cheese-less caesar

March 9, 2014 • Nancy Wolfson-Moche

“Iceberg lettuce?” many people ask.  Yes! It is crisp, refreshing and delicious paired with more vitamin-intense and sometimes bitter darker leafy greens, like the arugula here.  Another plus: this crunchy green encourages you to chew, which is essential for good digestion, absorption and metabolization.

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serves 4

INgredients

¼ head of iceberg lettuce

¼ bunch arugula

2 pink radishes

2 thick slices whole wheat challah bread

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2 Tablespoons EVOO (Extra Virgin Olive Oil)

for the creamy vegan “Caesar” dressing  (makes about 1 cup)

Note: It is good to make this dressing a day before you serve it; this gives the flavors the opportunity to fully merge and emerge.

4 Tablespoons toasted sesame tahini

½ onion or shallot

juice of 2 lemons

2 teaspoons umeboshi plum paste

¼ cup spring or filtered water

Process   Wash the iceberg lettuce, arugula and radishes separately.  Drain them.  Chop the iceberg into inch-square pieces

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and place in a medium glass or ceramic bow. Chop the arugula into similar-sized pieces and place on top of the iceberg in the bowl.

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Remove the tough stem and root from the radish. Slice it in half lengthwise; then cut half-moons from each half.

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Halve each half-moon again so they are triangular pieces about the same size as the lettuce and arugula.

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Add them to the salad bowl.Make the dressing:  Mince the onion and place it and all other ingredients in a blender.  Blend well.   Pour on the salad

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and store the rest in a jar.  It will keep for up to a week in the fridge. Make the croutons:  Heat a cast iron or stainless steel skillet on a medium flame for about 2 minutes. Add the olive oil and add the bread. When it turns a golden brown color, turn it over and allow the other side to brown.

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Remove from pan and dredge on a brown paper bag.  Cut each piece of fried bread into 12-16 very small croutons.

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Place croutons on top of the dressed salad and toss.

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Serve on individual plates.

©Nancy Wolfson-Moche 2014

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Icing on the Cake: Testimonials

I’m very impressed by all the elements you are able to pack into the lesson without it seeming at all overwhelming: the review, the actual cooking skills, the creativity of coming up with their own dishes, the chance to present their creations, the opportunity to learn about and share thoughts on something else (in last week’s case, the feelings represented in the book), the execution of their  jobs, the responsibility for one’s station/implements and the overall following of directions…..all without losing the fun quotient. No wonder the kids love coming!  You’ve really created something special so kudos to you!

- T.