Perfect caesar salad

• day-old rustic Italian bread225g g

  crusts discarded and bread torn into bite-sized pieces

• anchovy fillets↗10

  plus extra to serve

• red wine vinegar↗60ml ml
• Dijon mustard↗3 tbsp tbsp
• garlic cloves↗2
• large egg↗1
• vegetable oil↗240ml ml
• grated Parmigiano-Reggiano30g g

  plus extra shaved to serve

• Little Gem lettuces↗4

  leaves separated and chilled

Step-by-step instructions

1. 1

   Heat oven to 200C/180C fan/gas 6. Spread the bread out on a baking tray and bake for about 12 mins until golden and crisp, then leave to cool.

2. 2

   Meanwhile, in a food processor, combine the 10 anchovy fillets with the vinegar, mustard and garlic, and purée until smooth. Add the egg and pulse until just incorporated. With the machine on, gradually drizzle in the vegetable oil until it emulsifies to create a creamy dressing. Scrape the dressing into a bowl and stir in the cheese. Season, cover with cling film and put in the fridge until well chilled and thickened, at least 30 mins.

3. 3

   In a very large bowl, toss the chilled lettuce leaves with half the dressing, gently rubbing the dressing onto the leaves with your hands. (Save the remaining dressing for another salad or to serve with grilled chicken.) Divide the dressed lettuce between chilled bowls and scatter the croutons on top. Garnish with anchovy fillets and serve right away, passing round the extra cheese at the table.