Buzz Summer Camp Directory
BELLAIRE • MEMORIAL • RIVER OAKS • TANGLEWOOD • WEST UNIVERSITY

Jim Mills’ Southwest Caesar Salad

Jim Mills’ Southwest Caesar Salad

Jim Mills’ Southwest Caesar Salad

Chef Jim Mills is famous for, among other things, his Southwest Caesar salad. Read more about Chef Jim Mills in this Chef's Corner

Ingredients: 

For the vegetables:
2 heads Romaine lettuce, washed and torn into 1½-by-1½ -inch pieces
1½ cups Spicy Caesar Dressing (recipe follows)
¾ cup cooked black beans
¾ cup roasted corn kernels
½ cup pumpkin seeds (pepitas) from a Mexican squash
½ cup cotija cheese (Mexican white cheese) or other queso fresco
Multicolored tortilla chips for garnish

For spicy Caesar dressing:
1 egg yolk
1 Tablespoon minced garlic
2 teaspoons Dijon mustard
2 anchovy fillets, minced
1½ teaspoons coarsely ground black pepper
¼ teaspoon salt
½ teaspoon ground coriander
½ teaspoon ground cumin
1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
2 teaspoons cold water
½ cup extra-virgin olive oil
½ cup canola oil
1½ Tablespoons Thai chili paste
Juice of ½ lemon
Juice of ½ lime
3 Tablespoons freshly grated Parmesan cheese

Recipe directions: 

Make salad dressing in the bowl of a food processor. Combine yolk, garlic, mustard, anchovies, pepper, salt, coriander, cumin, Worcestershire sauce and water, then process until smooth. With the motor running, pour oils in a slow, steady stream into the egg mixture. When all oil has been incorporated, add chili paste, lemon and lime juices, and Parmesan, then process until smooth. Put aside in the refrigerator until ready to use. Note: If concerned about using raw egg yolk because of the risk of salmonella poisoning, use an egg substitute or omit the egg.

To assemble the salad, spin or pat lettuce dry and place in large salad bowl. Add dressing and toss lightly. Gently toss in beans and corn. Divide salad onto four chilled plates. Sprinkle with pumpkin seeds and cheese. Garnish with tortilla chips. Serve immediately. Makes 4 servings.

To leave a comment, please log in or create an account with The Buzz Magazines, Disqus, Facebook, or Twitter. Or you may post as a guest.