Name: Ananda Caesar Salad with Cornmeal-Chickpea Pancake
Yield: Makes 4 servings
Ingredients: 1 cup plain low-fat yogurt; 1/8 teaspoon dried Guntur red chile,* seeded and finely chopped; 2 large leaves basil, cut crosswise into thin strips; 1 clove garlic, finely chopped; 1/8 teaspoon fine sea salt; 1/4 cup onion, finely chopped (from 1/8 medium onion); 1 1/2 tablespoons Parmesan cheese, finely grated; 1 tablespoon sherry vinegar; 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce; 3 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil; 1/2 teaspoon fine sea salt; 4 (1-inch-thick) slices whole wheat bread, crusts removed; 2 cloves garlic, peeled and cut in half; 1 teaspoon extra-virgin olive oil; 1 tablespoon onion, finely chopped; 2 large leaves basil, coarsely chopped; 1/4 cup chickpea flour**; 1/4 cup fine yellow cornmeal; 1/8 teaspoon baking powder; 1/8 teaspoon fine sea salt; 1 large egg, lightly beaten; 1/2 cup well-shaken buttermilk; 2 cups iceberg lettuce, torn into bite-sized pieces; 1 (2-ounce) piece Parmesan cheese, shaved; *Guntur red chile, native to southern India, is available at Asian and Indian markets. If unavailable, dried ancho or chipotle chiles, or ground ancho chile powder make good substitutes.; **Chickpea flour, also called gram flour or besan, can be found at Middle Eastern and Indian markets or at Kalustyans.com.; two 12-inch squares cheesecloth

Image may contain Bowl Food Dish Meal Cutlery Spoon Plant Confectionery and Sweets

Ananda Caesar Salad with Cornmeal-Chickpea PancakeLara Ferroni

This twist on the Caesar salad is part of a healthy and delicious spa menu developed exclusively for Epicurious by Ananda spa in India. Iceberg lettuce is topped with a crispy buttermilk, cornmeal, and chickpea flour pancake, low-fat cheese made from yogurt and spices, and an anchovy-free dressing. Note that the raw garlic is rubbed on the croutons after rather than before toasting to preserve its volatile oils. Garlic—particularly when it's uncooked—has been attributed with numerous health benefits, including fighting cancer and killing harmful bacteria. If you are following an Ayurvedic diet, the experts at Ananda recommend this for vata and kapha doshas.

Be sure to start this recipe at least one day ahead.

Recipe notes

Caramelized Onion Pasta

Turn humble onions into this thrifty yet luxe pasta dinner.

Béchamel Sauce

This classic 15-minute sauce is your secret weapon for homemade mac and cheese, chowder, lasagna, and more.

Butternut Squash–Kale Salad With Roasted Garlic Vinaigrette

Round out these autumn greens with tart pomegranate seeds, crunchy pepitas, and a shower of Parmesan.

London Fog Brownies

Yes, brownies can—and should—be made with white chocolate.

Mascarpone Cheesecake

An extra-silky filling (no water bath needed!) and a smooth sour cream topping make this the ultimate cheesecake.

Crème Anglaise

The silky French vanilla sauce that goes with everything.

Classic French Bouillabaisse With Rouille

This flexible recipe is all you need to bring this iconic Provençal seafood stew to your table.

Our Favorite French Onion Soup

Caramelized onions, melty Gruyère, and a deeply savory broth deliver the kind of comfort that doesn’t need improving.