Indian food is all about bold spices, vibrant colours, and unforgettable flavours. But sometimes, a little twist can take your favourite dishes to a whole new level. Enter balsamic vinegar— a kitchen stapes in Italy, but a bit of hidden gem in Indian kitchens. It’s sweet-tangy flavour works surprisingly well with our spices and ingredients, adding a modern touch to classic recipes.
Ready to shake things up? Here are five easy and exciting ways to use balsamic vinegar in your Indian meals this week:
- Balsamic Chaat Salad
Give your regular chaat a gourmet makeover! Toss together boiled chickpeas, chopped onions, tomatoes, cucumber, coriander, and pomegranate seeds. Add a splash of balsamic vinegar, a squeeze of lemon, chaat masala, and a pinch of black salt.
The balsamic vinegar adds a rich, tangy kick that makes the whole salad pop with flavour. - Balsamic Paneer Tikka
Take your paneer tikka game up a notch. Marinate paneer cubes in yogurt, ginger-garlic paste, red chilli powder, garam masala, and just a hint of balsamic vinegar. Grill or bake until golden and slightly charred.
The vinegar helps tenderize the paneer and adds a subtle sweetness that perfectly balances the spices. - Roasted Veggies with Balsamic Glaze
Roast your favourite Indian veggies – think carrots, cauliflower, and bell peppers – with olive oil, salt, pepper, and a drizzle of balsamic vinegar. Roast until caramelised and golden. The Balsamic brings out the natural sweetness of veggies and gives your everyday sabzi a restaurant-style upgrade. - Balsamic Fruit Raita
For a raita with a twist, mix diced apples, bananas, and pomegranate with thick curd. Stir in a little balsamic vinegar, roasted cumin powder, and a touch of honey. The vinegar cuts through the richness of the curd, making the raita bright and refreshing – perfect alongside spicy mains. - Balsamic Drizzle on Tandoori Pizza
Make a homemade pizza with a base of tandoori chicken or paneer, onions, and capsicum. Once it’s out of the oven, finish with a drizzle of balsamic vinegar reduction (just simmer balsamic vinegar till thick).
This tangy-sweet glaze pairs beautifully with the smoky, spicy toppings and takes your pizza to the next level.
You can find good-quality balsamic vinegar at most gourmet or online stores in India. Try brands like Colavita for that authentic Italian touch. Start with a little, taste as you go, and see how this versatile ingredient can become your new secret weapon in the kitchen. Give these ideas a try, and you might just find yourself reaching for the balsamic bottle more often than you’d expect!