How to make a Home-made Balsamic glaze or Balsamic reduction (recipe)

The classic Caprese salad is my most favorite salad of all times. I can eat it as a main dish with grilled chicken or as a a side dish.

How are the most simplest ingredients like tomatoes and cheese taste so good when put together?

There must be something in a dressing!!

People usually serve Caprese salad with olive oil and balsamic vinegar. I’m a huge fan of Balsamic vinegar and I add it to other salads as well.

This summer I saw many people are raving about the Balsamic glaze (Also called Balsamic reduction). So I went to my supermarket and found the glaze. It is pretty small bottle, like 200 ml, with the price $10-15 dollars per bottle. Wow! I also noticed the ridiculous amount of ingredients, like added flavors, preservatives and colors, for example a caramel color, which is the worst for your health and causing health problems.

balsamic-glaze-or-balsamic-reduction-recipe

Why in the world Balsamic glaze that already has a nice dark color needs another additive Caramel color?

So it wasn’t hard to find on the internet and yes, it is possible to make a home-made Balsamic glaze at home and it is so simple. All you need is one ingredient – Balsamic Vinegar and 20 minutes.

The flavors of the dish are so wonderful. Balsamic glaze (also called Balsamic reduction) really added something special to Caprese salad, so light and refreshing. It’s like the balsamic vinegar flavor becomes more intense.

Ingredients

1 cup Balsamic Vinegar

Optional 1tsp Brown sugar or honey

(note: like I said Brown sugar or Honey is optional, because once the balsamic vinegar has cooked down, it is naturally becomes sweeter) so if you still want to add sugar, start with a small amount, like half a teaspoon.

Preparation:

In a small saucepan over medium heat Bring balsamic vinegar to a boil, reduce heat to low, and simmer until glaze is reduced by half, about 20-25 minutes. At this point the glaze should thicken. Let cool and serve right away fresh.

Prepare your Caprese salad – slice and layer fresh tomatoes, fresh mozzarella, add few roasted peppers inside the layers and add some fresh basil. Add salt, pepper and crushed red pepper flakes to taste and pour your freshly prepared balsamic glaze to your Caprese salad. Enjoy the new intense flavor of Caprese salad.

The remainder of the glaze pour into a glass jar with a lid store in refrigerator for 5-7 days. Later you can pour the glaze on fish, meat, grilled veggies, fruits. I even like a little Balsamic glaze on my eggs.

How are you enjoying your Balsamic Glaze?

This post was inspired by my backyard organic heirloom tomato. Unbelievably juicy! It’s the last batch this summer.

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Irina

Irina is mom of 3 from NYC, blogger, loves to cook, travel and entertain. Follow her blog and enjoy her tips on Food & Travel, Lifestyle & Healthy Recipes.