Dark, intensely flavoured, slightly tangy and absolutely umami—this may be the best way to describe the flavour of balsamic vinegar. Originating in Modena, Italy, this vinegar variety is used extensively in Italian cuisine. Nowadays, however, balsamic vinegar is so easily available all around the world, including in India, which is why knowing how to use this superb ingredient is a must for all foodies and home cooks, not to mention for chefs and food experts.
The very word balsamic comes from the Italian word balsamico, which means restorative or curative. Clearly, the ingredient has a rejuvenating and healing effect, but there’s more. In ancient Hebrew, balsamic refers to perfume or spice, which inevitably links this ingredient to the process of adding flavour to food. So, balsamic vinegar has then been used to flavour dishes of all sorts since its inception in Italy.
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A valuable addition to the modern kitchen, balsamic vinegar has the power to transform all the food that you cook and eat. In case you have just come across this ingredient and want to adapt it to your kitchen and cooking, then worry not. We have all possible uses of balsamic vinegar in the kitchen listed below. From savoury dishes to sweet ones, balsamic vinegar can be easily included in everything that comes out of your kitchen. Here are some ways to use this superb Italian-origin ingredient.
Salad Dressing
Just mixing some salt and pepper with balsamic vinegar can give you a dark and beautiful salad dressing. So, just imagine if you put some more effort into it, what would the results be like? You could try making a salad dressing with balsamic vinegar and Dijon mustard or go for the more traditional mix of olive oil, balsamic vinegar and some brown sugar for a dressing that is darker still. You could also try adding more flavours to the dressing by including garlic oil or feta cheese.
Sweet Transformations
Balsamic vinegar has a predominantly savoury profile, so can it even work in a sweet dish? Yes, it does, and how! If you don’t believe us, just try some macerated strawberries or blueberries mixed with pepper and sugar. This sweet and tart compote can not only be enjoyed over cakes and cheesecakes but also yoghurt, parfaits and ice creams. This is absolutely going to transform your dessert experience this summer.
Dipping Sauce
Balsamic vinegar is naturally salty and savoury, which is why you must include it in any sauce you whip up to pair with Continental dishes you cook up at home. Just a mix of balsamic vinegar, salt, pepper, olive oil, lemon juice and zest makes for a brilliant dipping sauce for everything from fries to meat dishes. This easy balsamic dipping sauce tastes great even if you drizzle it over some mashed potatoes or roasted veggies.
Sandwich Mix
Making a sandwich packed with cheese, herbs, roasted chicken or meat and veggies? Trust us when we say that adding just a few drops of balsamic vinegar can transform the flavours of the sandwich! If you are sauteeing mushrooms, meat or veggies for the sandwich mix—or simply caramelizing onions—then add some balsamic vinegar right there and observe the transformative effect this simple ingredient has on food.
Grain Cooking
Whether you are making some risotto or simply cooking up some brown rice, quinoa or wild rice, a dash of balsamic vinegar added to it can make all the difference in the world. In fact, if you like eating barley or other millets in salads, then adding balsamic vinegar to the cooking liquid will add to the savoury profile of the cooked grains and make the simplest of meals ever so interesting.
Grilled Flavours
Whether you are grilling or roasting chicken or fish, or vegetables, paneer or tofu for that matter, the addition of balsamic vinegar in the marinade is a must. A spoonful of balsamic vinegar can make the grilled food taste more umami, not to mention savoury and tangy too. In fact, a drizzle of balsamic vinegar over fruits that you may want to grill also makes for delightful dishes.
Braising Balsamic
This is the most common use for balsamic vinegar, so we are sure you have come across it at least once. Whether you are braising or slow cooking lamb, pork, chicken or mutton, the addition of balsamic vinegar in the braising liquid is always going to accentuate the earthy, savoury and umami notes of the dish. The same concept can be used to braise vegetables that have a meaty texture, like eggplant, cauliflower, potatoes and sweet potatoes.
Balsamic Drinks
Believe it or not, adding balsamic vinegar can turn the simplest of juices into cocktails and mocktails you would love to serve during any party you throw. In case you don’t believe us, try adding a dash of good quality balsamic vinegar to the next glass of Bloody Mary or Bellini you whip up. Balsamic vinegar is also a great addition to soups, both hot and cold, as well as broths.