Sunday, August 2, 2009

French Walnut Vinaigrette


A staple of fine French cuisine, roasted walnut oil is the perfect compliment to summer salads. My favorite brand of walnut oil is made by La Tourangelle, a company that has been handcrafting fine oils for 150 years in Saumur, France. They also offer a wide array of other quality oils for all of your favorite recipes.

This is my variation on La Tourangelle's standard vinaigrette recipe. I like to add slightly more vinegar for a brighter flavor.

French Walnut Vinaigrette
  • 1/4 cup roasted walnut oil
  • 1 1/2 tablespoon cabernet sauvignon vinegar
  • 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
  • salt and pepper to taste, I recommend 1/4 teaspoon of each
In a small bowl, whisk vinegar, mustard, salt**, and pepper together. Slowly drizzle in walnut oil, whisking thoroughly.

** Tip - Always add salt to the vinegar before adding the oil. Oil can prevent the salt from dissolving completely.

3 comments:

DINING WITH BATALI said...

Thanks for sharing this ingredient! By the way, I placed a link of your website in my blog page (I love french food /and France obviously) -you are now my official favorite chef!

Michelle said...

I saw this oil not long ago in a gourmet kitchen store, and have always wanted to try it, but was never certain if it was worth the money. Thanks! Now I'll have to try it.

Chef Dennis Wasko said...

To Michelle:
These oils are a bit pricey, but well worth the money. They are made with the finest ingredients. A little goes a long way. Enjoy!

To Dining with Batali:
WOW, thank-you. It is my pleasure. It is always good to hear from a fellow Francophile. We should talk!

Chef Dennis