Sauce Bordelaise, a classic French sauce known for its rich, decadent flavor, takes an unexpected yet delightful turn as a salad dressing. This recipe elevates simple greens into a gourmet experience, perfect for impressing guests at your next gathering or treating yourself to a luxurious weeknight meal.
Imagine a vibrant salad with juicy tomatoes, crisp lettuce, and a perfectly seared steak, all coated in a glossy, savory sauce with hints of wine and bone marrow. Sounds tempting, right? Let’s dive into the world of Sauce Bordelaise dressing and learn how to create this masterpiece in your own kitchen.
Ingredients for the Sauce Bordelaise Dressing
- 1/4 cup dry red wine (such as Cabernet Sauvignon or Merlot)
- 1/4 cup beef broth
- 1 tablespoon finely chopped shallots
- 1 sprig fresh thyme
- 1/2 bay leaf
- 1/4 teaspoon black peppercorns
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, cold and cubed
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
Ingredients for the Salad
- 4 cups mixed greens (such as arugula, spinach, romaine lettuce)
- 1/2 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1/4 cup red onion, thinly sliced
- 1/4 cup crumbled blue cheese (optional)
Equipment You Will Need
- Small saucepan
- Fine-mesh sieve
- Mixing bowl
- Salad tongs
Sauce Bordelaise dressing
Step-by-Step Instructions for the Sauce Bordelaise Dressing
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Reduce the Wine Mixture: In a small saucepan, combine the red wine, beef broth, shallots, thyme, bay leaf, and peppercorns. Bring to a boil over medium heat, then reduce the heat to low and simmer until the liquid has reduced to about 2 tablespoons. This should take approximately 10-15 minutes.
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Strain and Thicken: Strain the reduced wine mixture through a fine-mesh sieve into a small bowl, discarding the solids. Return the strained liquid to the saucepan and place it over low heat. Whisk in the cold butter, one cube at a time, until the sauce is emulsified and slightly thickened. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
Assembling Your Sauce Bordelaise Salad
- Prepare the Greens: Rinse the mixed greens thoroughly and pat them dry with a clean kitchen towel or use a salad spinner.
- Assemble the Salad: In a large mixing bowl, combine the mixed greens, cherry tomatoes, and red onion.
- Dress and Serve: Drizzle the prepared Sauce Bordelaise dressing over the salad and toss gently to coat. Serve immediately.
Tips and Notes for a Perfect Salad
- Wine Selection: While Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot are classic choices for Sauce Bordelaise, feel free to experiment with other dry red wines you enjoy.
- Consistency is Key: The sauce should be thick enough to coat the back of a spoon. If it’s too thin, simmer it for a few more minutes. If it becomes too thick, whisk in a teaspoon of warm water at a time until desired consistency is reached.
- Storage: While best enjoyed fresh, leftover dressing can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days.
Salad with Sauce Bordelaise dressing
Conclusion
This Sauce Bordelaise dressing salad is a testament to the fact that simple ingredients, when treated with care and respect, can yield extraordinary results. Don’t be afraid to experiment with different combinations of greens, vegetables, and cheeses to create your own signature salad. Share your culinary creations and tag us on social media – we’d love to see your masterpieces! Happy cooking!
