Balsamic Syrup

Makes: ¼ cup

Time: About 20 minutes

F M V

Inexpensive balsamic vinegar is both sweet (it usually contains sugar) and sour, so it naturally goes well with both savory and sweet foods. And this simple reduction, which begins with inexpensive balsamic vinegar, is a nice substitute for the high-priced stuff. Just be sure to start with a clean-tasting balsamic vinegar, because reducing it will concentrate both good and bad aspects.

Put the vinegar in a small nonreactive pan over medium-low heat. Bring to a boil, then immediately lower the heat so it bubbles gently. Reduce at a low simmer to ¼ cup, about 20 minutes; it should be thickened and syrupy. It will thicken a little more as it cools. Serve warm or let cool, then store in an airtight container indefinitely.

8 Great Additions to Balsamic Syrup

For more flavor, slip any of the following ingredients into the pan while the vinegar is reducing. When you’re done, strain the syrup or fish out the solids with a slotted spoon.

  1. Raw or Roasted Garlic (page 205), to taste
  2. ½ cup Caramelized Onions or shallots (page 222)
  3. Herbs: a sprig of the stronger ones like rosemary, tarragon, or thyme; a few sprigs of the milder ones like parsley, mint, or basil
  4. ¼ cup fresh, fruity red wine
  5. ½ cup chopped fruit or berries like raspberries, apples, figs, strawberries, blackberries, pears, grapes, or cherries
  6. ⅓ cup chopped dried fruits like dates, apricots, pears, cherries, strawberries, or figs
  7. 2 tablespoons molasses (or pomegranate molasses), maple syrup, or honey
  8. ½ cup fresh orange juice

7 Things to Drizzle with Balsamic Syrup

  1. Basic Green Salad (page 36)
  2. Roasted or grilled veggies, especially roasted red peppers (see page 228) with toasted pine nuts
  3. Grilled, roasted, or broiled fruit, especially figs, peaches, or nectarines
  4. A slice of aged goat cheese, blue cheese, Parmesan, or manchego or a dollop of mascarpone
  5. Fresh strawberries
  6. Cubes of watermelon
  7. Vanilla ice cream or fruit sorbets, especially raspberry or strawberry