Catherine de Medici’s Salad (Insalata di Caterina) 🥗
Cook Time: 30 minutes
Prep Time: 30 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour
Servings: Varies
Description:
Indulge in the historical culinary journey with Catherine de Medici’s favorite salad, as immortalized in the annals of culinary history. Also referred to as Insalata di Caterina (Catherine’s Salad), Misticanza del pastore (Shepherd’s Mixture), or Insalata Rinascimentale (Renaissance Salad), this dish is a testament to the richness of Italian gastronomy. Hailing from the vibrant city of Florence, this salad boasts a distinctive anchovy flavor, offering a delightful twist for the discerning palate. This recipe is a cherished gem from Paolo Petroni’s “The Complete Book of Florentine Cooking,” representing the culinary heritage of Florence through the ages. Rest assured, it’s tried, tested, and guaranteed authentic.
Keywords:
Vegetable, European, Very Low Carbs, Low Protein, Low Cholesterol, < 60 Mins, Easy, Inexpensive
Ingredients:
- Capers
- Vinegar
- Olive oil
- Mixed salad greens (at least 3 varieties)
- Pecorino cheese
- Anchovy fillets
- Salt
- Pepper
- Hardboiled eggs (for garnish)
Instructions:
| Step | Description | Time |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Wash the different varieties of salad thoroughly, ensuring they are free from any dirt or impurities. | 5 minutes |
| 2 | Pat dry the washed salad greens using a clean kitchen towel or salad spinner to remove excess moisture. | 5 minutes |
| 3 | Place the dried salad greens in a large salad bowl, preferably a wooden one for an authentic touch. | 2 minutes |
| 4 | Cut the pecorino cheese into small cubes, adding them to the salad bowl along with the capers. | 5 minutes |
| 5 | Slice the anchovy fillets into small pieces and scatter them over the salad mixture. | 3 minutes |
| 6 | Season the salad with a pinch of salt and a sprinkle of pepper, according to your taste preferences. | 2 minutes |
| 7 | Drizzle the salad with olive oil and vinegar, ensuring each leaf is lightly coated with the dressing. | 3 minutes |
| 8 | Gently toss the salad ingredients together, ensuring they are evenly coated with the dressing. | 2 minutes |
| 9 | Serve the salad immediately, garnished with wedges of hardboiled eggs for a decorative touch. | 3 minutes |
Chef’s Tips:
- For an extra burst of flavor, consider adding a handful of toasted pine nuts or walnuts to the salad.
- Experiment with different varieties of salad greens, such as arugula, frisée, or radicchio, to customize the dish to your liking.
- If you prefer a milder anchovy flavor, you can rinse the fillets under cold water before adding them to the salad.
- Serve this salad as a refreshing starter or as a light accompaniment to grilled meats or seafood dishes.
- To enhance the presentation, arrange the salad on individual plates and top each serving with a sprinkle of freshly grated pecorino cheese.
Embark on a culinary voyage through the Renaissance era with Catherine de Medici’s Salad, a dish that transcends time and tantalizes the taste buds with its exquisite flavors and historical significance. Buon appetito! 🇮🇹🍴
