Customers often come into our shops for the first time and ask if all the olive oils and balsamic vinegars are for salads and bread dipping… The short answer is yes, but there are so many more uses for olive oil and balsamic vinegar! Here are just the top ten:
1. Salad Dressing: Create a classic vinaigrette by mixing olive oil and balsamic vinegar in a 3:1 ratio. Add a touch of Dijon mustard, honey, or minced garlic for extra flavour.
2. Dipping Duo: Serve olive oil and balsamic vinegar with crusty bread as a dipping sauce. Enhance the experience by adding herbs, spices, or grated Parmesan cheese to the olive oil.
3. Marinades: Use a mixture of olive oil and balsamic vinegar as a base for marinades. It works wonders for meats, poultry, seafood, and even vegetables.
4. Roasted Vegetables: Drizzle olive oil over vegetables before roasting to bring out their natural flavors and ensure they develop a crispy exterior.
5. Grilled Dishes: Brush olive oil onto meats, fish, or vegetables before grilling to prevent sticking and create appealing grill marks.
6. Fruit Enhancer: Drizzle balsamic vinegar over ripe fruits like strawberries, peaches, or melons for a sweet-tart contrast. It pairs wonderfully with creamy desserts like vanilla ice cream or panna cotta.
7. Sautéing: Use olive oil to sauté vegetables, garlic, or onions. Its high smoke point makes it a great choice for medium to high-heat cooking.
8. Reductions: Simmer balsamic vinegar on low heat until it thickens into a syrupy consistency. This reduction can be drizzled over dishes like grilled meats, salads, and even desserts.
9. Pasta Toss: Toss cooked pasta with a mixture of olive oil, balsamic vinegar, fresh herbs, and grated Parmesan for a simple yet flavourful pasta dish.
10. Gourmet Sandwiches: Add depth to your sandwiches by drizzling olive oil and balsamic vinegar on ingredients like tomatoes, mozzarella, roasted red peppers, or grilled chicken.
These versatile ingredients can truly elevate your culinary creations, adding complexity, richness, and a touch of Mediterranean flair to your dishes. Experiment with different pairings and ratios to find your favourite combinations and unleash your inner chef.
