Perfect Caesar salad

The ultimate New York salad with crunchy croutons, anchovies, crisp gem lettuce and a thick garlicky dressing, this recipe comes from The Breslin's brilliant chef April Bloomfield

Prep:10 mins
Cook:15 mins

Serves 4
Easy

Nutrition per serving

kcal 820
fat 68g
saturates 6g
carbs 33g
sugars 6g
fibre 5g
protein 17g
salt 3.1g

Ingredients

225g day-old rustic Italian bread, crusts discarded and bread torn into bite-sized pieces
10 anchovy fillets, plus extra to serve
60ml red wine vinegar
3 tbsp Dijon mustard
2 garlic cloves
1 large egg
240ml vegetable oil
30g grated Parmigiano-Reggiano, plus extra shaved to serve
4 Little Gem lettuces, leaves separated and chilled

Method

Heat oven to 200C/180C fan/gas 6. Spread the bread out on a baking tray and bake for about 12 mins until golden and crisp, then leave to cool.
Meanwhile, in a food processor, combine the 10 anchovy fillets with the vinegar, mustard and garlic, and purée until smooth. Add the egg and pulse until just incorporated. With the machine on, gradually drizzle in the vegetable oil until it emulsifies to create a creamy dressing. Scrape the dressing into a bowl and stir in the cheese. Season, cover with cling film and put in the fridge until well chilled and thickened, at least 30 mins.
In a very large bowl, toss the chilled lettuce leaves with half the dressing, gently rubbing the dressing onto the leaves with your hands. (Save the remaining dressing for another salad or to serve with grilled chicken.) Divide the dressed lettuce between chilled bowls and scatter the croutons on top. Garnish with anchovy fillets and serve right away, passing round the extra cheese at the table.