Jul 14 2026
Restaurants›Merchant Bar›Charred Romain Caesar Salad Recipe

Charred Romain Caesar Salad Recipe

Inspired by Merchant Bar
Time45m
Serves4

crispy thin cut fries, zaʼatar, saffron aïoli, curry butter breadcrumbs, parmesan cheese, ketchup (v) (add chicken 6, steak 10 or shrimp 10)

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Ingredients

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Salad Base

Crispy Thin Cut Fries

Saffron Aïoli

Curry Butter Breadcrumbs

Optional Proteins

Condiments

Method

Preparation of Fries

  1. 1

    Preheat Oven

    Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C).

  2. 2

    Cut Potatoes

    Wash and cut the potatoes into thin fries, about 1/4 inch thick.

  3. 3

    Season Fries

    In a bowl, toss the cut fries with olive oil, za'atar spice mix, and salt until well coated.

  4. 4

    Bake Fries

    Spread the fries in a single layer on a baking sheet and bake for 25-30 minutes or until golden and crispy, flipping halfway through.

Preparing the Salad

  1. 5

    Char the Romaine

    Cut the romaine lettuce heads in half lengthwise. Brush the cut sides with olive oil and place them cut-side down on a hot grill or skillet. Char for about 2-3 minutes until grill marks appear.

  2. 6

    Plate the Charred Romaine

    Remove the charred romaine from the grill and place it on a serving platter. Sprinkle with Parmesan cheese.

Making Saffron Aïoli

  1. 7

    Prepare Aïoli

    In a bowl, combine mayonnaise, a pinch of saffron threads, minced garlic, and lemon juice. Mix well and set aside.

Making Curry Butter Breadcrumbs

  1. 8

    Melt Butter

    In a skillet, melt the butter over medium heat.

  2. 9

    Toast Breadcrumbs

    Add the breadcrumbs and curry powder to the skillet. Stir continuously for about 5 minutes or until the breadcrumbs are golden and crispy.

Assembling the Salad

  1. 10

    Add Fries to Salad

    Top the charred romaine with the crispy fries and drizzle with saffron aïoli.

  2. 11

    Add Breadcrumbs

    Sprinkle the curry butter breadcrumbs over the top.

  3. 12

    Add Optional Proteins

    If desired, add grilled chicken, steak, or shrimp on top of the salad.

  4. 13

    Serve with Ketchup

    Serve the salad immediately with a side of ketchup for dipping.

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