Tell me more ×
Seasoned Advice is a question and answer site for professional and amateur chefs. It's 100% free, no registration required.
up vote 5 down vote favorite

Basic balsamic reduction is simple (add heat), but I'm looking for additives. Herbs, spices, sugar, other alcohol, whatever that would elevate my favorite tomato topping. Anyone have any favorites?

share|improve this question
2  
I would edit to make this community wiki. There is no definitive answer. – Jacob R Jul 12 '10 at 20:08
@Jacob R: Wiki'd up. – Satanicpuppy Jul 12 '10 at 21:46
See meta on closing, this is no longer an on-topic question: meta.cooking.stackexchange.com/questions/1645/… – SAJ14SAJ Apr 15 at 0:06
More precisely it's on topic but not constructive, because it's a poll. – Jefromi♦ Apr 15 at 1:08

closed as not constructive by SAJ14SAJ, Jefromi♦ Apr 15 at 1:07

As it currently stands, this question is not a good fit for our Q&A format. We expect answers to be supported by facts, references, or specific expertise, but this question will likely solicit debate, arguments, polling, or extended discussion. If you feel that this question can be improved and possibly reopened, see the FAQ for guidance.

5 Answers

up vote 4 down vote accepted

Any of the following are great additions (probably not all at once, though):

  • garlic
  • rosemary
  • a splash of wine
  • chiles
  • basil
  • black pepper

Going in a different direction, the right balance something like cinnamon, cloves or anise can even work well.

share|improve this answer
up vote 2 down vote

I really enjoy a nice sauce with balsamic, sugar, and soy sauce. Tastes great over chicken wings.

share|improve this answer
Whenever I add sugar, everything tastes wonky to me. What kind of proportion do you use? – Satanicpuppy Jul 12 '10 at 20:18
1  
3/4 cup balsamic 1/4 cup soy sauce 2 tsp sugar 1 tbsp unsalted butter mix liquids and reduce to about 1/2 cup and then stir in butter and let it melt. – Jacob R Jul 12 '10 at 22:59
up vote 1 down vote

I have a recipe that can be used to accompany a variety of dishes. Quite often I use this with pasta and even just put in on toast, topped of with some fresh mozzarella and a splash of olive oil. :)

The quantities can be adjusted to suite your particular tastes, some components may even be omitted, others added:

  • Sweet red onion
  • Minced garlic
  • Sun dried tomatoes
  • finely chopped bacon (optional)
  • Olive oil (good quality Extra virgin)
  • Balsamic reduction (made with a good quality vinegar)
  • sugar and salt to taste
  • Fresh basil

Sauté the onion in some olive oil until slightly translucent; add the garlic, bacon (if used) and chopped sun dried tomatoes. Stir and add the sugar and salt. Bring the mixture to the boil and let it simmer for about an hour.

When cooked add the fresh basil and use as a sauce for pasta, chicken tuna etc. Add a squeeze of the reduction for extra flavour.

share|improve this answer
up vote 1 down vote

My two favourites are:

  • ground Nutmeg
  • Red Vermouth (such as Martini rosso, or Cinzano)

They go very well, either apart or together.

share|improve this answer
up vote 1 down vote

Strawberries. Sounds crazy but balsamic really brings out the "strawberry-ness" of strawberries. Makes a wonderful sauce over good vanilla icecream.

share|improve this answer
Just saw this on Fox's show "Master Chef (US)". Looks great and delicious. You only want to use a little of this reduction as it'll overpower the flavor of whatever dish you'll put it on. – chrisjlee Jun 23 '11 at 14:38

Not the answer you're looking for? Browse other questions tagged or ask your own question.