Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Sweet and Savory Balance: The mix of balsamic vinegar’s tanginess with the sweetness of maple syrup and fresh blackberries creates a perfectly balanced flavor.
- Versatile: This glaze pairs beautifully with both savory and sweet dishes, making it a must-have for your kitchen.
- Easy to Make: In just 30 minutes, you’ll have both a glaze and a jam that can be used in a variety of ways.
- Vegan and Gluten-Free: This recipe is naturally vegan, gluten-free, and dairy-free, making it suitable for a variety of dietary needs.
- Herb-Infused: Optional fresh mint or basil adds an aromatic, herbal note, perfect for taking the glaze to the next level.
Ingredients
- 240 ml balsamic vinegar
- 60 ml maple syrup (optional, for sweetness)
- 15 g fresh mint leaves, basil, or herbs of your choice (optional)
- 150 g fresh blackberries
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
Instructions
- Prepare the Ingredients: In a small saucepan, combine the balsamic vinegar, maple syrup (if desired), herbs (if using), and fresh blackberries. Use your fingers or the back of a spoon to gently crush some of the blackberries, releasing their juices.
- Bring to a Boil: Place the saucepan over medium heat and bring the mixture to a boil.
- Simmer the Mixture: Once boiling, immediately reduce the heat to low and let the mixture simmer gently. Stir occasionally as it thickens.
- Reduce the Glaze: Allow the glaze to simmer until it has reduced by about one-third to one-half, and it coats the back of a spoon. This should take about 20-25 minutes.
- Strain the Glaze: Remove the saucepan from the heat and let the mixture cool slightly. Then, pour it through a fine mesh strainer to separate the liquid glaze from the berry and herb solids.
- Make the Jam: The strained berry mixture left in the strainer can be kept as a jam. Transfer it to a separate container. Both the glaze and jam will continue to thicken as they cool.
- Store: Once both the glaze and jam have cooled to room temperature, transfer them to airtight containers and store them in the refrigerator.
Notes
- Herb Options: Fresh mint or basil can enhance the aroma and flavor of the glaze, but they are optional. Feel free to experiment with other herbs you enjoy.
- Jam: Don’t discard the reserved berry mixture! It makes a delicious spread or topping for toast, desserts, or yogurt.
- Storage: Store both the glaze and the jam in airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to a week.
Serving Suggestions
- Savory Dishes: Drizzle the glaze over grilled meats, roasted vegetables, or a hearty salad for a burst of flavor.
- Sweet Dishes: Use the glaze as a topping for desserts like vanilla ice cream, cheesecake, or even pancakes. The jam can also be spread on toast or served with scones.
- Cheese Pairing: The glaze pairs wonderfully with cheeses like goat cheese, brie, or blue cheese. Try it as an accompaniment to a cheese board for a sweet and tangy contrast.
Storing and Reheating
- Storing: Both the glaze and jam can be stored in airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to a week. The glaze may thicken further once chilled, so feel free to warm it slightly before serving.
- Reheating: If the glaze becomes too thick, gently heat it in a saucepan over low heat, adding a splash of water if necessary to thin it to your desired consistency.
FAQs
1. Can I use frozen blackberries instead of fresh?
Yes, frozen blackberries can be used in place of fresh ones. Just make sure to thaw them first and drain any excess liquid before adding them to the saucepan.
2. Is the maple syrup necessary?
The maple syrup adds sweetness and depth to the glaze, but if you prefer a more tangy glaze, you can skip it or use a different sweetener, like honey or agave.
3. How do I know when the glaze is done?
The glaze is ready when it has reduced by about half and coats the back of a spoon. It will continue to thicken as it cools.
4. Can I freeze the glaze or jam?
Yes, both the glaze and jam can be frozen. Just transfer them to freezer-safe containers and store them for up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator before using.
5. Can I use other berries for this recipe?
Yes! You can substitute other berries, such as raspberries, strawberries, or black currants, for a different flavor profile.
Conclusion
Blackberry Balsamic Glaze is a versatile and delicious addition to your culinary repertoire. With its perfect balance of sweet, tangy, and savory flavors, it can be used to enhance a variety of dishes, from grilled meats to decadent desserts. This glaze is easy to make, and the jam it creates is a delightful bonus. Whether you’re adding a touch of sophistication to your meals or creating a simple yet flavorful topping, this recipe is sure to impress. Try it today and enjoy the bold, vibrant flavors of blackberry and balsamic!
Blackberry Balsamic Glaze: A Bold and Flavorful Recipe
- Total Time: 30-35 minutes
- Yield: 1 cup glaze, 1/2 cup jam
Description
Blackberry Balsamic Glaze combines tangy balsamic vinegar, sweet maple syrup, and fresh blackberries to create a versatile, flavorful sauce. Perfect for drizzling over grilled meats, roasted vegetables, or desserts, and it even doubles as a jam!
Ingredients
For the Blackberry Balsamic Glaze:
240 ml balsamic vinegar
60 ml maple syrup (optional, for sweetness)
15 g fresh mint leaves, basil, or herbs of your choice (optional)
150 g fresh blackberries
For the Simple Glaze:
1 cup powdered sugar
2–3 tablespoons milk (any dairy type)
Instructions
- Prepare the Ingredients:
- In a small saucepan, combine balsamic vinegar, maple syrup (if using), herbs (optional), and fresh blackberries. Gently crush the berries with your fingers or a spoon.
- Bring to a Boil:
- Place the saucepan over medium heat and bring the mixture to a boil.
- Simmer the Mixture:
- Reduce the heat to low and simmer, stirring occasionally until it thickens, about 20-25 minutes.
- Strain the Glaze:
- Once the mixture has reduced and thickened, strain it through a fine mesh sieve to remove berry solids. Set aside the glaze and reserve the berry mixture for jam.
- Make the Jam:
- Transfer the strained berry mixture to a separate container. This becomes the jam.
- Cool and Store:
- Let both the glaze and jam cool to room temperature, then store them in airtight containers in the fridge.
Notes
Fresh mint or basil enhances the flavor but is optional. Feel free to use your favorite herbs.
Save the strained berry solids for a delicious homemade jam, perfect for toast, yogurt, or desserts.
The glaze may thicken as it cools. If needed, heat it gently and add a bit of water to adjust the consistency.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20-25 minutes
- Category: Sauce, Jam
- Method: Simmering, Straining
- Cuisine: Fusion
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 tablespoon
- Calories: 50
- Sugar: 10g
- Sodium: 10mg
- Fat: 0g
- Saturated Fat: 0g
- Unsaturated Fat: 0g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 12g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 0g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
