Black walnuts, known for their intense flavor and bold astringency, possess a unique charm that has captivated culinary enthusiasts for ages. Their versatility extends beyond their natural state, as marinating them in verjuice, an acidic and tart liquid derived from unripe grapes, unlocks a symphony of flavors that dance on the palate. This article delves into the art of crafting the perfect verjuice-marinated black walnut, offering insights into selecting the finest nuts, preparing the marinade, and achieving the ideal balance of flavors through controlled fermentation. We will explore the culinary possibilities that these marinated walnuts present, transforming them into tantalizing ingredients that elevate both sweet and savory dishes. Whether you seek to savor them as a standalone snack, incorporate them into salads, or use them as a distinctive garnish, this guide will empower you to create your own culinary masterpieces using this unique and flavorful ingredient.
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PICKLED WALNUTS
Any walnuts will work with this recipe, from tiny native Arizona walnuts to big, fat English walnuts, which are the kind you buy in stores. But you do need them hull and all, so this only works if you have a tree nearby. The pickling liquid in my recipe is very traditional; you'll see variations on it throughout England. I've also made a Chinese-inspired version with Sichuan peppercorns and star anise replacing the allspice. This recipe makes about 3 quarts.
Provided by Hank Shaw
Categories Appetizer
Time 30m
Number Of Ingredients 8
Steps:
- Dissolve the salt in the water to make a brine. Put on some rubber gloves if you have them, because walnut juice will stain your hands for weeks -- and it won't come off. Trust me on this one. Properly gloved, stab each walnut with a fork in several places; this helps the brine penetrate. Submerge the walnuts in the brine and let them ferment for 8 days at room temperature.
- Remove the walnuts and put them on a baking sheet and leave them outside in the sun for a day, until they turn uniformly black. You can do this step without gloves if you want.
- Pack the walnuts into quart jars. Bring the remaining ingredients to a boil and pour over the walnuts. Leave very little headspace in the jars. Seal and keep in a cool place, either the fridge or a basement -- you just want them to rest below 70°F -- for at least a month before you eat them. Kept this way they will last a year.
Nutrition Facts : Calories 49 kcal, Carbohydrate 9 g, Protein 1 g, Fat 1 g, SaturatedFat 1 g, Sodium 2272 mg, Fiber 1 g, Sugar 9 g, ServingSize 1 serving
ANTIPASTO SALAD WITH MARINATED BLACK WALNUTS
Provided by Molly O'Neill
Categories dinner, weekday, salads and dressings, main course
Time 10m
Yield 4 servings
Number Of Ingredients 9
Steps:
- In a large bowl, whisk together the 2 tablespoons of white verjuice and the shallot. Slowly whisk in the oil. Season to taste with salt and pepper. Add the greens to the bowl and toss to coat. Place the greens on a platter and cover with the red pepper, ham and cheese. Sprinkle with the black walnuts and serve.
Nutrition Facts : @context http, Calories 329, UnsaturatedFat 18 grams, Carbohydrate 9 grams, Fat 27 grams, Fiber 2 grams, Protein 15 grams, SaturatedFat 7 grams, Sodium 509 milligrams, Sugar 3 grams
VERJUICE-MARINATED BLACK WALNUTS
Steps:
- Combine the walnuts and verjuice in a small jar. Seal and refrigerate for at least 24 hours or up to 1 week. Drain and use as a topping for salads, fish, cream soups or green beans, or serve with cheese
Nutrition Facts : @context http, Calories 118, UnsaturatedFat 8 grams, Carbohydrate 10 grams, Fat 9 grams, Fiber 1 gram, Protein 3 grams, SaturatedFat 1 gram, Sodium 2 milligrams, Sugar 3 grams
MARINATED GRILLED FLANK STEAK
Easy marinated horseradish flank steak. This serves about 4 normal humans; if you have teenagers, double the recipe.
Provided by Katie Koivisto
Categories Meat and Poultry Recipes Beef Steaks Flank Steak Recipes
Time 2h20m
Yield 4
Number Of Ingredients 8
Steps:
- Combine flank steak, horseradish, olive oil, Dijon mustard, soy sauce, garlic, balsamic vinegar, kosher salt, and pepper in a large resealable plastic bag. Seal and let marinate in the refrigerator for 2 to 4 hours.
- Preheat an outdoor grill for high heat and lightly oil the grate.
- Place steak on the hot grill. Sear until both sides are browned and center is firm and juicy, 5 to 6 minutes per side, making sure not to overcook. An instant-read thermometer inserted into the center should read 130 degrees F (54 degrees C) for medium-rare. Let rest 5 minutes; slice thinly at an angle.
Nutrition Facts : Calories 164.5 calories, Carbohydrate 2.8 g, Cholesterol 30.6 mg, Fat 9 g, Fiber 0.3 g, Protein 17 g, SaturatedFat 2.8 g, Sodium 475.5 mg, Sugar 1.1 g
SWEET PICKLED WALNUTS
Sweet pickled black walnuts take three weeks to make but they last for ages. Pick the walnuts in summer before the hard nut forms inside the green shell.
Provided by DCREWS21
Categories Appetizers and Snacks
Time P21DT40m
Yield 32
Number Of Ingredients 8
Steps:
- Use rubber gloves to handle the young walnuts and pierce each one a few times with the tines of a fork. Watch out for the clear juice this produces. It stains a dark, espresso brown and is a natural dye. Place the walnuts into a bucket and fill with enough water to cover. Stir in 3/4 cup of salt to make a brine. Soak walnuts for 1 week, then drain and make the brine again. Soak for 1 more week.
- After the second week, drain the walnuts and lay them out on trays to dry in an airy place. In a couple of days they will turn black. Once they have all turned black, they are ready to pickle.
- In a large pot, stir together the malt vinegar, brown sugar, allspice, cloves, cinnamon and ginger. Bring to a boil and then add the walnuts. Simmer over medium heat for 15 minutes. Remove from heat and allow to cool.
- Spoon the walnuts into sterile jars and fill with the syrup to within 1/2 inch of the top. Seal with lids and rings. Store in the refrigerator or process in a hot water bath for 10 minutes. Cool to room temperature and store in a cool dark place.
Nutrition Facts : Calories 418.6 calories, Carbohydrate 23.1 g, Fat 33.5 g, Fiber 3.9 g, Protein 13.7 g, SaturatedFat 1.9 g, Sodium 15 mg, Sugar 15.8 g
Tips:
- Use ripe black walnuts for the best flavor.
- Prick the walnuts with a fork or toothpick to help the marinade penetrate.
- Marinate the walnuts for at least 2 weeks, but longer is better.
- Shake the jar of walnuts every few days to redistribute the marinade.
- Once the walnuts are marinated, they can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 6 months.
Conclusion:
Verjuice-marinated black walnuts are a delicious and versatile ingredient. They can be used in salads, pasta dishes, desserts, and more. The unique flavor of the walnuts is sure to add a special touch to your next dish. So next time you're looking for a new and exciting way to use black walnuts, give this recipe a try.
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