What in the world is Truffle Oil? Here at Spice Traders Mercantile we carry a wide selection of specialty oils, including White Truffle Oil. So what is it? Well, the simple answer is, truffle oil is a unique delicacy that combines the organic aromatics found in truffles (the mushrooms, NOT the decadent chocolates, sorry chocoholics) with an oil base, usually olive oil. My own discovery of this unique new culinary delight is quite recent. During a trip to Pike Place in Seattle, with my epicurean father, he shared with me his own discovery of truffle oil as we shopped.
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| Pike Place Market, Seattle, WA |
While meandering the shops at Pike Place, we passed by one of the many delicious delis. As fate would provide, the very truffle oil we were discussing was being sampled to the bustling crowd. First, we tasted a most delicious Cauliflower Soup, served in a tiny paper cup. Next, we were given that same soup with ONE DROP of truffle oil on top. WOW! It took an already incredible soup and pushed it out of this world! The complexity, warmth and depth the one drop of truffle oil provided was something I have never experienced. From that taste, I have been on the hunt for both the perfect truffle oil to experiment with, and the perfect base to exalt to a higher culinary sphere with one precious drop of said truffle oil.
There are many uses for truffle oil, besides just a few drops over your favorite creamy soup. To ignite your imagination, here are a few ideas, with a word of caution. The secret to properly experiencing truffle oil is truly adhering to the adage "less is more," as many chefs loudly caution (and arrogantly chastise, let's be honest). Truffle oil is to be used as a finisher, not for cooking, and not to be heated as the heat will destroy the complexity of the scents in the oil. But don't be discouraged! You don't have to be a stuffy "chef" to enjoy this specialty. And without further ado, here's how:
~ Mix a few drops with honey and drizzle over apples, brie and candied walnuts.
~Add a teaspoon to your favorite olive oil, lemon, vinaigrette salad dressing. This also pairs well with specialty cheeses.
~Drizzle a small amount over your next pasta, potato, or other starchy carb dish. These dishes provide an excellent "medium" in which to showcase the powerful addition of truffle oil. Don't be shy, try it on your own mac and cheese!
~Use as a finisher with popcorn, french fries, oven-baked potato chips with a pinch of salt. Delish!
~Add a few drops to scrambled eggs and serve over toast.
~Dress up your next artichoke dip with a few drops, taste as you go.
~To augment any mushroom dish, again, just a few drops as a finisher. Think mushroom pasta, a good red meat and mushroom dish, or as simple as a grilled cheese and mushroom sandwich.
~Just a few drops at your next fondue party, your friends will rave at your culinary prowess!
~Lastly, as I sampled at Pike Place Market, add a few drops to your favorite soup, be it Cauliflower, Mushroom or Pureed Garlic Chick Pea.
To get you started on your road to experimentation, here's a perfect Cauliflower Soup recipe. Be sure and pick up a bottle of our White Truffle Oil from us, here at Spice Traders Mercantile in Spokane, WA.
Creamy Cauliflower Soup Recipe adapted from myrecpies.com, Sunset Magazine
1 Tbs olive oil
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| Photo courtesy myrecipes.com, Sunset Magazine |
1/2 tsp sea salt
5 cloves garlic, minced
1/2 c dry white wine, like a Sherry
1 large head califlower, about 2 lbs, chopped
4 c chicken broth
Freshly ground white pepper
2 tsp truffle oil
2 Tbs minced chives
2 Tbs flat leaf parsley, finely chopped
1. Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add onions and salt and sautee until onions are translucent, about 5-8 minutes. Add garlic and wine. Cook, stirring, until liquid is almost completely evaported., 3-5 minutes.
2. Stir in cauliflower and broth and bring to a boil. Reduce heat and simmer, cover, and cook until cauliflower is very soft, 20-25 min.
3. Blend soup with an immersion blender, or blend in batches in a blender until very smooth. Leave soup as chunky as you prefer. Combine by stirring, adding salt and pepper to taste.
4. Garnish with a few drops of truffle oil per bowl, and a sprinkle of chives and parsley.
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