Le St. Germain French Dressing

Le St. Germain French Dressing Recipe - Authentic French Flavors

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

Introduction

Le St. Germain French Dressing is a classic and flavorful dressing that adds a touch of elegance to any salad. This dressing is a perfect combination of tangy vinegar, spicy mustard, and rich peanut oil, creating a delicious and versatile dressing that can be used on a variety of salads.

History

Le St. Germain French Dressing has its origins in French cuisine, where dressings are an essential part of many dishes. This particular recipe has been passed down through generations, with each cook adding their own twist to make it unique and delicious.

Ingredients

0.5 tbsp salt
0.5 tbsp pepper
0.25 tbsp white pepper
1 tbsp dijon mustard
1 tbsp hot dry mustard
2 tbsp red wine vinegar
3 tbsp red wine
10 tbsp peanut oil

How to prepare

In a mixing bowl, combine salt, pepper, white pepper, and mustards. Mix well.
Add vinegar and wine to the mixture.
Beat the mixture until it becomes smooth.
Gradually add oil to the mixture while beating, until the dressing coats a metal spoon.
Ensure that the consistency of the dressing is neither too thin nor too thick.
Serve the dressing with cold vegetables or salad greens.

Variations

Add a touch of honey or maple syrup for a sweeter dressing.
Use different types of vinegar, such as balsamic or apple cider vinegar, for a unique flavor.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

Make sure to gradually add the oil while beating the mixture to ensure a smooth and creamy consistency.

- Adjust the amount of mustard and vinegar to suit your taste preferences.

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

Serving Suggestions

Serve this dressing with a classic green salad or use it as a marinade for grilled vegetables.

Cooking Techniques

Whisking the ingredients together ensures a smooth and creamy dressing.

Ingredient Substitutions

Olive oil can be used instead of peanut oil for a different flavor profile.

Make Ahead Tips

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

Presentation Ideas

Serve the dressing in a small pitcher or drizzle it over the salad just before serving for a beautiful presentation.

Pairing Recommendations

This dressing pairs well with a variety of salads, from simple green salads to more complex salads with fruits and nuts.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Store the dressing in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to a week. Stir well before using.

Nutrition Information

Calories per serving

90 per serving

Carbohydrates

1g per serving

Fats

10g per serving

Proteins

0g per serving

Vitamins and minerals

This dressing is a good source of vitamin E and healthy fats.

Alergens

This recipe contains mustard and peanuts.

Summary

Le St. Germain French Dressing is a flavorful dressing that is low in carbohydrates and high in healthy fats. It is a great addition to any salad.

Summary

Le St. Germain French Dressing is a classic and versatile dressing that adds a burst of flavor to any salad. With its tangy vinegar, spicy mustard, and rich peanut oil, this dressing is sure to become a favorite in your kitchen. Enjoy it on a variety of salads or use it as a marinade for grilled vegetables.

How did I get this recipe?

I vividly recall the moment I first laid eyes on this recipe for Le St. Germain French Dressing. It was a warm summer day, and I was visiting my dear friend Marie in the quaint village of Saint-Germain-en-Laye, just outside of Paris. As we sat in her cozy kitchen sipping tea, Marie suddenly pulled out a faded, handwritten recipe card from her drawer.

"Mon amie, you simply must try this dressing. It is a family recipe that has been passed down for generations," Marie exclaimed with a twinkle in her eye.

Intrigued, I leaned in closer to study the delicate cursive handwriting on the card. The ingredients were simple yet intriguing - Dijon mustard, red wine vinegar, shallots, and a special blend of herbs and spices.

Marie graciously offered to show me how to make the dressing, guiding me through each step with patience and precision. As we mixed the ingredients together, the kitchen filled with the enticing aroma of fresh herbs and tangy vinegar. I couldn't wait to taste the finished product.

When the dressing was finally ready, we drizzled it over a crisp green salad and took our first bites. The flavors exploded on my tongue - tangy, savory, and just a hint of sweetness. It was unlike any dressing I had ever tried before.

Over the years, I have made this dressing countless times, each time bringing back memories of that day in Marie's kitchen. I have shared the recipe with friends and family, always receiving rave reviews. The secret, I have discovered, lies in the quality of the ingredients and the love and care put into making it.

As I continued to travel and explore different cuisines, I found inspiration in the local dishes and flavors of each place. From the bustling markets of Morocco to the vineyards of Tuscany, I gathered recipes and techniques that enriched my culinary repertoire.

One day, while visiting a charming bistro in Provence, I stumbled upon a variation of the Le St. Germain French Dressing. The chef, a kind-hearted woman named Isabelle, generously shared her recipe with me, along with tips and tricks to enhance the flavors.

I learned that the key to a truly exceptional dressing lies in the balance of acidity, sweetness, and seasoning. Isabelle taught me how to adjust the proportions of vinegar and mustard to achieve the perfect tangy kick, and how to play with different herbs and spices to create a unique flavor profile.

Armed with this newfound knowledge, I returned home with a renewed passion for cooking. I experimented with different variations of the Le St. Germain French Dressing, adding a touch of honey for sweetness or a pinch of smoked paprika for depth.

I began to host dinner parties and potlucks, delighting my guests with the delicious salads dressed in my signature dressing. Each time, I would proudly share the story of how I came to learn the recipe, passing on the tradition to others who appreciated good food and good company.

As I reflect on the journey that led me to discover the Le St. Germain French Dressing, I am grateful for the friendships, experiences, and memories that have enriched my life. Cooking, for me, is not just a means of nourishment but a way to connect with others, to share stories and laughter, and to create lasting bonds.

And so, whenever I make a fresh batch of the Le St. Germain French Dressing, I am transported back to that sunny day in Marie's kitchen, surrounded by the warmth and love of good food and good friends. It is a reminder of the beauty and joy that can be found in a simple meal shared with loved ones, a celebration of life's rich tapestry of flavors and experiences.