Caper French Dressing

Caper French Dressing Recipe from France

Region / culture: France | Preparation time: 10 minutes | Servings: 4

Introduction

Caper French Dressing is a classic and flavorful dressing that adds a tangy kick to any salad. Made with a combination of vinegar, mustard, capers, and anchovy paste, this dressing is sure to elevate your salad game.

History

French dressing has been a popular choice for salads for many years, with variations of the recipe popping up all over the world. The addition of capers to the traditional French dressing recipe adds a unique and briny flavor that sets this dressing apart from the rest.

Ingredients

2 tbsp red or white wine vinegar
0.5 tsp salt
freshly ground pepper
2 tsp dijon-style mustard
1 small clove garlic, minced
6 tbsp salad or olive oil
2 tsp chopped capers
0.5 tsp anchovy paste

How to prepare

Measure the vinegar, salt, pepper, mustard, capers, anchovy paste, and garlic into a salad bowl.
Mix the ingredients with a fork until they are well blended.
Slowly add the oil while beating the mixture with a fork until it thickens.
Alternatively, you can place all the ingredients in a jar and shake well until they are blended.

Variations

For a creamier dressing, you can add a tablespoon of mayonnaise to the mixture.
Add a squeeze of lemon juice for an extra burst of freshness.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

Be sure to mince the garlic finely to ensure it blends well with the other ingredients.

- For a smoother dressing, you can blend all the ingredients in a food processor instead of mixing by hand.

- Adjust the amount of salt and pepper to suit your taste preferences.

Serving Suggestions

Caper French Dressing is perfect for drizzling over a classic green salad, or using as a marinade for grilled chicken or fish.

Cooking Techniques

The key to making a successful Caper French Dressing is to slowly add the oil while whisking vigorously to emulsify the ingredients.

Ingredient Substitutions

If you don't have anchovy paste on hand, you can substitute with a small amount of Worcestershire sauce for a similar umami flavor.

Make Ahead Tips

Caper French Dressing can be made ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator for up to a week. Just be sure to give it a good shake before using.

Presentation Ideas

Serve Caper French Dressing in a small pitcher or jar for a rustic and elegant presentation.

Pairing Recommendations

Caper French Dressing pairs well with a variety of salads, from simple green salads to more complex salads with grilled vegetables and proteins.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Store any leftover Caper French Dressing in an airtight container in the refrigerator. Allow it to come to room temperature before serving.

Nutrition Information

Calories per serving

Each serving of Caper French Dressing contains approximately 200 calories.

Carbohydrates

Each serving of Caper French Dressing contains approximately 1 gram of carbohydrates.

Fats

Each serving of Caper French Dressing contains approximately 22 grams of fat.

Proteins

Each serving of Caper French Dressing contains approximately 0 grams of protein.

Vitamins and minerals

Caper French Dressing is a good source of vitamin E, which is important for skin health and immune function.

Alergens

This recipe contains anchovy paste, which may be a potential allergen for some individuals.

Summary

Caper French Dressing is a flavorful dressing that is relatively low in carbohydrates and protein, but high in fats. It is a good source of vitamin E and provides around 200 calories per serving.

Summary

Caper French Dressing is a tangy and flavorful dressing that is easy to make and versatile in its uses. With a few simple ingredients, you can elevate your salads and dishes with this delicious dressing.

How did I get this recipe?

The memory of finding this recipe for the first time is still fresh in my mind. It was many years ago, when I was just a young girl visiting my aunt in the bustling city. My aunt was a fantastic cook, always experimenting with new flavors and ingredients. One day, as I watched her prepare a delicious salad for dinner, she stopped and pulled out a faded old recipe card from her collection.

"This is my secret for the perfect French dressing," she said with a mischievous twinkle in her eye. "It's a family recipe passed down through generations."

I was intrigued. My aunt handed me the card and I carefully examined it, taking in the handwritten instructions and the list of ingredients. One ingredient caught my eye in particular - capers. I had never heard of capers before, and I was curious to try them.

As my aunt continued to make the dressing, she explained each step to me in detail. I watched as she mixed the ingredients together, creating a tangy and flavorful dressing that smelled absolutely divine. When she poured it over the salad, I couldn't wait to dig in.

The first bite was a revelation. The dressing was unlike anything I had ever tasted before - a perfect balance of tangy, salty, and sweet flavors that enhanced the freshness of the vegetables. I was hooked.

From that moment on, I knew I had to learn how to make this dressing myself. My aunt graciously shared the recipe with me, and I carefully wrote it down in my own notebook. Over the years, I made this dressing countless times, tweaking and perfecting it to suit my own taste.

I experimented with different types of vinegar, adjusting the amount of capers and sugar, and even adding a touch of Dijon mustard for extra depth of flavor. Each time I made the dressing, it brought back memories of that day in my aunt's kitchen, and I felt a deep connection to my family's culinary heritage.

As I grew older, I continued to cherish this recipe, passing it down to my own children and grandchildren. It became a staple at family gatherings, a reminder of the love and care that goes into preparing a homemade meal.

To this day, whenever I make my Caper French Dressing, I am transported back to that moment in my aunt's kitchen, surrounded by the comforting smells and sounds of cooking. I am grateful for the gift of this recipe, and the many memories it has brought me over the years.

And so, as I stand in my own kitchen now, whisk in hand, preparing a fresh batch of dressing for tonight's dinner, I am filled with gratitude for the simple pleasures of good food and shared meals. The recipe for Caper French Dressing may have originated in my aunt's kitchen, but it has truly become a part of my own culinary journey.