GRILLED ESCAROLE CAESAR SALAD

Grilled Escarole Caesar Salad image

Provided by Marc Murphy

Time 1h50m

Yield 6 to 8 servings

Number Of Ingredients 12

1/4 cup Garlic Confit, recipe follows
1/4 cup red wine vinegar
2 tablespoons (about 1/2 ounce) freshly grated Parmigiano-Reggiano
1 teaspoon kosher salt
1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
3 anchovy fillets
1 large egg yolk
3/4 cup vegetable or canola oil
2 heads escarole, trimmed with root intact and sliced in half lengthwise
Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper
2 cups peeled garlic cloves (between 40 and 50)
1 1/4 cups extra-virgin olive oil, plus more as needed

Steps:

For the Caesar vinaigrette: Combine the Garlic Confit, vinegar, Parmigiano-Reggiano, salt, pepper, anchovies, egg yolk and 2 tablespoons water in a blender, then blend on medium speed until smooth. With the motor running, slowly add the oil in a thin stream until it has been incorporated and the vinaigrette is creamy.
Use immediately or transfer to an airtight container and refrigerate. The vinaigrette will keep for up to 3 days.
For the grilled escarole: Heat a grill for cooking over medium-high heat.
Sprinkle escarole with salt and pepper. Put escarole cut-side down on grill and cook until grill marks form, about 1 minute. Remove from grill and cut into 1 1/2-inch pieces. Transfer to a serving platter and toss with Caesar vinaigrette to taste.
Place the garlic in a small saucepan and add enough oil to cover. Set the saucepan over low heat and cook until the garlic is soft and pale golden, 30 to 35 minutes. Let the garlic cool in the oil. Store garlic covered in the oil, adding more oil if necessary.