El Torito-style Mexican Caesar Salad
Cilantro Pepita Dressing Ingredients:
- 2 medium Anaheim chiles, roasted, peeled and seeded
- 1/3 cup roasted pepitas (roasted shelled pumpkin seeds)
- 2 large garlic cloves, peeled
- 1/4 tsp ground black pepper
- 1 tsp salt
- 12 ounce salad oil
- 1/4 cup red wine vinegar
- 5 Tbsp grated Cotija cheese (see note)
- 2 small bunches cilantro, stemmed
- 1 1/2 cups mayonnaise
- 1/4 cup water
Salad Ingredients:
- 2 corn tortillas
- Vegetable oil
- 1 large (or two small) heads romaine lettuce, rinsed and spun dry
- 1/3 cup finely grated Cotija cheese
- Roasted red bell pepper, peeled and cut into julienne strips
- 1/2 cup pepitas (roasted shelled pumpkin seeds)
Preparation:
Place all dressing ingredients except cilantro, mayonnaise and water in a a blender of food processor. Blend approximately 10 seconds, then add cilantro little by little until blended smooth. Depending on size of blender, it may be necessary to do in batches.
Place mayonnaise and water in a large stainless steel bowl, and mix with a wire whip until smooth. Add the blended ingredients to the mayonnaise mixture, and mix thoroughly. Place in an air-tight container and refrigerate. Will keep for three days. Yields 1 quart.
To assemble salad, cut corn tortillas into matchstick-size strips. Heat oil in sauté pan; fry tortilla strips until crisp. Remove with slotted spoon, and drain on paper towels. Set aside.
Tear romaine into bite-size pieces. Place greens on salad plates and ladle approximately 2 ounces of cilantro pepita dressing on each salad. Sprinkle each dish with Cotija cheese and tortilla strips.
Arrange four red pepper strips like spokes on the top of each salad, and garnish with whole pepitas.
Makes: 6 to 8Source:
Submitted by: Recipe Group Member
Date:
