Garlic and tarragon dressing

Garlic and Tarragon Dressing Recipe - Traditional Albanian Cuisine

Region / culture: Albania | Preparation time: 5 minutes | Servings: 4

Introduction

Garlic and tarragon dressing is a flavorful and aromatic dressing that can elevate any salad. The combination of garlic, tarragon, and vinegar creates a tangy and savory dressing that is perfect for a variety of salads.

History

The origins of garlic and tarragon dressing are not well-documented, but garlic has been used in cooking for centuries for its flavor and health benefits. Tarragon, a popular herb in French cuisine, adds a unique and slightly sweet flavor to the dressing.

Ingredients

0.25 cup of vinegar
2 tbsp of olive oil
2 tbsp of garlic salt
2 tbsp of sugar (optional)
0.5 tbsp of dried tarragon

How to prepare

In a small bowl or jar with a tight-fitting lid, combine vinegar, oil, garlic salt, sugar, and tarragon.
Pour the mixture over lettuce or cabbage salads.

Variations

Add a squeeze of lemon juice for extra freshness.
Use fresh tarragon instead of dried for a more intense flavor.
Mix in some Dijon mustard for a tangy kick.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

Make sure to use fresh garlic for the best flavor in the dressing.

- Adjust the amount of sugar to your taste preference.

- Store the dressing in a sealed container in the refrigerator for up to a week.

Serving Suggestions

Serve the garlic and tarragon dressing over a mixed green salad, grilled vegetables, or as a marinade for chicken or fish.

Cooking Techniques

Simply whisk together the ingredients in a bowl or shake them in a jar for a quick and easy dressing.

Ingredient Substitutions

You can substitute white wine vinegar or apple cider vinegar for the vinegar in this recipe.

Make Ahead Tips

The dressing can be made ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator for up to a week.

Presentation Ideas

Drizzle the garlic and tarragon dressing over a colorful salad for a beautiful presentation.

Pairing Recommendations

Pair the dressing with a light and refreshing salad, grilled chicken, or seafood.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Store the dressing in a sealed container in the refrigerator. Let it come to room temperature before serving.

Nutrition Information

Calories per serving

Each serving of garlic and tarragon dressing contains approximately 140 calories.

Carbohydrates

The garlic and tarragon dressing contains approximately 2 grams of carbohydrates per serving.

Fats

The dressing contains approximately 14 grams of fat per serving, primarily from the olive oil.

Proteins

There is minimal protein in the garlic and tarragon dressing, with less than 1 gram per serving.

Vitamins and minerals

Garlic is a good source of vitamin C, vitamin B6, and manganese. Tarragon contains vitamins A and C, as well as minerals like iron and calcium.

Alergens

This recipe contains garlic and olive oil, which may be allergens for some individuals.

Summary

Garlic and tarragon dressing is a flavorful addition to salads, providing healthy fats and a variety of vitamins and minerals.

Summary

Garlic and tarragon dressing is a versatile and flavorful dressing that can elevate any salad or dish. With a few simple ingredients, you can create a delicious and healthy dressing that is perfect for any occasion.

How did I get this recipe?

I remember the sense of wonder I felt when I first saw this recipe for garlic and tarragon dressing. It was many years ago when I was just a young girl, eager to learn everything I could about cooking from my grandmother. She was a master in the kitchen, with a vast collection of recipes that she had acquired from various places and people over the years.

One day, while we were preparing a simple salad for dinner, my grandmother pulled out a faded, yellowed piece of paper from her recipe box. She told me that it was a recipe for a delicious garlic and tarragon dressing that she had learned from a French chef many years ago. As she read through the ingredients and instructions, I was captivated by the combination of flavors and the simplicity of the recipe.

The dressing called for fresh tarragon, garlic, Dijon mustard, red wine vinegar, olive oil, salt, and pepper. It seemed like a magical blend of ingredients that would elevate any salad to a whole new level. My grandmother explained to me the importance of using fresh tarragon, as it was the key ingredient that would impart a unique and aromatic flavor to the dressing.

As we gathered the ingredients and began to prepare the dressing, my grandmother shared with me the story of how she had learned this recipe. She told me that many years ago, when she was traveling through France, she had the opportunity to attend a cooking class with a renowned French chef. It was during this class that she learned the secret to making the perfect garlic and tarragon dressing.

The chef had emphasized the importance of using the freshest ingredients and taking the time to finely chop the garlic and tarragon to release their flavors. He also stressed the importance of emulsifying the dressing slowly by whisking the olive oil into the vinegar and mustard mixture until it was thick and creamy.

As we followed the recipe, I watched in awe as my grandmother expertly chopped the garlic and tarragon, measured out the ingredients, and whisked everything together into a beautiful, creamy dressing. The aroma of the fresh tarragon and garlic filled the kitchen, and I could hardly wait to taste the finished product.

When we finally drizzled the dressing over the salad and took our first bites, I was amazed at how the flavors of the garlic and tarragon melded together perfectly. The dressing was light, yet packed a punch of flavor that complemented the fresh greens and vegetables in the salad.

From that moment on, the garlic and tarragon dressing became a staple in our household. My grandmother would make it for special occasions, family gatherings, or just for a simple weeknight dinner. She would always remind me of the importance of using fresh ingredients and taking the time to prepare the dressing with care and attention to detail.

Over the years, I have continued to make the garlic and tarragon dressing for my own family, passing down the recipe and the story behind it to the next generation. It has become a cherished tradition in our family, a reminder of the joy and wonder of discovering new recipes and flavors in the kitchen.

As I reflect back on that day when I first learned to make the garlic and tarragon dressing with my grandmother, I am filled with a sense of gratitude for the knowledge and wisdom that she passed down to me. I am grateful for the memories we shared in the kitchen, the laughter, the stories, and the delicious meals that we created together.

And as I continue to cook and explore new recipes, I always remember the magic of that moment when I first saw the recipe for garlic and tarragon dressing, and the sense of wonder and excitement that it brought into my life. Cooking is not just about following a recipe, but about creating memories, sharing stories, and celebrating the joy of food and family. And for that, I am forever grateful to my grandmother and the legacy of recipes that she has left behind.