Brussel Sprout, Kale & Chicken Tenderloin Caesar Salad with Smoky Rye Croutons

Serves 4

Ingredients

500g Bird & Barrow Chicken Tenderloins

3 thick slices rye sourdough bread

1 tsp smoked paprika

Generous pinch cayenne pepper

500g brussel sprouts

6 leaves kale, stems removed and very finely sliced

6 free range eggs

1 cup finely grated parmesan cheese for sprinkling

Sea salt & cracked pepper

Olive oil for roasting and sauteing

Traditional Caesar Dressing

1 clove garlic

5 anchovies

Juice of 1 lemon

½ cup mayo

½ cup finely grated parmesan

Cracked black pepper

Method

1. Preheat oven to 160°C. Tear the bread into rough chunks. Drizzle with olive oil, sprinkle with paprika, cayenne pepper and a generous seasoning of sea salt and cracked black pepper. Bake for 25 minutes until browned and crunchy. Can be made up to 4 hours in advance. If storing, allow to cool completely before placing in an airtight container in the pantry.
2. Combine the anchovies and garlic in a mortar and pestle. Pound until a smooth paste. Add the remaining ingredients, mix really well and add cracked black pepper to taste.

To Assemble

3. Use a mandoline to finely shave the brussel sprouts. Be careful of your fingers! Thinly shred the kale. Combine with the dressing and mix well. It’s ideal to let the dressing soften the salad for 10 minutes.
4. Heat a skillet or grill pan over a high heat. Season the chicken with salt and pepper. Drizzle a little oil in the pan and cook chicken for 2–3 minutes on each side until browned and cooked through.
5. Bring a medium saucepan of water to a boil. Carefully drop the eggs into this. Cook for 7 minutes. Remove from the heat, run under cold water and peel carefully. Cut in half.
6. Divide the salad between 4 plates. Top with the eggs, chicken, croutons and extra grated parmesan. Serve immediately.