
A great balsamic dressing is all about the quality of the ingredients you use to make it. This recipe takes over an hour to prepare, but well worth the time spent. The ingredients to making the best caramelized balsamic vinegar are very simple, and most people will have them on hand.
1. Honey
Honey is a great addition to salad dressings and is used in baking. It is a sweeter variation to sugar but contains small amounts of citrus, vanilla, and almond flavors. Use it sparingly because it has high sugar content (approximately 63%). As with any ingredient, ensure you are using raw and not processed honey.
2. Balsamic Vinegar
Balsamic Vinegar is one of the ingredients you will want to use in a good quality variety. The flavor of balsamic Vinegar is much more acceptable when it is high quality. Wide varieties, such as sweet and sour balsamic, truffle-infused, and traditional balsamic Vinegar, are available these days. To make your dressing:
- Use a good quality variety of balsamic Vinegar.
- Use organic ingredients (where possible).
- Avoid artificial sweeteners.
3. Extra Virgin Olive Oil
Extra Virgin Olive Oil is the healthiest oil you can use in your dressing. It contains antioxidants, Vitamin E and K, Omega 3 fats, and other vitamins and minerals. Look for quality olive oil that has yet to be refined or processed (Olive oils are usually available in supermarkets today).
4. Honey Dijon Mustard
You can find honey Dijon mustard in supermarkets these days look for the variety that does not have added sugar, or you can try making your homemade honey mustard by combining honey with Dijon mustard.
5. Fresh Thyme
You can find fresh thyme in supermarkets or most good greengrocers. The thyme flavor is subtle but adds a fresh herbal note to your dressing. You can also try rosemary, but it is much stronger and tastes sweeter than thyme.
6. Potatoes (with skins)
Potatoes are a great way to add fiber and vitamins to your salad and be low in calories. If you are using new potatoes, make sure you peel the skin off before baking them for the salad to avoid any added fat and calories from potato skin (not all salads call for potato skins).
8. Chopped Chives (or chopped scallions)
Chives have a delicate flavor that works well with strong dressings, such as honey mustard & garlic or lemon pepper dressing.
Conclusion
All ingredients to make the best caramelised balsamic vinegar are natural, organic, and easy to find at any health food shop or supermarket. Making your dressing is very easy and you can try so many different variations .Either try one of the ones below or add your herbs and spices to the mix.