Basque-style Garlic Sauce

Ingredients

In the original Romanian Mujdei, the sauce is primarily made with garlic, oil, and vinegar. However, in this Basque adaptation, we incorporate pimentón, a key ingredient in Basque cuisine, to add a smoky and spicy flavor. This addition gives the sauce a unique twist and enhances its overall taste profile, making it more suitable for Basque cuisine. We alse have the original recipe for Mujdei, so you can check it out.

• 8 cloves of garlic, minced 8 cloves of garlic, minced
• 1/2 cup (120ml) olive oil 1/2 cup (120ml) olive oil
• 2 tablespoons red wine vinegar 2 tablespoons red wine vinegar
• 1 teaspoon pimentón (smoked paprika) 1 teaspoon pimentón (smoked paprika)
• Salt, to taste Salt, to taste

Nutrition

• Calories (kcal / KJ): 120 kcal / 502 KJ
• Fat (total, saturated): 14g, 2g
• Carbohydrates (total, sugars): 1g, 0g
• Protein: 0g
• Fiber: 0g
• Salt: 0.1g

Preparation

1. 1.
   In a mortar and pestle, crush the minced garlic with a pinch of salt until it forms a smooth paste.
2. 2.
   In a small saucepan, heat the olive oil over low heat. Add the garlic paste and cook for 2-3 minutes, stirring constantly.
3. 3.
   Remove the saucepan from heat and let the garlic-infused oil cool for a few minutes.
4. 4.
   In a separate bowl, whisk together the red wine vinegar and pimentón until well combined.
5. 5.
   Slowly pour the vinegar mixture into the garlic-infused oil, whisking continuously until the sauce emulsifies and thickens.
6. 6.
   Season with salt to taste.
7. 7.
   Transfer the Basque-style Garlic Sauce to a jar or container and refrigerate for at least 1 hour before serving to allow the flavors to meld together.

Treat your ingredients with care...

• Garlic — Make sure to mince the garlic finely to achieve a smooth paste. Crushing it with a pinch of salt in a mortar and pestle helps release its flavors.
• Pimentón — Choose a high-quality smoked paprika to ensure a robust and smoky flavor in the sauce.

Tips & Tricks

• For a milder version, reduce the amount of pimentón.
• Adjust the consistency by adding more olive oil for a thinner sauce or reducing the oil for a thicker sauce.
• Experiment with different types of pimentón, such as sweet or spicy, to customize the flavor according to your preference.
• Use the Basque-style Garlic Sauce as a marinade for grilled meats or vegetables to infuse them with its bold flavors.
• Drizzle the sauce over roasted potatoes or grilled fish for a delicious Basque-inspired dish.

Serving advice

Serve the Basque-style Garlic Sauce as a condiment alongside grilled meats, roasted vegetables, or crusty bread. It can also be used as a dip for crudités or as a spread for sandwiches and burgers.

Presentation advice

Transfer the sauce to a small serving bowl and garnish with a sprinkle of pimentón on top. Serve it alongside the main dish or as part of a tapas spread for an authentic Basque presentation.