Ming Tsai's Miso Shallot Vinaigrette

I never fail to stop adoring this vinaigrette recipe ... it is wonderful on green salads, cucumber, and tofu. 

MISO-SHALLOT VINAIGRETTE

Makes 2 1/4 cups

• 1/2 cup miso
• 1/2 cup shallots, (I slice the shallots and steam them in the microwave)
• 1/2 teaspoon togarashi or chile pepper
• 1/2 tablespoon sugar
• Juice of 1 lemon
• 1/4 cup rice vinegar
• 1/2 teaspoon sesame oil
• 1 1/2 cups grapeseed or canola oil
• Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
• I add half a peeled apple and some fresh ginger too

Throw all ingredients in the blender and blend until smooth.
Yum!

Tassajara North African Lemon Dressing

This dressing is suggested for salads with tomatoes, sweet onions, cucumbers, peppers, or fruit salads and cottage cheese. At Tassajara, we use it often with salads of lettuce and grapefruit sections. A delicious variation can be made by using limes in place of lemons.

zest of 2 lemons
1/4 cup lemon juice
1 1/2 tsp salt
1/8 tsp tsp cayenne or Tabasco sauce
2 cloves garlic, minced
2/3 to 3/4 cup olive oil
1/2 tsp coriander
1/2 tsp cumin
1/2 tsp dry mustard
1/2 tsp paprika
1 tsp sugar

Combine all ingredients in a bowl; mix well and chill before serving.

Tassajara Poppy Seed Dressing

This dressing is a favourite for salads with fruit and greens.

1/2 cup honey
6 tbsp cider vinegar
5 tbsp olive oil
2 small shallots, minced
4 tbsp Dijon
2 tsp poppy seeds
salt and pepper

Whisk together in a small bowl.

Tassajara Avocado Dressing

Serve on cabbage salads with fruit or vegetables. This dressing will keep its colour for several days in the fridge.

1 medium sized ripe avocado, peeled and pitted
1 small onion, chopped
1/2 cup sour cream
2 tbsp lemon juice
pinch of black pepper
dash of Tabasco
1 tsp salt

In a food processor, combine avocado and onion and blend until smooth. Combine in a small bowl with sour cream, lemon juice, pepper, Tabasco, and salt. Beat until smooth.

Tassajara Lime Ume Dressing

This dressing is great with daikon or carrot-based salads. Soak them briefly, then drain well. Garnish with slivered nori.

1/2 cup lime juice
1 1/2 tbsp ume plum paste
1/2 cup sugar
salt, to taste (this brings out the crucial flavour of the ume - otherwise it is too sweet/tart)

Combine all ingredients in a small bowl and whisk well to blend. Serve chilled.

Tassajara WaFu Dressing

Try this dressing with a salad of wakamé, carrots, daikon, cucumbers, radishes and cherry tomatoes. Dress generously.

1/2 cup tamari
1/4 cup sugar
3/4 cup rice vinegar
1 tbsp sesame oil
1 tbsp toasted sesame seeds

Combine all ingredients in a bowl and mix well. Chill before using.

Tassajara Cabbage Salad with Miso "Floating Cloud" Dressing

The Miso Floating Cloud Dressing is very popular at Tassajara and is what sets this cabbage salad apart. It is also good with a salad made of cabbage, tomatoes, and tofu.

2/3 cup vegetable oil
1 tsp sesame oil
1/4 cup lemon juice or rice vinegar
1/4 cup red miso
1 clove garlic, minced
1/4 tsp each, powdered ginger and dry mustard, or to taste
4 cups shredded green cabbage
1 red bell pepper, julienned
1 red onion, julienned
1/2 cup toasted walnuts

Whisk together in a bowl the oils, lemon juice or vinegar, miso, garlic, ginger, and mustard

Toss the cabbage, bell pepper, onion and nuts in a medium sized bowl. Pour dressing over top and mix well. Serve.

Makes 1 1/2 quarts