Julia Child's Vinaigrette
Julia Child's Vinaigrette Recipe - Authentic French Salad Dressing
Introduction
Julia Child's Vinaigrette is a classic and versatile salad dressing that is easy to make and adds a burst of flavor to any dish. This simple recipe is a staple in French cuisine and can be customized to suit your taste preferences.
History
Julia Child, a renowned American chef and cookbook author, popularized French cooking in the United States. Her vinaigrette recipe has been a favorite among home cooks and professional chefs alike for its simplicity and delicious flavor.
Ingredients
- 1 to 2 tbsp of excellent wine vinegar and/or lemon juice
- 0.25 tsp of salt
- 0.25 tsp of dry mustard
- 6 to 8 tbsp of best quality olive oil or salad oil or a mixture of both
- several grinds of fresh pepper
- 1 tsp of finely minced shallots or scallions and/or fresh or dried herbs, such as chives, tarragon, basil, all optional
How to prepare
- In a bowl, beat together vinegar, salt, and mustard until dissolved. Then, beat in the oil and seasonings.
- Alternatively, you can put all the ingredients in a screw top jar and shake vigorously to blend.
- To check the taste, dip a piece of lettuce into the dressing.
- Adjust the seasoning if necessary.
Variations
- Add minced garlic or shallots for extra flavor.
- Use different herbs such as parsley, thyme, or tarragon for a unique twist.
- Substitute balsamic vinegar or red wine vinegar for a different flavor profile.
Cooking Tips & Tricks
Use high-quality ingredients for the best results.
- Adjust the seasoning to suit your taste preferences.
- Experiment with different types of vinegar and oils for unique flavor combinations.
- Store any leftover vinaigrette in a sealed container in the refrigerator for up to a week.
Serving Suggestions
Serve Julia Child's Vinaigrette over a mixed green salad, grilled vegetables, or as a marinade for chicken or fish.
Cooking Techniques
Whisk together the ingredients in a bowl or shake them in a jar for a quick and easy preparation.
Ingredient Substitutions
Feel free to experiment with different types of vinegar, oils, and seasonings to create your own unique vinaigrette recipe.
Make Ahead Tips
You can make Julia Child's Vinaigrette ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator for up to a week. Just give it a good shake before serving.
Presentation Ideas
Drizzle the vinaigrette over a colorful salad or use it as a dipping sauce for bread.
Pairing Recommendations
Julia Child's Vinaigrette pairs well with a variety of dishes, including salads, grilled meats, and roasted vegetables.
Storage and Reheating Instructions
Store any leftover vinaigrette in a sealed container in the refrigerator. Let it come to room temperature before serving.
Nutrition Information
Calories per serving
Calories: 120 per serving
Carbohydrates
Carbohydrates: 0g per serving
Fats
Total Fat: 14g per serving
Saturated Fat: 2g per serving
Proteins
Protein: 0g per serving
Vitamins and minerals
Vitamin C: 2% of the daily recommended value per serving
Alergens
This recipe may contain allergens such as mustard. Please check the ingredients list for any allergens before consuming.
Summary
Julia Child's Vinaigrette is a low-carb and flavorful salad dressing that is perfect for adding a touch of elegance to any dish. It is rich in healthy fats and contains minimal calories.
Summary
Julia Child's Vinaigrette is a classic and versatile salad dressing that is easy to make and adds a burst of flavor to any dish. With simple ingredients and a quick preparation, this recipe is a must-have for any home cook.
How did I get this recipe?
I remember the excitement that washed over me when I first saw this recipe for Julia Child's Vinaigrette. It was a sunny afternoon, and I was flipping through an old cookbook that I had inherited from my mother. As I turned the yellowed pages, my eyes landed on the elegant handwriting of Julia Child herself, detailing the ingredients and steps for making her famous vinaigrette.
I had always been a fan of Julia Child, admiring her passion for cooking and her fearless approach to trying new recipes. Her vinaigrette seemed simple yet sophisticated, with just the right balance of tangy vinegar, smooth olive oil, and fragrant herbs. I knew I had to try making it myself.
I had never been one to follow recipes exactly, preferring to add my own twist and adjust the ingredients to suit my taste. But there was something about Julia Child's vinaigrette that called to me, and I decided to follow her instructions to the letter.
I gathered all the ingredients I needed – a good quality olive oil, a rich red wine vinegar, Dijon mustard, fresh herbs, and a touch of garlic. As I mixed them together in a small bowl, I could already smell the vibrant aroma of the vinaigrette coming together.
The moment of truth came when I drizzled the vinaigrette over a simple green salad of mixed lettuces, cherry tomatoes, and crunchy cucumbers. I took a hesitant bite, savoring the flavors that danced on my tongue – the sharpness of the vinegar, the smoothness of the oil, and the warmth of the garlic and herbs. It was a revelation.
From that day on, Julia Child's vinaigrette became a staple in my kitchen. I would make a fresh batch every week, storing it in a glass jar in the refrigerator to use on salads, roasted vegetables, or even grilled meats. It added a touch of elegance and sophistication to even the simplest of dishes.
I would often think back to that sunny afternoon when I first discovered the recipe, and how it had sparked a new passion in me for trying new flavors and techniques in the kitchen. I felt a kinship with Julia Child, a connection that transcended time and space.
Over the years, I would share Julia Child's vinaigrette recipe with friends and family, passing on the tradition of making this delicious dressing from scratch. Each time I made it, I would think of Julia herself, and the joy and love she had brought to so many through her cooking.
As I grew older, I realized that the true beauty of Julia Child's vinaigrette was not just in its taste, but in the memories and experiences it brought to mind. It was a reminder of the excitement of trying something new, the joy of sharing good food with loved ones, and the magic of creating something delicious with your own hands.
And so, as I stand at my kitchen counter now, whisk in hand and a smile on my face, I think of Julia Child and the legacy she left behind. Her vinaigrette may be just a simple salad dressing, but to me, it represents so much more – a connection to the past, a celebration of the present, and a promise of delicious adventures yet to come.