Italian balsamico the condiment

Italian balsamico vinegar is traditionally called aceto balsamico. With its rich flavor and tangy intensity, balsamic vinegar is now a staple in in the world of gourmet cooking. This condiment or seasoning is used sparingly by cooks and chefs around the world. Balsamic vinegar can be added to a marinade to add flavor and tenderize certain meats. It can be stirred into a dish at the end of cooking, or drizzled over a finished dish at the table just before serving. Aceto balsamico will add an exquisite flavor to numerous appetizers or starters before the main course. Even soups can be enhanced with some balsamico stirred in just before serving. Grilled asparagus spears sprinkled with Parmesan cheese and drizzled with balsamic vinegar is a very popular starter for any course.

Italian appetizers such as antipasti, offer ideal opportunities to incorporate balsamico vinegar. Fresh vegetables, served raw or cooked, are dipped in a shallow bowl of fine aceto balsamico with a little coarse sea salt added for seasoning. Extra-virgin olive oil, with the addition of herbs and spices often accompany balsamic vinegar as dipping sauces.

Another aspect of balsamic vinegar is found in a marinade. Vegetables can be marinated a short time in balsamic vinegar and then grilled. Eggplant, tomatoes, zucchini, and bell peppers can be flavored by a balsamico marinade or sauce. A vegetable buffet, a hot soup, or a crisp green garden salad can all be flavored with a drizzle of the thick tantalizing balsamic vinegar. Balsamic vinegar is a healthy, complex accoutrement that adds flavor to every dish it is drizzled over. Italian balsamico, balsamic vinegar, balsamic condiment

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