Authentic French Sauce Vierge Recipe – Fresh and Light
If you’re looking for a fresh, light, and versatile sauce to elevate your meals, look no further than Sauce Vierge. Inspired by traditional French cuisine, this sauce is perfect for delicate white fish, seafood, pork tenderloin, chicken, and even steamed veggies. Its simple ingredients come together to create a burst of flavor that is both refreshing and delightful.
Table of Contents
The Best Sauce Vierge Recipe
Notes on Ingredients
The key to an exceptional Sauce Vierge lies in the quality and freshness of its ingredients. Here’s a closer look at what makes this sauce so special:
- Tomatoes: Use small, ripe tomatoes like Campari for their sweetness and juicy texture.
- Shallots: Minced shallots add a subtle onion flavor without overpowering the sauce.
- Garlic: Crushed garlic provides a robust base that enhances the other flavors.
- Fresh Herbs: Parsley, tarragon, and basil bring aromatic freshness to the mix.
- Kalamata Olives: These add a salty, savory punch that complements the sweetness of the tomatoes.
- Extra-Virgin Olive Oil: This forms the rich, smooth foundation of the sauce.
- Lemon Juice: Freshly squeezed lemon juice adds a zesty brightness.
- Seasoning: Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste.
How to Make Sauce Vierge
Creating Sauce Vierge is incredibly straightforward, making it a perfect addition to your cooking repertoire. Follow these steps for a delightful sauce every time:
- Dice the Tomatoes: Start by dicing the tomatoes and placing them in a colander to drain for about 5 minutes.
- Combine Ingredients: Transfer the drained tomatoes to a bowl. Gently fold in the minced shallots, crushed garlic, chopped parsley, tarragon, Kalamata olives, and basil.
- Add Olive Oil and Lemon Juice: Pour the extra-virgin olive oil and freshly squeezed lemon juice over the mixture. Stir until everything is well combined.
- Let it Sit: Allow the mixture to sit for about 30 minutes. This resting time lets the flavors meld together beautifully.
How to Serve Sauce Vierge
Sauce Vierge is incredibly versatile and can enhance a variety of dishes. Here are some serving suggestions:
- White Fish or Seafood: Spoon Sauce Vierge over grilled or poached fish for a light, fresh topping.
- Pork Tenderloin: Drizzle over sliced pork tenderloin for a burst of flavor.
- Chicken: Use as a finishing touch for grilled or roasted chicken.
- Steamed Vegetables: Add a spoonful to steamed veggies for a healthy and flavorful side dish.
How to Store Sauce Vierge
To keep your Sauce Vierge fresh and delicious:
- Refrigerate: Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days.
- Bring to Room Temperature: Before serving, bring the sauce to room temperature for the best flavor.
Nutrition Information
| Nutrient | Amount per serving | % Daily Value* |
|---|---|---|
| Calories | 165.32 kcal | 8% |
| Total Fat | 15.79 g | 23% |
| Carbs | 6.08 g | 2% |
| Sugars | 3.16 g | 4% |
| Protein | 1.31 g | 3% |
| Sodium | 254.74 mg | 13% |
| Fiber | 1.86 g | 7% |
| Saturated Fat | 2.15 g | 11% |
| Trans Fat | 0 g | – |
| Monounsaturated Fat | 10.44 g | – |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 1.61 g | – |
| Cholesterol | 0 mg | 0% |
| Calcium | 24.78 mg | 3% |
| Magnesium | 15.84 mg | 4% |
| Potassium | 301.9 mg | 9% |
| Iron | 0.78 mg | 6% |
| Zinc | 0.27 mg | 3% |
| Phosphorus | 32.72 mg | 5% |
| Vitamin A | 351.2 mcg | 44% |
| Vitamin C | 19.72 mg | 25% |
| Thiamin (Vitamin B1) | 0.05 mg | 4% |
| Riboflavin (Vitamin B2) | 0.03 mg | 2% |
| Niacin (Vitamin B3) | 0.7 mg | 4% |
| Vitamin B6 | 0.12 mg | 9% |
| Folic Acid (Vitamin B9) | 23.24 mcg | 12% |
| Vitamin B12 | 0 mcg | 0% |
| Vitamin D | 0 mcg | 0% |
| Vitamin E | 2.66 mg | 22% |
| Vitamin K | 58.34 mcg | 78% |
*Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily values may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.
FAQs About Sauce Vierge
Can I use different types of tomatoes?
Yes, you can use different varieties of tomatoes, but ensure they are ripe and juicy for the best results.
Can I make Sauce Vierge in advance?
Absolutely! Making it a few hours ahead allows the flavors to meld even better.
What other herbs can I use?
You can experiment with other fresh herbs like chives or dill, depending on your preference.
Is Sauce Vierge suitable for vegan diets?
Yes, this sauce is entirely plant-based and perfect for vegan diets.
The Best Sauce Vierge Recipe
Ingredients
- 5 small tomatoes such as Campari(R)
- 2 tablespoons minced shallots
- 2 cloves garlic crushed
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh tarragon
- 2 tablespoons pitted and vertically-sliced Kalamata olives
- 8 large basil leaves chopped
- ΒΌ cup extra-virgin olive oil
- 1 tablespoon freshly squeezed lemon juice
- salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
Instructions
- Dice tomatoes, and place in a colander for about 5 minutes to drain.
- Transfer drained tomatoes to a bowl, and gently fold in shallots, garlic, parsley, tarragon, Kalamata olives, and basil.
- Pour olive oil and lemon juice over the vegetables, and stir until combined. Allow mixture to sit for about 30 minutes for the flavors to meld.
Enjoy this delightful Sauce Vierge recipe that brings a touch of French elegance to your meals with minimal effort!
