RECIPE: Tadka Dressing and Salad

Tadak Dressing is inspired by the Indian cooking technique known as tadka (also called tarka or chaunk), a method of tempering whole spices in hot oil or ghee to release their essential flavors and aromas. This traditional technique is a cornerstone of Indian cuisine, used to enhance dals, curries, and vegetables with layers of rich, spiced depth. Maison Gabrielle’s Tadak Dressing pays homage to this time-honored practice by infusing the bold nuttiness of mustard seeds and fenugreek. The result is a flavorful, aromatic dressing that captures the essence of Indian culinary tradition while offering a modern, versatile way to elevate salads, roasted vegetables, meats, and grain-based dishes.

Ingredients

• 2 tablespoons Extra Virgin Olive Oil
• 1/4 teaspoon Maison Gabrielle’s Mustard Seeds
• 1/4 teaspoon Maison Gabrielle’s Fenugreek
• 1/2 teaspoon Tahini paste or Peanut Butter
• 2 teaspoons Lime Juice
• 1/2 teaspoon Dijon mustard
• 1 teaspoon honey
• Freshly cracked Maison Gabrielle’s black peppercorns
• 1/4 teaspoon Maison Gabrielle’s Fleur de Sel

Directions

MAKING THE TADAK DRESSING:

1. In a small sauce pan pour in extra virgin olive oil. Heat on medium for 2 minutes.
2. After 2 minutes, add Maison Gabrielle’s mustard seeds and fenugreek.
3. Once the seeds stop popping, turn the heat off and let the mixture cool down.
4. Once cooled, with a whisk add the tihini or peanut butter, then, Dijon mustard, then honey, then lime juice, then Maison Gabrielle’s freshly cracked black peppercorns and fleur de sel. - one after the other. Make sure you whisk it very well till its all blended together and makes a consistent sauce.
5. Et Voila - The Tadka salad dressing is ready to pour over your salad or used as a cold dipping sauce for your desired protein.
   

FOR THE SALAD PAIRING:

1. Add your desired amount of arugula, chopped radicchio and mâche greens into a bowl - if you do not have these greens available, any lettuce will do.
2. Add your desired amount of sliced green olives or kalamata olives, quartered cherry tomatoes, diced avocados, roasted pumpkin seeds or sunflower seeds, fresh mozzarella or crumbled fetta, diced apples or diced pears.
3. You can also add your choice of grilled chicken, poached salmon or tuna for added protein. Bon Appetit!

BON APPETIT!