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Epicurious

Caesar-Style Puntarelle

By Zach Pollack
Image may contain Animal Seafood Food Lobster Sea Life Plant and Meal
Photo by Peden & Munk

Puntarelle is a crisp, spiky Italian green related to chicory. If you can get it, you’re in luck. If not, escarole is a great substitute.

Recipe information

  • Yield

    Serves 2

Ingredients

1/2 cup coarsely torn fresh breadcrumbs
1 tablespoon olive oil
1/4 teaspoon dried oregano
Kosher salt
8 oil-packed anchovy fillets
1 large egg yolk
1 small shallot, finely chopped
1 clove garlic, finely chopped
1 ounce Parmesan, finely grated (about 1 cup), plus more for serving
2 tablespoons white wine vinegar
4 1/2 teaspoons fresh lemon juice
2 teaspoons Dijon mustard
1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
3 dashes hot sauce (preferably Tabasco)
1/4 cup plus 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
1/4 cup olive oil
Freshly ground black pepper
6 cups thinly sliced puntarelle or torn escarole leaves
4 boquerones (marinated white anchovies), chopped (optional)

Preparation

  1. Step 1

    Preheat oven to 350°F. Toss breadcrumbs with oil and dried oregano on a rimmed baking sheet and season with salt. Toast, tossing halfway through for even browning, until golden brown, 8–10 minutes. Let cool.

    Step 2

    While the bread is toasting, blend anchovies, egg yolk, shallot, garlic, Parmesan, vinegar, lemon juice, mustard, Worcestershire sauce, and hot sauce in a blender until smooth. With motor running, gradually stream in both oils; blend until smooth and emulsified. Season dressing with salt and pepper.

    Step 3

    Toss puntarelle, boquerones (if using), and 2 Tbsp. dressing in a large bowl (reserve remaining dressing for another use); season with salt.

    Step 4

    Serve salad topped with breadcrumbs and more Parmesan.

  2. Do Ahead

    Step 5

    Dressing can be made 1 day ahead. Cover and chill.

Nutrition Per Serving

Calories (kcal) 930 Fat (g) 86 Saturated Fat (g) 15 Cholesterol (mg) 125 Carbohydrates (g) 27 Dietary Fiber (g) 6 Total Sugars (g) 2 Protein (g) 16 Sodium (mg) 1120
TagsSaladCaesar SaladItalian AmericanItalianEuropeanAnchovyFishSeafoodParmesanCheeseDairyEscaroleChicoryLeafy GreensVegetableMainSideDinnerNut FreeVegetarianBlenderEpicurious

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