Baking Hermann
Recipes

Balsamic Pearls

With the help of agar flakes, a plant-based gelatin derived from seaweed, you can turn pretty much any liquid into semi-solid pearls. This works especially well with balsamic vinegar, giving each bite a pop of bright tanginess. It’s fine to use agar powder instead of flakes. Where I am, flakes are more accessible, but the powder will most likely dissolve better and you won’t need to soak or strain the liquid.

Ingredients

  • 2g agar flakes (1 tsp)

  • 120ml balsamic vinegar

  • 200 ml olive oil (don’t worry, you can reuse it afterwards)

Method

Add the agar flakes and vinegar to a pan to soak. Pour the olive oil into a jar or glass and place it in the freezer for 45 minutes.

Ten minutes before the oil is ready, bring the vinegar to a boil, then simmer for 3-4 minutes, stirring regularly, until most of the flakes have dissolved. Strain the liquid through a small sieve to catch any remaining agar flakes and let it cool for 5 minutes.

When the 45 minutes are up, remove the jar of oil from the freezer. Fill a pipette with the vinegar mixture and add droplets of it to the cold oil (you can also let them roll off from a fork). The pearls will form immediately as they sink to the bottom of the jar. Once you’ve used all of the vinegar, strain the pearls into a fine sieve (you can reuse the olive oil). Then store them in a small container in the fridge, ready to use. They will keep airtight for around 2 weeks.

Balsamic Pearls

With the help of agar flakes, a plant-based gelatin derived from seaweed, you can turn pretty much any liquid into semi-solid pearls. This works especially well with balsamic vinegar, giving each bite a pop of bright tanginess. It’s fine to use agar powder instead of flakes.
5 from 1 vote
Active Time 45 minutes
Course Staples

Ingredients
  

  • 2 g agar flakes (1 tsp)
  • 120 ml balsamic vinegar
  • 200 ml olive oil (don’t worry, you can reuse it afterwards)

Instructions
 

  • Add the agar flakes and vinegar to a pan to soak. Pour the olive oil into a jar or glass and place it in the freezer for 45 minutes.
  • Ten minutes before the oil is ready, bring the vinegar to a boil, then simmer for 3-4 minutes, stirring regularly, until most of the flakes have dissolved. Strain the liquid through a small sieve to catch any remaining agar flakes and let it cool for 5 minutes.
  • When the 45 minutes are up, remove the jar of oil from the freezer. Fill a pipette with the vinegar mixture and add droplets of it to the cold oil (you can also let them roll off from a fork). The pearls will form immediately as they sink to the bottom of the jar. Once you’ve used all of the vinegar, strain the pearls into a fine sieve (you can reuse the olive oil). Then store them in a small container in the fridge, ready to use. They will keep airtight for around 2 weeks.
Tried this recipe?Add a comment below.

 

Latest Recipes

6 Comments

  1. Claire McNicholl

    5 stars
    Brilliant

    I tried it with balsamic and also with soy!
    Both worked fabulously

    Reply
    • Julius Fiedler

      I need to try it with soy sauce! Such a good idea!

      Reply
  2. Ana

    Hi, This is so interesting. I’d like to gift it and am wondering how far in advance I can make it. I’m guessing it doesn’t need to be refrigerated since its just vinegar, oil and agar agar? Thanks

    Reply
    • Julius Fiedler

      Yes I’d recommend storing them in the fridge. Sorry!

      Reply
  3. Ana

    Oh dear I just read the answer to my question at the end of the instructions. Please ignore my question!

    Reply
    • Julius Fiedler

      Yes, I’d recommend storing them in the fridge, unfortunately. Sorry, it’s a lovely gift idea!

      Reply
5 from 1 vote

Submit a Comment

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Recipe Rating




Recent Recipes

Kecap Manis (Indonesian Sweet Soy Sauce)

Kecap Manis (Indonesian Sweet Soy Sauce)

What is Kecap Manis? Kecap Manis, or Indonesian sweet soy sauce, is a staple condiment in Southeast Asian cooking, especially in traditional Indonesian cuisine. Its thick, molasses-like texture and rich, caramel sweetness set it apart from regular soy sauce, which is...

Bean Tempe Orek (Indonesian Stir-Fried Tempeh with Beans)

Bean Tempe Orek (Indonesian Stir-Fried Tempeh with Beans)

You might know tempeh as a key ingredient in modern vegan cooking, but have you ever wondered how it is traditionally eaten? Indonesian Bean Tempe Orek is the perfect example. What is Bean Tempe Orek? Bean Tempe Orek is a delicious and satisfying Indonesian dish that...

Pasta e Ceci (Italian Pasta and Chickpea Stew)

Pasta e Ceci (Italian Pasta and Chickpea Stew)

What is Pasta e Ceci? Pasta e Ceci is a traditional Italian dish that epitomizes the cucina povera philosophy—the art of transforming simple, common ingredients into something far greater than the sum of its parts. This ancient Italian massa (thick soup) combines...

2 Ingredient Chocolate Mousse (Quick & Easy Hack)

2 Ingredient Chocolate Mousse (Quick & Easy Hack)

If you ever added a small amount of water to melted chocolate, you’ll have witnessed the unfortunate transformation from a luxurious texture to a stiff paste. The chocolate seized. But did you know that with the right balance of water and technique, this same reaction...

Cavallucci (Tuscan Christmas Cookies)

Cavallucci (Tuscan Christmas Cookies)

What is Cavallucci? Cavallucci are festive Tuscan Christmas cookies with a rich history and a distinctive flavor. Originating in Siena, these cookies, whose name means "little horses," are thought to have been a staple for travelers on horseback, prized for their...

Dal Tadka (Indian Restaurant-Style Dal)

Dal Tadka (Indian Restaurant-Style Dal)

What is Dal Tadka? Dal Tadka is a hearty and flavorful Indian lentil dish made with yellow lentils, typically toor dal (split pigeon peas - a lentil despite its misleading name) or moong dal (split, peeled mung beans) that are cooked until soft and creamy. What sets...