Kale Caesar With Garlicky Panko Crunch Food

KALE CAESAR SALAD

Steps:

• Coat a large saute pan with olive oil. Toss in half the garlic and the crushed red pepper and bring the pan to medium heat. Cook the garlic until it becomes golden and very aromatic, 2 to 3 minutes. Remove the garlic and ditch it-it has fulfilled its garlic destiny. Toss in the bread cubes and cook, stirring frequently, until they are golden, crisp, and have absorbed all the oil, like little olive oil sponges. Remove from the heat and reserve.
• In the bowl of a food processor, combine the Parmigiano, lemon zest and juice, the remaining garlic, the Dijon, anchovies, and Worcestershire. Puree until the mixture is smooth, 15 to 20 seconds. With the machine running, add 1/4 to 1/3 cup olive oil through the feed tube. Let the processor continue to run for another 10 to 15 seconds. Taste and season with salt if needed.
• In a large bowl, toss the kale with the croutons and two-thirds of the dressing. Let the kale sit for 3 to 4 minutes to soften. Taste, add the remaining dressing, and adjust the seasoning if needed.

GARLICKY, LEMONY KALE

Steps:

• Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat until shimmering. Add the garlic and cook, stirring constantly, until translucent and soft. Add the kale and stir to coat with garlic and oil. Cook until tender, about 5 minutes.
• Meanwhile, heat a grill pan over medium-high heat. Place the lemon halves cut-side down in the pan and cook without moving until grill marks are visible, about 2 minutes.
• Toast the almonds in a small skillet over medium-high heat until fragrant and slightly golden brown, about 3 minutes.
• Transfer the kale to a serving bowl and squeeze a charred lemon half over the top. Sprinkle with the toasted almonds and pecorino shavings. Serve with the other lemon half on the side. Enjoy!

CRUNCHY CABBAGE AND KALE SALAD WITH GARLIC-PARMESAN VINAIGRETTE

Steps:

• Place the panko, peeled and smashed garlic cloves and thyme sprigs in a medium skillet and set over medium-low heat. Drizzle 2 tablespoons of olive oil over the panko and cook, stirring often, until the panko is golden, about 5 minutes. Season with a 1/2 teaspoon of salt and several grinds of black pepper. Discard the garlic and thyme, then spread the panko on a large plate to cool.
• While the breadcrumbs are cooling, place the cabbage on a cutting board with the root end facing up; cut in half. Place each half cut-side down and then cut each half into 2 equal wedges. Using a sharp knife or mandoline, slice the cabbage wedges into thin ribbons, making sure to avoid slicing the core. (Keeping the core intact helps to hold cabbage in place and makes slicing easier.) Place the sliced cabbage and kale in a large serving bowl.
• Peel and halve the beets. Shave the beet halves with a sharp knife or mandoline into thin half-moon slices and place in the bowl with the sliced cabbage and kale.
• In a small bowl, whisk together the grated garlic clove, vinegar and honey. Whisking continuously, drizzle in the remaining 1/4 cup olive oil until emulsified. Stir in the grated Parmesan. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
• Gently toss the salad with the vinaigrette until evenly dressed. Sprinkle with the almonds, toasted breadcrumbs and shaved Parmesan just before serving.

KALE-ROMAINE CAESAR SALAD

Steps:

• Make the croutons: Heat oven to 400 degrees. Pull the soft bread out of the center of the loaf, leaving the crust behind, and tear the soft bread into bite-size pieces. You should have about 3 cups. Spread pieces on a rimmed baking sheet and bake for about 12 minutes, until golden and crisp. Let cool.
• Prepare the kale: One large leaf at a time, use the tip of a small, sharp knife to cut along the sides of the tough center ribs. (Or, use your fingers to pull the leaves off the rib.) Pull out the rib and discard. When all leaves are trimmed, cut into bite-size pieces. (Do not shred.)
• Prepare the romaine: Cut large leaves crosswise into bite-size pieces. Leave inner leaves whole.
• Fill a sink or salad spinner with very cold water and submerge the leaves. Swish and let soak 5 to 10 minutes. Working in batches, lift out and drain on a kitchen towel, then dry in a salad spinner.
• Place a plastic bag filled with ice in the bottom of a salad bowl. Pile the washed leaves on top, cover with a damp kitchen towel and refrigerate until ready to serve.
• In a blender (or using a hand blender), combine the garlic, anchovies, mustard, a large pinch of salt, about a dozen grinds of black pepper, olive oil and lemon juice. Blend until smooth.
• Cook the egg: Poach in simmering water or in a microwave, until yolk is thickened but still runny. (To poach in a microwave, break egg into a glass bowl or measuring cup. Gently pour in warm water to cover the egg by about 1/2 inch. In bursts of 30 seconds or less, depending on microwave power, cook egg until white is just firm and yolk is thickened. Hold a slotted spoon over the sink and pour the egg and water into it, so the cooked egg is held in the spoon while the cooking water and any uncooked whites drain off.) Put the egg in the dressing and blend.
• Taste and adjust the seasonings with mustard, oil, lemon, salt and pepper. It should be pungent and sharp but not acidic. Blend again, transfer to a container with a tightfitting lid, and chill until ready to use.
• When ready to serve (or up to 2 hours beforehand), remove towel and ice from the bowl and fluff the greens. (If necessary, transfer to a larger bowl; you will need plenty of room for tossing.) Shake the dressing. To the greens, add half the croutons, half the dressing and half the cheese and toss well. Taste and toss with remaining dressing as needed. (If necessary, transfer the tossed salad back to the salad bowl.) Add remaining croutons. Sprinkle remaining grated cheese over the top and grind coarse pepper over that. Serve immediately (or refrigerate for up to 2 hours). Toss once more at the table.