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Black Garlic Caesar Salad

5.0

(2)

Black garlic Caesar salad on a platter.
Photograph by Tonje Thilesen, Food styling by Lauren Stanek, Prop styling by Charlotte Autry

“Black garlic can make nearly anything taste good,” says Silver Iocovozzi, chef at Neng Jr.’s in Asheville, North Carolina. Made by aging regular garlic in a warm environment for a few weeks, the resulting cloves are jammy in texture, jet-black, and slightly sweet, with a deep, almost mushroom-like flavor. Locate black garlic at some specialty markets and Asian grocery stores.

In this twist on the classic Caesar salad, black garlic blends with anchovies and lemon juice to form an inky, deeply savory dressing for romaine lettuce; the torn shiso leaves are optional but provide a light, minty lift. Says Iocovozzi, “Save the leftover dressing—it can be used as a sauce for so many things, including as a delicious barbecue marinade.”

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What you’ll need

Recipe information

  • Total Time

    20 minutes

  • Yield

    8–10 servings

Ingredients

3 oz. black garlic, peeled (about 6 cloves)
⅓ cup fresh lemon juice
1 2-oz. tin oil-packed anchovy fillets, drained, coarsely chopped
2 Tbsp. Dijon mustard
½ tsp. Diamond Crystal or ¼ tsp. Morton kosher salt
1 oz. Parmesan, finely grated (about ½ cup), plus more for serving
Freshly ground pepper
⅔ cup extra-virgin olive oil
4 heads of romaine lettuce, leaves separated, largest leaves halved crosswise
Shiso leaves (for serving; optional)

Preparation

  1. Step 1

    Purée 3 oz. black garlic, peeled (about 6 cloves), ⅓ cup fresh lemon juice, and ¼ cup warm water in a blender until smooth. Add one 2-oz. tin oil-packed anchovy fillets, drained, coarsely chopped, 2 Tbsp. Dijon mustard, ½ tsp. Diamond Crystal or ¼ tsp. Morton kosher salt, and 1 oz. Parmesan, finely grated (about ½ cup), and season with freshly ground pepper; blend until smooth. With motor running, gradually stream in ⅔ cup extra-virgin olive oil; blend until incorporated.

    Step 2

    Place 4 heads of romaine lettuce, leaves separated, largest leaves halved crosswise, in a large bowl; drizzle dressing over as desired and toss to coat. (Save any remaining dressing for another use.) Transfer salad to a platter. Tear shiso leaves over (if using) and top with more Parmesan.

    Do Ahead: Dressing can be made 2 days ahead. Cover and chill.

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