few minutes after cooking before slicing. This allows the juices to redistribute. For the vinaigrette, emulsify the oil and vinegar properly to get a smooth, consistent dressing. Lastly, using fresh, high-quality ingredients, especially for the greens and cheese, makes a significant difference in the overall taste of the salad.

Serving Suggestions

This salad is best served fresh. You can enhance its presentation by arranging the chicken slices and greens artistically on the plate and drizzling the vinaigrette generously. Serve it as a standalone meal or as a sophisticated starter for a more elaborate dining experience.

Cooking Techniques

The key technique in this recipe is searing the chicken to lock in the flavors and then allowing it to cook through on a lower heat for tenderness. Emulsifying the vinaigrette properly is also crucial for the best dressing consistency.

Ingredient Substitutions

If canola oil is not available, any neutral oil like sunflower or grapeseed oil can be used. Apple cider vinegar can replace red wine vinegar for a slightly different but equally delicious taste.

Make Ahead Tips

The vinaigrette can be made ahead and stored in the refrigerator for up to a week. The chicken can also be cooked in advance and reheated gently before serving to save time.

Presentation Ideas

Serve the salad on a wide plate to spread out the ingredients and showcase the colors and textures. Garnish with edible flowers or a sprinkle of paprika for an extra touch of elegance.

Pairing Recommendations

This salad pairs beautifully with a crisp white wine, such as a Grüner Veltliner, which complements the tangy vinaigrette and the savory chicken.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to two days. Reheat the chicken gently in a pan or in the microwave, and dress the salad just before serving to maintain freshness.

Nutrition Information

Calories per serving

Each serving of the Austrian Caesar Salad contains approximately 450 calories, making it a suitable option for a fulfilling meal that doesn't overload on calories.

Carbohydrates

This salad is relatively low in carbohydrates, with the primary sources being the croutons and the small amount of sugar in the mustard. Each serving contains approximately 15 grams of carbohydrates.

Fats

The fats in this salad come mainly from the canola oil, olive oil, and parmesan cheese. These are healthier fats, important for a balanced diet. Each serving contains about 22 grams of fat, with a significant portion being monounsaturated and polyunsaturated fats.

Proteins

The chicken breasts are the primary source of protein in this salad, making it a great option for a protein-rich meal. Each serving provides approximately 35 grams of protein, essential for muscle repair and growth.

Vitamins and minerals

This salad is rich in vitamins A and C, thanks to the iceberg lettuce and watercress. It also provides calcium from the parmesan cheese and iron from the chicken. These nutrients are vital for maintaining healthy bodily functions.

Alergens

The main allergens in this recipe are mustard, which can be a concern for some individuals, and dairy from the parmesan cheese. Those with gluten sensitivities should ensure the croutons are gluten-free.

Summary

Overall, the Austrian Caesar Salad is a balanced meal with a good mix of proteins, healthy fats, and essential vitamins and minerals. It's relatively low in carbohydrates and calories, making it a nutritious option for those mindful of their intake.

Summary

The Austrian Caesar Salad is a delightful and nutritious twist on a classic, combining fresh greens, savory chicken, and a tangy vinaigrette. It's a versatile dish that can be adapted to suit various dietary needs and preferences, making it a perfect addition to any meal. With its blend of flavors and textures, it's sure to become a favorite.

How did I get this recipe?

I can still remember the exact moment I discovered this recipe for Austrian Caesar Salad. It was during my summer trip to Austria many years ago, and I had the pleasure of dining at a quaint little restaurant in the heart of Vienna. The aroma of fresh herbs and spices wafted through the air as I perused the menu, my mouth watering at the possibilities.

As I scanned the menu, my eyes landed on the Caesar Salad. I had always been a fan of this classic dish, but I had never tasted one quite like this before. The waiter brought out a large bowl of crisp romaine lettuce, tossed with an exquisite dressing that was unlike anything I had ever tasted. It was creamy and tangy, with a hint of garlic and anchovy that danced on my taste buds.

I knew in that moment that I needed to learn how to make this salad for myself. I asked the waiter if he could share the recipe with me, but he simply smiled and said it was a secret passed down through generations in his family. Determined to uncover the mystery of this delicious dish, I decided to take matters into my own hands.

After returning home from my trip, I set out to recreate the Austrian Caesar Salad in my own kitchen. I scoured cookbooks and websites for similar recipes, but none of them quite captured the magic of the salad I had tasted in Vienna. Undeterred, I decided to experiment and create my own version of the recipe.

I started by gathering the freshest ingredients I could find. I picked up a head of crisp romaine lettuce, a block of Parmesan cheese, a jar of anchovies, and a loaf of crusty bread for homemade croutons. I also made sure to have plenty of fresh garlic, Dijon mustard, Worcestershire sauce, and a few other key ingredients on hand.

As I began to assemble the salad, I thought back to my time in Austria and the flavors that had captivated me. I whisked together a creamy dressing made with mayonnaise, lemon juice, and a touch of white wine vinegar. I added in minced garlic, Dijon mustard, and Worcestershire sauce for depth of flavor, along with finely chopped anchovies for a salty kick.

Next, I tossed the romaine lettuce with the dressing, making sure to coat each leaf evenly. I sprinkled on a generous amount of freshly grated Parmesan cheese and topped the salad with homemade croutons for a satisfying crunch. As I took my first bite, I closed my eyes and savored the familiar taste of Austria that had transported me back to that charming restaurant in Vienna.

I knew that I had finally cracked the code and created my own version of the Austrian Caesar Salad. It was a dish that brought back memories of my travels and the joy of discovering new flavors and techniques in the kitchen. I shared the recipe with my friends and family, who marveled at the unique combination of ingredients that made this salad so special.

Years have passed since that fateful trip to Austria, but the memory of the Austrian Caesar Salad still lingers in my mind. It serves as a reminder of the power of food to transport us to distant places and create lasting memories. I am grateful for the culinary adventures that have shaped my love of cooking and the joy of sharing delicious meals with those I hold dear. And as I prepare to pass on this recipe to the next generation, I know that the tradition of the Austrian Caesar Salad will live on in my family for years to come.