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    Balsamic Reduction (2 Ingredients!)

    September 29, 2018 by Denise Bustard 1 Comment

    Home / Recipes / Condiments / Balsamic Reduction (2 Ingredients!)

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    This easy balsamic reduction (or balsamic glaze) has just two ingredients and tastes so much better than store bought!

    spooning the balsamic reduction into a jar

    This summer, we were totally obsessed with balsamic reduction, and added it to just about everything: salads, roasted vegetables, grilled chicken and salmon...you name it!

    While we almost always have some store-bought reduction in the pantry, I also make my own on occasion...the homemade version is SO easy and requires only 2 ingredients...and it tastes so much better than the store-bought stuff!

    We love this balsamic reduction because

    • it requires only two ingredients
    • it tastes better than store-bought
    • is so versatile and goes great on chicken, fish, veggies and salad

    reducing the balsamic vinegar reduction in a pot

    How to make balsamic glaze

    This balsamic reduction (or balsamic glaze, what do you prefer to call it?) is quite possibly the simplest and most ridiculously simple recipe on my site!

    • simmer balsamic vinegar with maple syrup for 20 minutes
    • allow to cool
    • enjoy

    Seriously THAT easy.

    balsamic glaze dripping off a spoon over pot

    How long does it last for?

    Since the base of this recipe is highly acidic vinegar, this balsamic vinegar reduction will keep for a long time! We've kept ours in the fridge for a month with no issues.

    Can I make it with honey?

    Brown sugar? Yes and yes! Simply swap the maple syrup for an equal amount of either sweetener.

    What if I like a sweeter balsamic reduction?

    This recipe is slightly sweet, but definitely not as sweet as store-bought. You can increase the maple syrup to 1 cup or even 1 ½ cup if you want it to be sweeter!

    drizzling the balsamic reduction onto a salad

    How to use it

    This balsamic vinegar reduction goes well on so. many. things.

    • drizzle it on caprese salad
    • on chicken, topped with a tomato basil salsa
    • on salmon, served with avocado slices
    • on roasted vegetables (like brussels sprouts, zucchini, broccoli or roasted cauliflower)
    • as a dip with vegetables
    • drizzled on your salad

    balsamic glaze in a jar with a spoon

     

    Recipe tips

    • I used my 4 quart Paderno pot to make the reduction (similar to this one)
    • I stored my balsamic glaze in one of these 12.5 oz Weck jars
    • I used a basic grocery store brand of balsamic vinegar for this reduction. I would personally keep the expensive aged balsamic vinegars to use as is rather than using it up in a balsamic glaze!
    • Looking for more sauces and dressings? Try this Creamy Cilantro Lime Dressing, this Balsamic Vinaigrette, or this Homemade Red Wine Vinaigrette.
    spoon drizzling thick balsamic reduction into a jar
    Print Recipe
    5 from 1 vote

    Balsamic Reduction (2 ingredients!)

    Course: Salad
    Cuisine: American
    Diet: Gluten Free
    Calories: 55kcal
    Author: Denise Bustard
    Servings: 1 cup
    Homemade balsamic reduction is so simple to make, and requires just 2 ingredients! Sticky, tangy and slightly sweet, it's perfect to use up on your salads or as a condiment.
    Prep Time2 mins
    Cook Time25 mins
    Total Time27 mins

    Ingredients

    • 2 cups balsamic vinegar note 1
    • ½ cup maple syrup note 2

    Instructions

    • Combine- To a 4 quart pot, add 2 cups of balsamic vinegar, and ½ a cup of maple syrup. Bring to a gentle boil.
      balsamic reduction simmering in blue pot
    • Simmer- Reduce the heat and allow it to simmer. Stir occasionally with a spatula, and continue simmering for 20-30 minutes. When the liquid has reduced by ⅓ to ½, check to see if it coats a spoon.
      spoon tipping balsamic reduction into pot; slightly thickened
    • Cool- When the mixture coats a spoon (as shown above), it's ready to come off of the heat. Allow it to cool, then store in a jar.
      showing what it looks like when the reduction coats a spoon

    Notes

    1- you can use any type of balsamic vinegar for this recipe, but I recommend a low to mid-range priced one; the expensive kind is best for drizzling stright on your salad. I've used balsamic vinegar of Modena here.
    2- you can swap the maple syrup for an equal volume of brown sugar or honey; you can also increase or decrease to taste.
    Storage
    Store in an air tight container in the fridge for up to 1 month.
     

    Nutrition

    Serving: 1tablespoon | Calories: 55kcal | Carbohydrates: 12g | Protein: 0g | Fat: 0g | Saturated Fat: 0g | Cholesterol: 0mg | Sodium: 8mg | Potassium: 58mg | Sugar: 10g | Calcium: 20mg | Iron: 0.2mg
    Tried this Recipe? Pin it for Later!Mention @SweetPeaSaffron or tag #sweetpeasandsaffron

    About Denise Bustard

    Denise Bustard is the creator of Sweet Peas and Saffron, a meal prep-focussed food blog. With a PhD in biochemistry, Denise takes a scientific approach to perfecting her recipes. You can find Denise's work featured on Huffington Post, MSN, Self and more. read more

    Previous Post: « Golden Turmeric Cauliflower Rice
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    Hi, I'm Denise

    Meal prep took me from feeling constantly stressed out about meals to cool, collected and in control. I want to share this amazing and transformational habit with you, so you can feel in control, too!

    Read more about it here!

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