Vinegar is a versatile ingredient that can add flavour and acidity to many dishes, from salads to marinades to sauces. While there are many types of vinegar available in stores, making your own flavoured vinegar at home is a fun and easy way to experiment with different flavours and add a personal touch to your cooking. Let’s explore five flavoured kinds of vinegar, you can make at home with just a few simple ingredients.
Balsamic Vinegar with Fresh Berries
Balsamic vinegar is a classic vinegar with a rich, sweet-tart flavour that pairs well with many foods. To make a flavoured balsamic vinegar, start by adding fresh berries, such as raspberries or strawberries, to a bottle of balsamic vinegar. Let the vinegar infuse for a few days to a week, then strain out the berries and enjoy. This fruity balsamic vinegar is great in salad dressings, drizzled over grilled meat or vegetables, or added to sauces.
Apple Cider Vinegar with Cinnamon
Apple cider vinegar is a tangy vinegar with a slightly fruity flavour that’s perfect for adding acidity to dishes. To make a flavoured apple cider vinegar, add a cinnamon stick to a bottle of apple cider vinegar and let it infuse for a few days to a week. The cinnamon adds a warm, spicy flavour to the vinegar, making it a great addition to marinades or glazes for pork or chicken.
White Wine Vinegar with Garlic and Herbs
White wine vinegar is a mild, acidic vinegar that’s great for pickling and preserving. To make a flavoured white wine vinegar, add a few cloves of peeled garlic and some fresh herbs, such as rosemary or thyme, to a bottle of white wine vinegar. Let the vinegar infuse for a few days to a week, then strain out the garlic and herbs. This garlic and herb white wine vinegar is perfect for making vinaigrettes for salads or for pickling vegetables.
Rice Vinegar with Ginger and Scallions
Rice vinegar is a mild, slightly sweet vinegar that’s commonly used in Asian cuisine. To make flavoured rice vinegar, add some sliced fresh ginger and chopped scallions to a bottle of rice vinegar. Let the vinegar infuse for a few days to a week, then strain out the ginger and scallions. This ginger and scallion rice vinegar is great for making dressings for Asian-style salads or for adding flavour to stir-fries.
Red Wine Vinegar with Rosemary and Lemon
Red wine vinegar is a tangy, bold vinegar that’s great for making vinaigrettes and marinades. To make a flavoured red wine vinegar, add some fresh rosemary sprigs and a few slices of lemon to a bottle of red wine vinegar. Let the vinegar infuse for a few days to a week, then strain out the rosemary and lemon. This rosemary and lemon red wine vinegar is perfect for making marinades for lamb or beef or for adding a bright, herby flavour to salad dressings.
Flavoured vinegar is a great way to add depth and complexity to your dishes, from salads to marinades to sauces. Here are three ways you can use flavoured vinegar in your cooking:
Salad Dressings
Flavoured vinegar is perfect for making homemade salad dressings. A simple vinaigrette can be made by whisking together flavoured vinegar, olive oil, salt, and pepper. For example, raspberry balsamic vinegar would make a great base for a fruity salad dressing, while a garlic and herb white wine vinegar would add a savoury note to a green salad. Experiment with different combinations of flavoured vinegar, oils, and seasonings to create your own unique salad dressings.
Marinades
Flavoured vinegar can also be used as a base for marinades for meats, poultry, and fish. The acidity in the vinegar helps to tenderize the meat and infuse it with flavour. For example, ginger and scallion rice vinegar would make a great marinade for stir-fried beef, while a rosemary and lemon red wine vinegar would add a bold flavour to grilled chicken. Simply combine the flavoured vinegar with oil and other seasonings, such as garlic or honey, and marinate the meat for several hours before cooking.
Sauces
Flavoured vinegar can also be used to add depth and flavour to sauces. For example, a balsamic reduction made with fruity balsamic vinegar can be drizzled over roasted vegetables or used as a glaze for grilled meats. A garlic and herb white wine vinegar can be used to deglaze a pan and create a quick and easy pan sauce for chicken or fish. Experiment with different combinations of flavoured vinegar and other ingredients, such as honey or mustard, to create your own signature sauces.
Making your own flavoured vinegar is an easy and fun way to add a personal touch to your cooking. Whether you’re making fruity balsamic vinegar or herby red wine vinegar, these homemade vinegar are sure to elevate your dishes and impress your guests. So why not try making some flavoured vinegar at home today?