CAESAR SALAD WITH "CRUSTY" CROUTONS {5 ingred fix}

By grinder

Ingredients

• 1/2 c. garlic-olive oil, divided + {3.75oz}
• 2 oz. grated Parmesan, divided +
• 4 oz. frozen pizza crust, thawed
• 1/2 lemon, juiced
• 1 medium head romaine, chopped, rinsed, dried
• Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper

Preparation

Step 1

Put ¼ cup of oil in a medium skillet over med-high heat and heat until hot but not smoking.

Add ¼ cup of the cheese to a medium bowl and set aside.

Brush a work surface with a little oil and press the dough into a rectangle about ¼” thick. Cut dough into thin strips, about ¼” wide.

When oil is hot, using kitchen scissors, carefully hold dough strips, 2 at a time, over the pan and snip off ¼” pieces, letting them gently fall into the hot oil {this may take several batches}Shallow-fry the dough pieces, tossing frequently with a slotted spoon, Chinese strainer or tongs, until golden brown, 3-4 minutes. Transfer croutons to the bowl with the cheese and toss to coat. Continue frying and dredging in the cheese until all the dough is used.

When ready to serve, add romaine to a large bowl, drizzle with lemon juice and add the remaining ¼ cup oil. Season with salt and pepper to taste and toss well to evenly coat the lettuce. Add remaining ¼ cup of cheese and croutons and toss well until combined.Transfer to a serving platter and top with additional cheese, if desired