Caesar Dressing

Authentic Caesar Dressing Recipe - Classic Italian Flavors

Region / culture: Italy | Preparation time: 10 minutes | Servings: 4

Introduction

Caesar dressing is a classic and versatile dressing that can be used on salads, sandwiches, and even as a marinade for meats. It has a rich and creamy texture with a tangy and savory flavor profile that is sure to elevate any dish.

History

Caesar dressing is believed to have been created by Italian chef Caesar Cardini in the 1920s. Legend has it that Cardini invented the dressing when he ran out of ingredients at his restaurant in Tijuana, Mexico, and had to come up with a new dish on the spot. The dressing was originally made with romaine lettuce, croutons, Parmesan cheese, and a dressing made from garlic, anchovies, Worcestershire sauce, lemon juice, Dijon mustard, and olive oil.

Ingredients

2 cloves (2 tsp) of minced garlic
3 anchovy fillets (1 tsp) rinsed and minced
1 tsp of worcestershire sauce
1 tsp of dijon mustard
3 tbsp of fresh lemon juice
1 large egg yolk
5 tbsp of extra virgin olive oil
2 tbsp of freshly grated parmesan
salt and freshly ground pepper to taste

How to prepare

Whisk together the first 6 ingredients until they are well combined.
Gradually add olive oil while whisking to create a smooth dressing.
Stir in the cheese and season with salt and pepper according to taste.
Refrigerate the mixture until it is ready to be used.

Variations

Add a tablespoon of mayonnaise for a creamier dressing.
Substitute white wine vinegar for the lemon juice for a different flavor profile.
Add a teaspoon of honey for a touch of sweetness.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

Make sure to mince the garlic and anchovy fillets finely to ensure they are evenly distributed throughout the dressing.

- Gradually adding the olive oil while whisking will help emulsify the dressing and create a smooth texture.

- Refrigerating the dressing before serving will allow the flavors to meld together and develop a more robust taste.

Serving Suggestions

Serve Caesar dressing on a classic Caesar salad with romaine lettuce, croutons, and Parmesan cheese.

- Use Caesar dressing as a marinade for grilled chicken or shrimp.

- Drizzle Caesar dressing over roasted vegetables for added flavor.

Cooking Techniques

Whisking the dressing ingredients together will help emulsify the oil and create a smooth texture.

- Refrigerating the dressing before serving will allow the flavors to meld together.

Ingredient Substitutions

Use canned anchovies instead of fresh anchovy fillets.

- Substitute Parmesan cheese with Pecorino Romano for a sharper flavor.

Make Ahead Tips

Caesar dressing can be made ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator for up to a week.

- Make a double batch of dressing and use it throughout the week on salads, sandwiches, and as a marinade.

Presentation Ideas

Serve Caesar dressing in a small pitcher or jar for easy drizzling. - Garnish the dressing with freshly cracked black pepper and additional Parmesan cheese.

Pairing Recommendations

Pair Caesar dressing with a crisp white wine like Sauvignon Blanc or Chardonnay.

- Serve Caesar dressing with a side of garlic bread or breadsticks.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Store Caesar dressing in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to a week.

- Allow the dressing to come to room temperature before serving.

Nutrition Information

Calories per serving

220 per serving

Carbohydrates

2g per serving

Fats

- Total Fat: 22g per serving

- Saturated Fat: 4g per serving

Proteins

- Protein: 2g per serving

Vitamins and minerals

Vitamin A: 4% of the daily recommended value per serving

- Calcium: 4% of the daily recommended value per serving

Alergens

Contains egg, fish (anchovies), and dairy (Parmesan cheese)

Summary

Caesar dressing is a rich and creamy dressing that is high in fats and calories, but also contains some essential vitamins and minerals.

Summary

Caesar dressing is a classic and versatile dressing that is easy to make at home. With a rich and creamy texture and a tangy and savory flavor profile, it is sure to become a staple in your kitchen. Serve it on salads, sandwiches, or as a marinade for meats for a delicious and flavorful meal.

How did I get this recipe?

I remember the joy I felt when I first discovered this recipe for Caesar Dressing. It was many years ago, back when I was just a young girl with a passion for cooking. I had always been fascinated by the art of creating delicious dishes from scratch, and I was constantly on the lookout for new recipes to try out.

One day, I was visiting my Aunt Martha, who was known in our family for her amazing cooking skills. As I sat in her cozy kitchen, sipping on a cup of tea and chatting with her about my latest culinary experiments, she suddenly pulled out a tattered old cookbook from one of her kitchen drawers. With a mischievous twinkle in her eye, she handed me the book and told me to turn to a certain page.

As I flipped through the yellowed pages, my eyes landed on a recipe for Caesar Dressing. I had heard of this famous dressing before, but I had never actually tasted it. Intrigued, I asked my Aunt Martha where she had gotten the recipe from. She chuckled and told me that it was a family secret passed down from generation to generation.

Excited to try out this new recipe, I decided to make it for dinner that very night. I gathered all the necessary ingredients and got to work in Aunt Martha's kitchen. The scent of garlic and anchovies filled the air as I whisked together the olive oil, lemon juice, Worcestershire sauce, and Parmesan cheese. I added a raw egg yolk and a dash of mustard, just like the recipe instructed.

As I poured the creamy dressing over a bed of crisp romaine lettuce and crunchy croutons, I couldn't wait to take my first bite. The taste was unlike anything I had ever experienced before - tangy, salty, and rich all at the same time. I was instantly hooked.

From that day on, Caesar Dressing became a staple in my kitchen. I made it for every family gathering, every holiday meal, and every dinner party with friends. I even started experimenting with different variations, adding my own twist to the classic recipe. Sometimes I would throw in some chopped anchovies for an extra punch of flavor, or substitute the Parmesan cheese with sharp Asiago.

Over the years, I learned that Caesar Dressing was much more than just a salad dressing. It was a symbol of my love for cooking, my connection to my family's culinary heritage, and my passion for creating delicious food. Every time I made it, I felt a sense of pride and accomplishment, knowing that I was carrying on a tradition that had been passed down through the generations.

Today, as I stand in my own kitchen, surrounded by my own collection of recipes and cookbooks, I can't help but smile as I make a fresh batch of Caesar Dressing. The familiar aroma of garlic and anchovies fills the air, bringing back memories of that day in Aunt Martha's kitchen when I first discovered this amazing recipe.

As I take a taste of the creamy dressing, I am transported back in time to that moment of pure joy and excitement. And I am reminded once again of the power of food to connect us to our past, our loved ones, and our own innermost passions.

Caesar Dressing will always hold a special place in my heart, not just as a delicious recipe, but as a symbol of everything that cooking means to me. It is a reminder that food is not just sustenance, but a form of art, a way of expressing love, and a source of endless joy and inspiration. And for that, I am eternally grateful.