Tartar Sauce I Recipe - French Cucumber and Capers Mayonnaise

Tartar Sauce I

Tartar Sauce I Recipe - French Cucumber and Capers Mayonnaise
Region / culture: France | Preparation time: 5 minutes | Servings: 4

Introduction

Tartar Sauce I
Tartar Sauce I

Tartar sauce is a classic condiment that is commonly served with seafood dishes such as fish and chips. It adds a tangy and creamy element to the dish, making it a popular choice for many.

History

Tartar sauce is believed to have originated in France, where it was traditionally made with mayonnaise, pickles, capers, and herbs. Over time, variations of the recipe have emerged, with different regions adding their own twist to the classic condiment.

Ingredients

How to prepare

  1. In a small bowl, combine all the ingredients.
  2. Refrigerate for 10 minutes to allow the flavors to blend.

Variations

  • Add a squeeze of lemon juice for a citrusy twist, or mix in some chopped fresh herbs such as parsley or tarragon for added flavor.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

When making tartar sauce, be sure to finely dice the pickles, cucumber, and green onion to ensure that the flavors are evenly distributed throughout the sauce. Refrigerating the sauce for a short period of time before serving will allow the flavors to meld together, resulting in a more flavorful condiment.

Serving Suggestions

Serve tartar sauce with fried fish, shrimp, or crab cakes. It also pairs well with french fries or as a dipping sauce for vegetables.

Cooking Techniques

Mixing all the ingredients together in a bowl is the main cooking technique for this recipe.

Ingredient Substitutions

You can substitute the reduced-fat mayonnaise with full-fat mayonnaise if desired. You can also use sweet relish instead of dill pickles for a slightly sweeter flavor.

Make Ahead Tips

Tartar sauce can be made ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Just be sure to give it a good stir before serving.

Presentation Ideas

Serve tartar sauce in a small dish alongside your seafood dish, or drizzle it over the top for a more decorative presentation.

Pairing Recommendations

Tartar sauce pairs well with a variety of seafood dishes, such as fish and chips, shrimp scampi, or crab cakes. It also complements fried foods like chicken tenders or onion rings.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Store any leftover tartar sauce in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Stir well before serving. Do not freeze tartar sauce as the texture may change.

Nutrition Information

Calories per serving

Calories: 50 per serving

Carbohydrates

Carbohydrates: 2g per serving

Fats

Total Fat: 5g per serving

Saturated Fat: 1g per serving

Proteins

Protein: 0g per serving

Vitamins and minerals

Vitamin C: 1mg per serving

Calcium: 5mg per serving

Iron: 0.1mg per serving

Alergens

Contains eggs

Summary

Tartar sauce is a low-calorie condiment that is high in fats. It is a good source of vitamin C and calcium.

Summary

Tartar sauce is a classic condiment that adds a tangy and creamy element to seafood dishes. With a few simple ingredients and minimal preparation, you can enjoy this flavorful sauce at home.

How did I get this recipe?

The memory of finding this recipe for the first time is still fresh in my mind. It was a warm summer day, and I had just finished helping my neighbor Mrs. Jenkins with her garden. As a thank you, she invited me into her kitchen to share a recipe she had learned from her own grandmother many years ago.

Mrs. Jenkins was a wonderful cook, and her kitchen was always filled with delicious aromas and the sound of sizzling pans. On this particular day, she pulled out a faded recipe card from a well-worn recipe box and handed it to me with a smile.

"This is my grandmother's recipe for Tartar Sauce," she said. "It's been passed down through generations, and it's never failed to impress. I think you'll enjoy making it as much as I do."

I eagerly studied the recipe card, taking in every detail. The ingredients were simple – mayonnaise, pickles, capers, lemon juice, and a few other seasonings. But it was the method that intrigued me the most. Mrs. Jenkins explained that the key to a perfect Tartar Sauce was in the careful balance of flavors and textures.

I followed the recipe to the letter, chopping the pickles and capers with precision and mixing them into the creamy mayonnaise. A squeeze of fresh lemon juice added a zesty tang, while a dash of salt and pepper brought everything together.

As I tasted the finished sauce, I was amazed by how well the flavors complemented each other. The tartness of the pickles and capers balanced perfectly with the creaminess of the mayonnaise, creating a sauce that was both tangy and rich.

From that day on, Tartar Sauce became a staple in my kitchen. I would make it to accompany fried fish or seafood dishes, or simply as a dip for vegetables or chips. It was a versatile condiment that added a burst of flavor to any meal.

Over the years, I have continued to perfect the recipe, making small adjustments here and there to suit my own taste. Sometimes I would add a bit more lemon juice for extra zing, or a pinch of dill for a subtle herbal note. Each time I made it, I would think back to that summer day in Mrs. Jenkins' kitchen and be grateful for the gift of her grandmother's recipe.

As I shared the recipe with friends and family, it became a beloved favorite among them as well. They would often ask me to make a batch for special occasions or gatherings, knowing that it would add a touch of homemade goodness to any meal.

Now, as I sit in my own kitchen, surrounded by the comforting smells of cooking, I can't help but feel a sense of pride in knowing that I have carried on a tradition that began so many years ago. The recipe for Tartar Sauce may have come from Mrs. Jenkins' grandmother, but it has become a part of me – a reminder of the joy of sharing good food with those we love.

And so, I will continue to make Tartar Sauce for years to come, passing down the recipe to future generations and sharing the story of how I learned to make it on that warm summer day so long ago. Each time I mix up a batch, I will think of Mrs. Jenkins and her grandmother, and the bond that we share through the simple pleasure of cooking and sharing a delicious meal together.

Categories

| Caper Recipes | Cucumber Recipes | French Recipes | Green Onion Recipes | Healthy Recipes For Diabetic Friends | Mayonnaise Recipes | Pickle Recipes | Sauce Recipes |

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