Hoda Kotb’s 3-Ingredient 'Perfect Meal' Is Our Favorite ‘Today’ Memory

As Hoda Kotb wraps up her nearly 18-year run on "Today," we're reflecting on some of our favorite food moments with the beloved anchor. At the top of that list is when she introduced us to her idea of the "perfect meal."

So, what makes a meal perfect? Is it delicious? Easy to make? With just a few ingredients? Kotb’s choice checks all those boxes—and more. Plus, it's a century old.

Hoda Kotb's Perfect Caesar Salad

While many of us were celebrating America's birthday on July 4 this year, the hosts of "Today with Hoda and Jenna" marked another special occasion: the 100th anniversary of the humble Caesar salad. Invented in Tijuana, Mexico, by Italian chef Caesar Cardini, the salad—featuring romaine, croutons, and creamy Caesar dressing—has become a classic. And, paired with fries and a dry martini, it has earned its place as the "perfect meal” in Kotb's eyes.

During the segment, Kotb and her co-host Jenna Bush Hager were each given a platter with a salad, fries, and martini, and Kotb dug straight into the dressed leaves.

“This, by the way, is the perfect meal,” she said.

“Can we also just thank Caesar for inventing the Caesar salad? Because...when I was little, the Caesar salad introduced me to lettuce,” Hager said. “The Caesar salad is really just lettuce covered with delicious cream, cheese, and bread.”

“You’re so right,” Kotb agreed. But she takes Hager’s order of a Caesar salad with extra dressing one step further.

“My favorite way to have a Caesar is you get the romaine lettuce; you slice it in half; you drizzle it with olive oil, salt, and pepper; put it on the grill—grill it, grill it, grill it, flip it, grill it, take it off. Put the Caesar dressing on it and some croutons. There’s nothing better,” she said.

“You do that? How many times have you done that,” Hager asked.

“Once,” Kotb said with a laugh. “It was really good.”

It might sound like a weird technique, but it’s one we’ve stood behind for years. Grilling the romaine lettuce adds flavor and texture to the otherwise boring vegetable.

When you lightly char your romaine, it begins to caramelize on the grill and brings out a new, sweet, smoky flavor in the lettuce. One of our Allrecipes Allstars has been using the method for years, and she recommends searing the lettuce at medium-high heat to char the leaves while keeping the center cool and crisp.

Even though Kotb says she’s only tried the method once—and it was delicious—it’s incredibly simple to try any time you’re craving a Caesar. Instead of taking the time to chop up your romaine, use those few minutes to throw the heads on the grill.

So, thank you, Hoda, for this perfect meal idea and 18 years of culinary inspiration. You’ll be truly missed!

Read the original article on ALLRECIPES