TOMATO CAESAR SALAD WITH BACON PARMESAN CRISPS

TOMATO CAESAR SALAD WITH BACON PARMESAN CRISPS image

Yield 4 servings

Number Of Ingredients 11

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2 slices thick-cut bacon
1/2 cup plus 3 tablespoons freshly grated parmigiano-reggiano cheese
1 1/2 teaspoons all-purpose flour
4 anchovy fillets, rinsed and minced
1 small clove garlic, finely grated
2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil, plus more for drizzling
1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
5 medium or large heirloom tomatoes, sliced crosswise about 1/2 inch thick
Flaky sea salt and freshly ground pepper
Watercress or baby arugula, for topping

Steps:

Preheat the oven to 375 degrees F. Cook the bacon in a skillet over medium heat, turning, until very crisp. Drain on paper towels until cool, then finely chop. Stir the bacon, 1/2 cup parmigiano-reggiano and the flour in a small bowl. Line a baking sheet with a silicone mat or parchment paper. Divide the bacon-cheese mixture into 4 mounds on the baking sheet and flatten each one into about a 3 1/2-inch round. Bake until golden brown and the cheese melts, about 7 minutes. Let cool on the baking sheet 5 minutes, then carefully transfer to a rack using a thin spatula and let cool completely. Make the dressing: Whisk the anchovies, garlic, lemon juice, olive oil, Worcestershire sauce and the remaining 3 tablespoons cheese in a small bowl. Arrange the tomatoes on a platter, sprinkling each layer with salt, pepper and some of the dressing. Scatter the watercress on top and drizzle with olive oil. Break the bacon-parmesan crisps into bite-size pieces and add to the salad. Photograph by Anna Williams