Vinaigrette salad dressing basics
Vinaigrette dressing is an example of an emulsion. An emulsion is a solution formed when liquids that do not naturally mix easily are mixed. Because of this, emulsions return to their original state after some time. A vinaigrette dressing will form two layers on being left to stand for a while, with a layer of oil on top and vinegar below it.
A simple vinaigrette dressing for salads is easy to create. Simply blend the ingredients in a blender or mix them in a bowl and they become a vinaigrette dressing. It should be left in a container for a few hours after mixing so that the individual flavors of each of the ingredients have time to disperse throughout the dressing and mix together to give it a fuller taste. After being made, the dressing may be kept refrigerated for up to a week. To use it, simply shake the dressing vigorously to mix it again.
A simple guide to the amounts of vinegar and olive oil to add to your dressing is that for every measure of vinegar added, four such measures of oil should also be added. Of course, these amounts will vary according to individual taste. You may also vary the taste of your vinaigrette dressing by adding citrus juice or Dijon mustard to your list of ingredients. Citrus juice will give your vinaigrette dressing extra zest while Djion mustard allows the emulsion to stay mixed longer than usual.
Different types of herbs or other ingredients may also be added to your dressing to supplement its taste. Diced onions, pressed or grated garlic and ginger, and minced shallots help create a range of subtly different tastes. Fresh herbs should be added to the dressing prior to mixing the emulsion while other additional ingredients should be added before the olive oil.
vinaigrette dressing, vinaigrette basics
Technorati Tags: vinaigrette dressing, vinaigrette basics
