Savory Warm Garlic Balsamic Drizzle
Embrace the flavors of Emilia-Romagna with this Savory Warm Garlic Balsamic Drizzle. This delightful dressing is not just a condiment; it's a transformation for your favorite dishes. Imagine tart greens mixed with fresh herbs and toasted pine nuts, topped with luxurious shavings of Parmigiano-Reggiano cheese and delicate slices of Prosciutto di Parma—the perfect accompaniment for a vibrant antipasto salad. Alternatively, drizzle it over buttery steamed new potatoes tossed with peppery arugula, fragrant basil, and sharp red onion for a side that steals the show. For a heartier meal, simply add rare roast lamb to create a robust supper. This versatile dressing shines atop sautéed scallops or shrimp, enhancing their natural sweetness, or serves as the perfect complement to assertive greens like curly endive. Keep in mind, the key to balancing acidity lies in adjusting simmer time, so you can tailor it to your preference. Look for high-quality balsamic brands like Cavalli, Giusti, Mama Balducci, Noe, or Fini for the best results.
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
6
Ingredients
Ingredients
Garlic cloves
8-12 (Cut into 1/4 to 1/2 inch dice)
Extra virgin olive oil
1/2 cup (Fruity, unmeasured)
Salt
to taste (Freshly ground black pepper to taste)
High-quality balsamic vinegar
6-7 tablespoons (Unmeasured)
Red wine vinegar
4-5 tablespoons (Unmeasured)
Dark brown sugar
1 1/2 tablespoons (Unmeasured)
Instructions
1
In a medium skillet, combine the diced garlic, extra virgin olive oil, and a pinch of salt and pepper. Cook over medium-low heat until the garlic is tender and just lightly golden, ensuring it does not darken to avoid bitterness.
2
Once the garlic is ready, carefully add the balsamic vinegar, red wine vinegar, and dark brown sugar to the skillet.
3
Simmer the mixture for 2 to 3 minutes, stirring occasionally, until well combined.
4
To test the flavor balance, take a small sample and allow it to cool slightly. It should have a soft acidity with a good sweet/tart balance. If it’s too acidic, simmer for a bit longer; if necessary, adjust it by adding more vinegar to suit your taste.
5
Remove the skillet from heat and cover it to keep warm until you are ready to serve, up to 3 hours. Just before serving, taste again and adjust seasoning as necessary.
6
Reheat gently if needed and then drizzle generously over your chosen salad or dish.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Savory Warm Garlic Balsamic Drizzle?
It is a versatile, Italian-inspired warm dressing that transforms salads, meats, and seafood with a balance of sweet and tart flavors.
Which region of Italy inspired this recipe?
The flavors of this drizzle are inspired by the Emilia-Romagna region of Italy.
How many garlic cloves are required?
The recipe calls for 8 to 12 garlic cloves.
How should the garlic be prepared?
The garlic should be cut into a 1/4 to 1/2 inch dice.
What type of olive oil is recommended?
Use 1/2 cup of fruity extra virgin olive oil for the best results.
How do I avoid making the garlic bitter?
Cook the garlic over medium-low heat until tender and only lightly golden, ensuring it does not darken.
What ingredients are added to the skillet after the garlic is cooked?
You should add balsamic vinegar, red wine vinegar, and dark brown sugar.
How long does the mixture need to simmer?
The mixture should simmer for 2 to 3 minutes until well combined.
How can I test if the flavor balance is correct?
Take a small sample, let it cool slightly, and check for a soft acidity and a good sweet/tart balance.
What should I do if the drizzle is too acidic?
If the mixture is too acidic, simply simmer it for a bit longer to mellow the vinegar.
Can I adjust the vinegar levels to my taste?
Yes, you can add more vinegar if necessary to suit your personal preference.
How long can the dressing be kept warm?
The dressing can be kept warm in a covered skillet for up to 3 hours.
Should I season the drizzle before serving?
Yes, taste the drizzle just before serving and adjust the seasoning as necessary.
What brands of balsamic vinegar are recommended?
Recommended high-quality brands include Cavalli, Giusti, Mama Balducci, Noe, and Fini.
What type of sugar is used in this recipe?
The recipe uses 1 1/2 tablespoons of dark brown sugar.
How can I use this drizzle with potatoes?
Drizzle it over steamed new potatoes tossed with arugula, basil, and red onion.
Is this dressing suitable for seafood?
Yes, it is excellent when served atop sautéed scallops or shrimp.
What protein pairs well with this for a hearty supper?
Rare roast lamb is a perfect protein choice for a robust meal using this drizzle.
What kind of salad greens work best with this?
Tart greens, curly endive, and peppery arugula are all excellent choices.
What cheese pairs well with this dressing?
Shavings of Parmigiano-Reggiano cheese are highly recommended.
Can I add meat to a salad using this drizzle?
Yes, delicate slices of Prosciutto di Parma make a great addition to an antipasto salad.
What nuts can be added to the salad?
Toasted pine nuts add a wonderful texture and flavor to the salad.
What herbs are suggested for use with this recipe?
Fresh herbs and fragrant basil are recommended for use in the salad or potato dishes.
Can the drizzle be reheated?
Yes, you can reheat the drizzle gently just before serving if it has cooled.
What heat setting should I use for simmering?
The recipe suggests a medium-low heat for cooking the garlic and a simmer for the vinegar mixture.
Is the extra virgin olive oil measured precisely?
The recipe calls for 1/2 cup, but it is often used as a fruity, unmeasured component.
How much red wine vinegar is used?
The recipe requires approximately 4 to 5 tablespoons of red wine vinegar.
How much balsamic vinegar is needed?
The recipe calls for 6 to 7 tablespoons of high-quality balsamic vinegar.
Does the recipe include salt and pepper?
Yes, salt and freshly ground black pepper are added to taste.
What is the key to balancing the acidity of this drizzle?
The key is adjusting the simmer time; longer simmering reduces the acidic bite.