by Ray Rogers
“The kitchen is my art. It’s a big canvas that is always changing colors and textures,” says Joni Brosnan, whose namesake beach cafe has been an institution since the day she opened its doors in the summer of 2001. Now, with the launch of her debut cookbook, Joni’s, A Love Letter to Summer in Montauk, you can make her trademark delicious fresh fare at home, all while devouring her charming stories from the end of the world. As her regulars Julianne Moore and Bart Freundlich note, “Joni’s value of community, refreshing simplicity and playfulness embody the spirit of Montauk.”
Hail Caesar!
The best thing about being twins is being twins. With one exception: You end up sharing more than most people. I love this recipe for my kids, Grace and Liam, because one gets a wrap, one gets a salad, depending on who’s in the mood. No negotiating necessary.
My take on a Caesar has a dose of the superfoods umeboshi paste and dulse for robust umami flavor (a little goes a long way). Both ingredients are rich in trace minerals like iron, riboflavin and zinc—micronutrients that support hemoglobin levels for cognitive function.
This recipe leaves you with some spare dressing to smear on roasted fish or dress future salads.
Caesar Salad
Serves 4 (V)
INGREDIENTS:
Dressing
1 cup vegan mayo
1 tablespoon freshly squeezed lemon juice, plus more as needed
1 tablespoon minced shallot
1 tablespoon chopped Italian parsley
1 tablespoon chopped fresh oregano
1 teaspoon dry mustard powder
1 small garlic clove, finely grated
½ teaspoon umeboshi paste (Japanese plum paste; see Note)
¼ teaspoon toasted dulse flakes (see Note) or crumbled nori sheets
Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper
Salad
3 heads romaine lettuce, roughly chopped
1 cup shredded carrots
¾ cup toasted sesame sticks
Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper
Baked gingery tofu, for serving
INSTRUCTIONS:
1. Make the dressing: In a blender or in a medium bowl and using an immersion blender, combine all the ingredients except salt and pepper with ¼ cup of water and puree until smooth. Season with salt, pepper and more lemon juice, if needed. If your dressing is too thick, add more water 1 tablespoon at a time. Scrape the dressing into a pint-size jar, cover and refrigerate until ready to use.
2. Make the salad: In a large bowl, combine the romaine and carrots. Pour some of the Caesar dressing over the top and toss to coat. Add the sesame sticks. Season with salt and pepper. Serve with baked tofu, if desired, as a salad or in a wrap of your choice.
Note
Umeboshi paste and dulse can be found in the international aisle in most grocery stores, at Asian specialty stores and online retailers. Try umeboshi paste and grated ginger in hot tea to soothe the stomach, or sprinkle dulse flakes over omelets and soups for a savory edge.
Health Benefits
Oregano: Flu deterrent with antimicrobial properties.
Dulse: Mineral-rich seaweed is packed with potassium and is a natural source of iodine.
Umeboshi paste: Salted and dried ume fruit is a superfood that reduces acid reflux and bloating. It’s also an ancient food-poisoning remedy. jonismontauk.com