Simple balsamic and olive oil dressing perfect for grilled pork steaks and charred radicchio.
Ingredients
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smokeandsoil.com/recipes/balsamic-and-olive-oil-dressing
by L Field
Serves
4
Level
Easy
Method
prep
Ingredients
Combine ingredients
Whisk together balsamic vinegar, olive oil, salt, and freshly ground black pepper in a bowl until fully combined.
Serve or store
Use immediately as a dressing or refrigerate in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Stir before serving.
Tags
Equipment
tool
Mixing bowls are a fundamental yet often overlooked tool in any BBQ or fire-cooking setup. They are essential for quick, efficient prep work, allowing you to combine ingredients, whisk dressings, and marinate proteins with ease. At Smoke & Soil, we value simplicity and functionality, and a good set of mixing bowls fits perfectly into that ethos. They enable you to work cleanly and effectively, helping you to focus on quality ingredients and straightforward techniques rather than fuss. Choosing the right mixing bowls matters. Stainless steel and glass are the best options as they do not retain odours or stains, and they handle acidic ingredients without issue. Plastic bowls may seem convenient but they can absorb oils and smells, which compromises flavour and cleanliness. Having a nesting set in small, medium, and large sizes covers all prep needs from emulsifying dressings to tossing slaws and marinating larger cuts of meat. Practicality is key. Avoid bowls that are too small as this leads to splashing and poor emulsification. Also, never stack wet bowls as trapped moisture can cause rust or bacterial growth. Dry them thoroughly before nesting and store them in a dry place. This simple attention to detail extends the life of your bowls and keeps your prep area hygienic and efficient.
tool
A whisk is one of those deceptively simple tools that can transform your BBQ and fire-cooking experience. At Smoke & Soil, we believe in clean, whole-food cooking that respects ingredients and technique. A good whisk lets you create emulsions, dressings, and sauces from scratch without relying on gadgets like blenders. It’s about control and connection to what you’re making. The tactile feedback you get when whisking by hand helps you judge texture and consistency in a way machines cannot replicate. Using a whisk properly means understanding its place in your kitchen and BBQ setup. It is best suited for liquids and semi-liquids where aeration or emulsification is needed. Whether you’re building a vinaigrette to dress seasonal greens or whipping up a quick BBQ sauce, a whisk is your go-to. It encourages you to slow down and engage with the process, which fits perfectly with our ethos of everyday BBQ and seasonal cooking. Plus, it’s quiet, easy to clean, and requires no electricity. Practical use is key. Give your whisk room to work by using a wide bowl or jug. Don’t hold back when whisking emulsions: vigorous, committed strokes are necessary to bring oil and acid together. Remember, a balloon whisk is not for thick batters; use a flat whisk or spatula for those. This tool rewards patience and technique, and once mastered, it will become an indispensable part of your BBQ toolkit.
prep
A blender is an essential tool for anyone serious about clean, whole-food cooking over fire. It excels at transforming fresh, homegrown ingredients into smooth sauces, purees, and marinades that complement the natural flavours of seasonal produce. At Smoke & Soil, we value simplicity and authenticity, and a blender helps you achieve that by breaking down ingredients quickly and evenly without adding unnecessary fuss. It allows you to capture the essence of your ingredients in a way that enhances your BBQ dishes rather than masking them. Using a blender properly is about respecting its strengths and limitations. It is perfect for smooth textures but less suited to chunky salsas or thick pastes, where a food processor is a better fit. When blending, always add liquids first to help the blades create a vortex and blend efficiently. Avoid over-blending as this can heat your ingredients and break emulsions, which is especially important when making dressings or sauces. For hot liquids, remove the centre cap and cover the opening with a towel to prevent steam from blowing the lid off. Incorporating a blender into your BBQ prep routine aligns with our ethos of everyday BBQ done well. It streamlines your prep, allowing you to focus on the fire and the ingredients themselves. Whether you are making a smooth BBQ sauce, a vibrant herb marinade, or a silky puree to finish a dish, the blender is a reliable workhorse that brings clarity and precision to your cooking. It is a tool that respects the ingredient and the process, helping you cook with confidence and purpose.
Written by
L Field
A classic, simple apple sauce, perfect for accompanying pork dishes.
