VINEGAR AND OIL

VINEGAR AND OIL

 

Seriously, does anyone really need nine different kinds of vinegar? Probably

not, but that's what's currently in my kitchen! And it's led me to a flavor

explosion when it comes to salads and vegetables. Mix some of this with your

favorite light oil, a little salt and pepper and you've got instant salad dressing.

 

or VINAIGRETTE if we want to sound like a real home chef.

 

Basic Vinaigrette

 

3 parts light oil

1 part vinegar

Salt and pepper to taste

 

Mix well. You can use a blender, or shake it in a jar, or whisk it in a bowl. Just

get it well mixed and let it stand for a few minutes for the flavors to meld, whisk

lightly before using.  Very basic, very easy, very fresh and very tasty.

 

Most of the recipes I've seen call for 3/4 cup oil and 1/4 cup vinegar. You want

a different taste? Switch oils, switch vinegars or add what you like. Honey Dijon

is currently popular, made by adding 1 tablespoon of prepared Dijon mustard, and a

tablespoon of honey. You can go where you want with this. Add your favorite

chopped herbs, finely chopped garlic, shallot or onion. It's all up to you.

And who says salads have to start with a bunch of green stuff?

This is sliced tomatoes, an orange bell pepper, purple onion slices

and black olives with a balsamic vinegar dressing, sprinkled with parmesan cheese.

 

Another salad with a simple oil and vinegar dressing topped with feta.

Vinegar and oil dressed coleslaw.

 

Don't have oil and vinegar? Try just a little salt and pepper.

Let it sit for about 20 minutes, and the juices from the vegetables

will create their own dressing.

 

Here's your basic lettuce and tomato salad with no dressing on it

at all, Salted and pepper the tomatoes, let it sit, then toss.

 

 And if all else fails, a wedge of lettuce with some ranch dressing will do!

 

But getting back to our vinaigrette, here's some additions you can try:

 

Citrus juice, in place of about half the vinegar, lemon, lime or orange

Add a splash of sesame oil, and nuts and seeds of your choice.

Soy sauce, ginger, lemon grass and hot sauce.

And always herbs, herbs and more herbs!